Waterbike and Cellulite: What Can You Expect?

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?

What the Waterbike offers:

• Targeted exercise for the thighs, hips and buttocks, where cellulite often settles
• A massaging effect from the jets on the legs, a bit like hydromassage
• A gentle effort, supported by the water
• Sessions of just 30 to 45 minutes, followed by a pleasant tiredness

If you often have heavy legs, or if water retention bothers you, have a word with your GP: no activity will make them go away on its own.

So what should we make of it? The Waterbike brings together two habits that have their place in a routine against the look of cellulite, regardless of its type: exercise and massage. But no single session is enough on its own.

Water creates a gentle resistance to effort. This amplifies the intensity of movements (in this case, pedalling) while remaining gentle. You work harder than during a standard cycling session. Naturally, like any physical activity done regularly, the Waterbike has its place in an active lifestyle.

Furthermore, the pedalling action works the legs. This applies to the Waterbike, but also to spinning, aquabiking and cycling in general. With the Waterbike, however, the water adds a massage. It 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. Exercise and massage in one: that’s the whole appeal of this activity!

Water-based sports are, in fact, a popular choice among those looking to tackle the look of orange-peel skin. And the Waterbike is no exception!

The one downside — and it has nothing to do with cellulite, but rather with your wallet — is the cost. A Waterbike session runs to around €35. And since regularity is what counts, you’ll need to plan for several sessions, so the investment soon adds up. On the plus side, the Waterbike requires minimal equipment: a swimsuit and neoprene slippers or aqua shoes.

What about aquabike: is it worth it for cellulite too?

Aquabiking is based on the same principle as the Waterbike: pedalling in water, which provides gentle resistance to every movement. So you get the same benefit of gentle pedalling for your legs. The main difference lies in the format. Aquabiking takes place in group classes in a pool in a pool, and the group dynamic often helps you stay motivated. The Waterbike is done on your own in a cabin, with jets aimed at the thighs, hips and buttocks.

As for those much-talked-about before-and-after results, they vary from person to person. They depend on how regularly you attend sessions and on the habits that go with them (see the next section).

What else can you do alongside Waterbike sessions to tackle cellulite?

If you decide to take up the Waterbike, regular practice can help you reduce the look of your cellulite. That said, exercise is only one part of healthy lifestyle habits. So:

• Your diet counts too! It should be balanced and varied, built around fresh, minimally processed ingredients: low-GI complex carbohydrates, plenty of fruit and vegetables, and lean proteins. Go easy on 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.
• If you’d like, discover our Anti-Cellulite Programme, made up of our Cellulite Capsules and our dietary supplement. Like any food supplement, it is no substitute for a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
• Waterbike sessions can be complemented by another sport: power walking, Zumba, rowing or running — the choice is yours!
• Finally, a routine to tackle the look of cellulite benefits from daily massage. For this, you can rely on our Anti-Cellulite Method: our Cupping Cup, our Orange Peel Massager, our Anti-Cellulite Massage Oil and targeted cellulite coaching.

Related articles

• Tennis and cellulite: does it really help?
• Pilates and cellulite: a gentle approach?
• Cellulite and Physical Activity

Useful categories: Anti-Cellulite Exercises, Anti-Cellulite Solutions.