If you like to bicycle your way to fitness but prefer water over land, you can now have your cake and eat it too. (Okay, maybe cake isn’t the best analogy when it comes to fitness, but you get the point.) Hydrobikes are one of the newest fitness crazes and something that everyone should try at least once.
What are hydrobikes?
There are actually two types of hydrobikes available. The first is essentially like taking a spinning class in the water. You’re seated on a bicycle that is fully submerged in water and pedaling your way to a leaner, trimmer body.
They second type of hydrobike stays completely above water and is like a paddleboat that has a bicycle seat and pedals suspended between the two floating pontoons; except, instead of using your legs to get the tire to spin, your pedaling motions move the paddles in the water and projects the hydrobike forward.
What are the benefits?
Hydrobiking offers many great benefits. First and foremost, just like bicycling, hydrobiking strengthens your leg muscles as you’re pedaling through the water using your thighs and calves. The increase in muscle mass that you will gain from this activity will give you sleek and sculpted legs that will make your body burn calories at a higher rate as muscle requires more energy than fat.
In addition, it is a low-impact cardiovascular activity that is easier on your body since you’re not running and jumping around, making it a great option for anyone with knee and back issues. Yet, it still gives your heart a good workout so that it stays healthy and strong. It’s like strength training and aerobics all in one.
Which one is for you?
If you choose the in-the-water hydrocycling option, you’ll stay cool while engaging in a workout that makes your body stronger, leaner and more tone. Of course, this means finding a pool that offers this type of classes.
Take the on-top-of-the-water hydrobike and you can see some beautiful scenery while pedaling your way to fitness, making this a great option if you are in a climate that is warm and a geographic region that has access to lakes and ponds.
Either way, you win.
