Dubai There is no dearth of avenues to get your daily dose of exercise in the UAE. But cycling in water, a new rage in town, claims to have incomparable benefits.
According to Karima Rahali-Sebti, owner of L’Atelier Aquafitness, a boutique studio that offers aquabiking, “The circular movement in aquabiking gives you a more rigorous workout than any other form of aqua exercise. Cycling in water gives an immediate and quick hydromassage to your body similar to a lymphatic drainage massage, thus helping in reducing the cellulite more effectively. It has a strengthening effect on the muscles, improves flexibility more quickly and can burn up to 750 Kcal.”
Stubborn fat
Dr Chandy George, Ayurvedic lifestyle consultant at Balance Well-being 360, said, “The pedals of a bike kept in water have hydraulic resistance. The water around too has its own resistance. Aquabiking involves seven-eight postures, each of which works on a particular area of the body.”
High pressure jets on the side of a spa bike help work on the hips, thighs and legs. In effect, the exercise helps you burn stubborn fat and tones and tightens your skin and muscles, he said, adding that the exercise is recommended for medically stable people aged between 16 and 55 years of age. Karima said, “Because water offers 12 times the resistance of air, aquabiking offers a more rigorous workout for your muscles. It helps improve cardiovascular endurance and strength. Water supports your body weight keeping your joints safe and naturally supports your spine. Aquabiking is a low- to no-impact exercise and a possible alternative for those with injuries.”
“The water cooling effect also reduces the discomfort of sweating whilst reducing pressure on the heart. So you don’t feel wiped out after your class,” Karima added.
