When it comes to tackling 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 step into an individual cabin equipped with a bike, 16 water jets and a control console with a screen. The goal: to pedal in 25-degree water while following a coaching programme displayed on the screen (options include “Light Legs”, “Cardio” and “Zen & Well-being”). The jets, aimed at the legs and buttocks, spray water until it reaches waist level. The Waterbike therefore combines the effort of cycling in water with a massage of the lower body, much like 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, on the other hand, is an individual cabin that gradually fills with water while delivering a massage (water propulsion of varying intensity, similar to the hydromassage used in thalassotherapy and 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 movement. This amplifies the intensity of each motion (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 has a positive impact on cellulite, which is partly caused by an enlargement of fat cells overloaded with lipids.
In addition, 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, as the water is first directed onto the areas most commonly affected by cellulite (thighs, knees, buttocks, hips), before gradually filling the entire cabin and encouraging movement against a gentle resistance. A powerful double action on 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 only downside – and it has nothing to do with effectiveness against cellulite, but rather with your budget – is the cost. A single 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 kit: a swimsuit and neoprene slippers or aqua shoes.
What else can you do alongside Waterbike sessions to reduce cellulite?
If you decide to give the Waterbike a go, regular practice will certainly help you reduce some of your cellulite. That said, without healthy lifestyle habits, your efforts may fall short – and those dimples will be far harder to shift! So:
- Your diet should be tailored to your anti-cellulite goals. Keep it 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 is key – and should come primarily from water. You can also enjoy tea, herbal infusions and freshly made homemade 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.
- Your 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 Day 7 : 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 thighs and buttocks after only 7 days!
