Aqua Cycling...how cool does that sound?  I was super pumped up to hear that Aqua Studio opened earlier this month in NYC, so some friends and I checked it out.  It was definitely the “Most Interesting Workout” I’ve ever done.   Long story short – try it out to say you did it, but overall it’s not worth the money. I’m sad to confess that after my first Aqua Cycling workout, I walked right across the street to CrossFit 212 for a “real workout.”  Now let me temper my sentiments by making clear that I crave intense workouts.  If I’m not drenched in sweat by the end, I feel like I wasted my time.  If you’re like me in this regard, save your money and hit up a higher intensity class.

On a side note, word on the street is that Beyonce did Aqua Cycling to lose her baby weight.  But, let’s be real. Did you see the way she was sweating and working it out during the Super Bowl half time?  There’s NO WAY she got into that shape by casually pedaling a bicycle in a swimming pool.  I’m 100% confident that she worked her butt off to the point of complete exhaustion to get that body and those moves.  I’m just sayin…

Now that I’ve shared my colorful commentary, here’s the real deal with Aqua Cycling:

Workout Details

• Aqua Studio opened in NYC on April 15^{th – it’s} located in Tribeca in a really chic, high end, boutique studio
• 45 minute cycling workout with the bike completely submerged in water
• No resistance on the bike, so resistance is based on how fast you pedal (the faster you pedal, the more natural resistance you feel from the water)
• Lots of core and isometric toning exercising are incorporated throughout the workout session.  The moves are similar to water aerobics (i.e. arm strokes in the water, float on your back and do crunches)

Pros

• Low impact, so a good work out option if you have knee problems
• Being in water naturally is therapeutic 😉
• Instructors are really nice (not mean or too intense)
• Music is good.  We gotta a like Drake “Started from the Bottom” jamz during my class
• Studio is impeccable, like being at  high end spa, really nice!
• Nice change up to your usual workout routine

Cons

• Very expensive ($40 for single drop in class)
• Lacking intensity – I’d estimate you only burn 300 calories in 45 minutes
• The class choreography could use some help.  Simply doing more sprints on the bike would make the the workout more effective.  Also, we did a body weight arm circuit above the water that was super easy…kind of felt like a waste of time.

Sorry Aqua Studio NY, had a good time, but not “GRITTY” enough for me 🙁