As cyclists, we enjoy new challenges on our bikes. A good old-fashioned ride is always a great option, but sometimes it can be rewarding to explore other possibilities. For example, the unique and fairly new sport of underwater cycling. Imagine riding your bike in a swimming pool or the bottom of a body of water. Obviously, it is not the most practical of cycling workouts, but it is certainly intriguing. We at Utah Bicycle Lawyers are fascinating by these kinds of advances in cycling. This post explores this new path for bikes.
Underwater Cycling at the Gym
This new sport started in Europe and is slowly becoming a new workout craze. Aqua Cycling is a perfect workout for those with joint issues and osteoporosis. A waterproof stationary bike is placed in a four-foot pool, positioning the cyclist waist deep in the water. An instructor leads a class in a unique combination of cycling and upper body workouts. So far, only one gym in the United States offers Aqua Cycling classes — Aqua Studio in New York City. The classes run a bit on the expensive side at $35 a class. However, this new trend may help in losing weight, increasing strength and endurance, and relieving stress. Aqua Studio claims that class participants can lose up to 800 calories through their underwater cycling.
Current World Records
Underwater cycling is already becoming a target for record seekers. Homar Leuci is the current record holder for the longest ride on an underwater stationary bike without breathing assistance. Leuci’s impressive record is 855 m (2,805 ft 1 in).
Vittorio Innocente, meanwhile, holds the world record for deepest underwater ride. Vittorio cycled at a depth of 66.5 m (218 ft 2 in) in Santa Margherita Ligure in Liguria, Italy.
Scuba Cycling?
For some, thrill seeking is just as important as exercise. The world of underwater cycling may soon offer these, as well. Scuba cycling, anyone? Underwater races are a predictably popular use of this new technology. According to Topend Sports, the most common race in underwater cycling is one in which cyclists to compete who can ride the longest distance. In any type of race, riders are disqualified if their feet touch the ground.
Utah Bicycle Lawyers
It may be a few years before underwater cycling really takes off. If you have the opportunity to try it out, leave a comment here and let us know what it is like! In the meantime, we encourage all cyclists to take advantage of the beautiful roads and trails of Utah. As Utah’s Bicycle Lawyers, we are passionate about promoting the cycling community in our state. At the same time, we are committed to helping injured Utah cyclists in their accident cases. If you are injured because of someone else’s negligence, we can help you win your case! Contact us today for a free case consultation.
If you are interested in learning more about bicycle accident law, order a free copy of our book, The Utah Bicycle Accident Handbook. This book explains bike accident law and what your rights are as a cyclist. You can order your absolutely free copy today by clicking on the title above!
Image by Homagni Batista
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