The French allegedly gave us the word cellulite, and they also claim to have created one of its greatest cures: hydro-spinning. While pedaling in a pool has been popular in France since 2011, the craze is catching on in other parts of the globe -- and it's only expected to grow.
Since the launch of aqua spinning in New York City this April with Aqua Studio, founded by French expat Esther Gauthier, similar classes have been popping up all over the Big Apple -- all promising the benefits of pressure therapy and lymphatic drainage for lighter legs, without risking injury.
Also Europe has seen its fair share of classes, both in gyms and in dedicated studios, as well as aqua spinning in individual or duo cabins that simultaneously blast your legs with water while you cycle (for even more cellulite reduction).
In France, Alain Lellouche's franchise Waterbike has more than 80 spas and gyms across the country that let users pedal in a private aqua cabin.
This summer the UK's first Hydrofit center opened, offering 45 minutes for £40 for a discreet "cellulite destroying" workout experience complete with ambient-lit water and a flatscreen television. HydroFit is planning to open 10 more locations in London, with an eye toward expanding in other UK cities.
Still the French are ahead of the curve with new models of aqua group exercise bikes coming out every year, new elliptical aquatic trainers, underwater treadmills, and a resistance underwater trainer for kids called Waterkid.
