Exercising on a stationary bike in the water combines the benefits of endurance sports with the advantages of balneotherapy. In this second trimester, as your baby begins to settle in more fully, aqua biking can become a wonderful activity for you! What exactly is it?
What exactly is it?
Aqua biking is a physical activity often recommended by doctors as a complement to rehabilitation. But for you, an expectant mother, cycling on a stationary bike without wheels fixed to the bottom of a pool is above all a lot of fun! Immersed up to your chest, all you have to do is gradually adjust the resistance level of the bike to kick off a 30 or 45-minute session that will do you a world of good.
What are the benefits?
Excellent for your circulation: cycling underwater is similar to lymphatic drainage and helps stimulate your venous return, thus combating heavy legs and edema. As a bonus, with the combined action of water resistance and the circular motion of pedaling, you can even gradually get rid of that annoying cellulite...
Good for your whole body: like cycling on the road or a stationary bike, aqua biking is an endurance activity that allows you to develop your cardiac and pulmonary capacities and stabilize your blood pressure and blood sugar. Perfect for you and your baby!
Great for vitality and morale: gently but deeply toned, your muscles (calves, thighs, glutes, abs) will help you feel more confident and gain dynamism. As for your morale, which can sometimes experience small dips, it will leave feeling on cloud nine: by working in endurance, gently and without stress, you secrete endorphins faster, those famous well-being hormones, and the effects are felt immediately!
Ideal for relieving your joints: in water, your weight is divided by four, so your movements are both easier and gentler. This weightless practice allows you to maintain your body while avoiding any risk of injury to your back, tendons, and joints. And by restoring a good muscular and postural balance, aqua biking also has the ability to relieve any pain you might feel in your hips, knees, or lower back.
What precautions should you take?
Your first reflex is, of course, to seek your doctor's advice. Even if the activity is generally only not recommended in cases of heart problems and during flare-ups of osteoarthritis, each case is particular, especially during pregnancy.
Once you have your doctor's green light, you simply need to ensure your comfort! Aqua biking is designed to provide you with well-being, so you must practice at your own pace, make sure the pedals are properly installed, the saddle is adjusted to the right level, do not arch your lower back, and keep your head aligned with your back. Once you get home, just remember to do a few stretches to optimize the relaxing and invigorating effect of the session.
