Grit in the Water {Get Moving}

Far away from the (beloved) body pump floor, I have been encouraged to jump in the water and try a new activity: aquabike. Not the kind of sports lesson where you’re on your own in a cabin filled to the brim with water with one single bike you need to work like crazy, all alone, like a lost polar bear…

This type of lesson would not be for me: I need loud music, rhythm and the energy and drive you can only get in group lessons, tuning in to the efficiency of collaborative workout. A friend of mine invited me to a test lesson in my brand new city; I thought that joining the course, aside from having very positive effects on my mental and physical health, would be a lovely way to meet new people too.

The lessons are provided by a professional coach, Nathalie. She just moved to Bordeaux and is launching her freelance activity. She’s used to training high level sportsmen and is now opening up her intensive lessons to all of us out there. The swimming pool is small, which means that it can welcome a maximum of 9 people she can easily monitor for the best results possible. Not too few, not too many participants - perfect to chit chat before and after the course for some much needed networking, to share the pain and the happiness of the collective effort. Nathalie is a fantastic motivator: she’s self assured, encouraging and precise in her technical explanations, making sure we’re adopting the right posture before sprinting and splashing in the water. She’s talkative and friendly to make sure we never get bored and open up to the sports and to our fellow participants!

Each lesson lasts 45 minutes and the pleasure of it all starts with the lovely warm temperature of the swimming pool water, a comforting 30 °C where you know you are going to feel welcome. To add charm to the experience, the pool is located under the vaulted ceiling of a typical, ancient Bordeaux building made of local stone. The serene environment lets positive energy vibes sink in to the rhythm of the music played by Nathalie’s iPod. After a three-week session to the same tunes and choreography, our coach shifts to a new playlist so that we can re-energize and refuel our motivation - as well as learn new lyrics, you bet.

The sport combines the grit of RPM or cycling to my favorite element - water. The feeling is one of high efficiency complemented by a back-to-the-womb embrace. The workout is smoother  - after all you only feel 1/3 of your body weight in the water - and perfect to get back in shape avoiding shocks, injuries, muscle or articular pain. Think slow self-indulgence allied to muscular strength and cardio.

Are you ready to jump into the water with me and pedal like there’s no tomorrow?

Credits: OpiaDesigns (edited by TheDaydreamer)