When it comes to fighting cellulite, innovations keep coming. One of the latest: the Waterbike. But what exactly is it? How does it differ from aquabiking, and more importantly, how effective is it really against cellulite? A closer look at this trend, sitting somewhere between sport and wellness treatment.
What is the Waterbike?
It’s an activity that blends physical exercise with well-being. The concept is simple: you settle into an individual cabin equipped with a bike, 16 water jets and a control console with a screen. The goal: to pedal in water at 25°C while following a coaching programme displayed on the console screen (options include “Light Legs”, “Cardio” and “Zen & Well-being”). The jets, directed at the legs and buttocks, spray water until it reaches waist level. In this way, the Waterbike combines the effort of cycling in water with a massage of the lower body — not unlike a spa experience.
But what’s the difference between aquabiking and the Waterbike, you might ask? It’s a subtle one! Aquabiking classes are generally group sessions held in a pool. The Waterbike, by contrast, is an individual cabin that gradually fills with water while delivering a massage (with more or less intense water propulsion, similar to the hydromassage found in thalassotherapy or balneotherapy). The Waterbike therefore offers a degree of privacy. That said, aquabiking has the advantage of being perhaps more motivating — the group effect, no doubt.
Is the Waterbike effective against cellulite?
The Waterbike promises:
- Targeted inch loss — thighs, hips and buttocks
- Visibly reduced cellulite after just 6 sessions of 30 to 45 minutes
- Noticeably lighter legs
- Reduced water retention — a “lymphatic drainage” effect
- Relief from joint discomfort
- A healthy tiredness that promotes quality sleep
So what should we make of it? It’s fair to say that the Waterbike is highly effective against cellulite, regardless of its type.
Water creates a gentle resistance to effort. This amplifies the intensity of movements (in this case, pedalling) without any risk of injury. You burn more calories than during a standard cycling session — on average, between 300 and 500 kcal in just half an hour of Waterbike. Naturally, this exercise has a positive impact on cellulite, which is partly caused by hypertrophy of the adipocytes, “overloaded” with fat.
Furthermore, the pedalling action stimulates the venous pump. This applies to the Waterbike, but also to spinning, aquabiking and cycling in general. However, the draining and veinotonic effect is enhanced by the presence of water, which massages the veno-lymphatic network. This is even more pronounced with the Waterbike, since the water is first projected onto the areas most commonly affected by cellulite (thighs, knees, buttocks, hips), before gradually filling the entire cabin and encouraging movement within a context of gentle resistance. A powerful double action against cellulite!
It’s well known that water-based sports are among the most effective when it comes to tackling orange-peel skin. And the Waterbike is no exception!
The one downside — and it has nothing to do with effectiveness against cellulite, but rather with your wallet — is the cost. A Waterbike session runs to around €35. Given that visible results on dimpled skin typically appear after 6 or 7 sessions, the investment is fairly significant. On the plus side, the Waterbike requires minimal equipment: a swimsuit and neoprene slippers or aqua shoes.
What else can you do alongside Waterbike sessions to eliminate cellulite?
If you decide to take up the Waterbike, regular practice will no doubt help you reduce some of your cellulite. That said, without healthy lifestyle habits, your efforts will only go so far — and those dimples will be much harder to shift! So:
- Your diet should be tailored to your anti-cellulite goals. It should be balanced and varied, built around fresh, minimally processed ingredients. Think low-GI complex carbohydrates, an abundance of fruit and vegetables, and lean proteins. Say goodbye to sugar, salt and saturated fats!
- Hydration should be adequate and based primarily on water. You can also enjoy tea, herbal infusions and homemade fresh fruit juices.
- Cellulite-targeted food supplements can make a real difference. Our 15-Day Anti-Cellulite Programme, made up of our Cellulite Capsules and our 3-in-1 Cellulite Drainer, targets both components of cellulite. The capsules support the oxidation of subcutaneous fat, while the drainer helps reduce water retention.
- Waterbike sessions can be complemented by another sport for even greater results against cellulite. Power walking, Zumba, rowing or running — the choice is yours!
- Finally, no anti-cellulite routine is complete without daily massage. For this, nothing beats our Anti-Cellulite Method from 7 Days : our Cupping Cup, our Orange Peel Massager, our Anti-Cellulite Massage Oil and targeted cellulite coaching, for visible results from just one week of use. 85% of users confirm it: less cellulite on the thighs and buttocks after just 7 days!
