Underwater treadmills? What will they think of next?

The AquaSpin classes at Fairmont The Palm have been so popular more have been added to the weekly schedule. Courtesy Fairmont The Palm

It’s been said that swimming is one of the best exercises a person can do. From working practically every muscle in the body to its zero-impact on joints, it is ideal for those recovering from injuries and there seems to be relatively few negative effects associated with the activity. It’s little surprise, then, that other water-based activities, such as underwater walking, running and cycling have been gaining popularity.

Fitness equipment companies and gyms alike have tapped into this new trend. Italian brand Aqquatix designs everything from the Star Aquatreadmill and Acquapole to underwater moon walkers and trampolines. Meanwhile, fitness centres and hotels have begun offering a slew of activities that go beyond the well-established SUP classes. Fairmont The Palm, for example, has increased its number of weekly sessions of AquaSpin (up to nine), while L’Atelier Aquafitness, Dubai’s only aquabiking boutique, features 45-minute classes that can burn up to 700 calories a session.

And it’s not just cycling, walking and running, either. Video clips of fitness classes, such as yoga and resistance training, being performed on floating mats, in both pools and lakes, have surfaced online over the past few months. Most notable as of late is Aquaphysical’s 30-minute HIIT class, currently only available in the United Kingdom.

If you do happen to be in the market for an underwater treadmill, exercise bike, cross trainer or trampoline, the range from Aqquatix will be on display from September 17 to 19 at the Piscine Middle East trade show, which runs alongside The Leisure Show Dubai, at the Dubai World Trade Centre. To register for free admission to the show, visit www.piscine-middleeast.com.