Are you hesitating between aquabike or aquagym for your next sports activity? Both are practiced in water, burn calories, and are gentle on joints. But they don’t target the same body areas or objectives. Here’s a complete comparison to help you choose — or combine both at Swim Stars Beaugrenelle.
Aquabike or aquagym: key differences
Aquabike (or aquacycling) involves pedaling on a bike submerged in water. The workout focuses on the lower body: thighs, glutes, calves, and abs. It’s an intense activity that relies on continuous pedaling and water resistance.
Aquagym offers various fitness exercises performed in water, standing in the pool. Arms, shoulders, back, abs, glutes, and legs are worked in turn through different movements in each session. It’s a more comprehensive and diverse workout in its movements.
To learn everything about each activity, consult our complete guide to aquabike Paris 15 and our aquagym Paris 15 guide.
Aquabike vs. Aquagym Comparison
| Criterion | Aquabike | Aquagym |
|---|---|---|
| Targeted areas | Thighs, glutes, abs, calves | Full body (arms, back, abs, legs) |
| Calories burned (40 min) | 300 to 500 kcal | 300 to 600 kcal |
| Effect on cellulite | Very effective (intense drainage) | Moderate |
| Upper body workout | Low | Significant |
| Joint impact | Zero | Zero |
| Variety of movements | Pedaling + variations | Very varied exercises |
| Required level | Beginner to advanced | Beginner to advanced |
| Ability to swim | Not required | Not required |
Aquabike or aquagym for weight loss?
Both activities are effective for weight loss, but in different ways.
Aquabike offers a more intense and constant effort thanks to continuous pedaling. Calorie expenditure is concentrated over 40 minutes with no downtime. This is the most effective option if you’re looking to burn maximum calories in minimum time. To learn more, consult our article aquabike and weight loss.
Aquagym burns as many or even more calories, but the effort is more fragmented with recovery phases between exercises. However, overall muscle strengthening increases your basal metabolism in the long term, which promotes sustainable weight loss.
Our recommendation: for rapid weight loss, prioritize aquabike. For sustainable weight loss with a uniformly toned body, combine both.
Aquabike or aquagym for cellulite?
If your main goal is to reduce cellulite, aquabike is more effective. Continuous pedaling in water creates an intense and constant draining massage on the thighs and glutes — the areas most affected by cellulite. The effect is visible from the first few weeks.
Aquagym also acts on cellulite thanks to water resistance, but in a less targeted way since exercises constantly change and don’t focus solely on the lower body.
For detailed results, consult our article aquabike and cellulite and our testimonials aquabike before and after.
Aquabike or aquagym for seniors?
Both activities are perfectly suited for seniors due to the complete absence of joint impact. The choice depends on your needs:
Aquagym is often preferred by seniors because the exercises are more varied, the pace is adjustable, and the workout targets the entire body, including balance and coordination. Swim Stars also offers a dedicated program: Senior Swim Stars Activ’.
Aquabike is excellent for seniors suffering from circulation problems (heavy legs, water retention) thanks to its powerful draining effect.
Aquabike or aquagym for pregnant women?
Both can be practiced during pregnancy, subject to medical advice. Aquagym is generally recommended because the movements are more varied and the coach can easily adapt each exercise to the trimester of pregnancy. Aquabike remains an option if the expectant mother is already a practitioner and comfortable on the bike.
In both cases, sessions at Swim Stars Beaugrenelle are held in small groups of 6 people with a certified coach who individually adapts the intensity. Also discover the Mom Swim Stars Activ’ program.
Can aquabike and aquagym be combined?
We even recommend it. Alternating the two activities allows you to:
Work the entire body — aquabike sculpts the lower body, aquagym complements with the upper body and back.
Avoid monotony — varying sessions maintains motivation over time.
Maximize results — aquabike drainage + aquagym’s overall strengthening = a complete body transformation.
At Swim Stars Beaugrenelle, both activities are accessible with the same membership or course packs. You can book an aquabike class on Monday and an aquagym class on Thursday, for example. Discover the Aqua Swim Stars Activ’ program that structures this combined approach.
Aquabike and Aquagym Prices Paris 15
At Swim Stars Beaugrenelle, prices are identical for aquabike and aquagym:
The discovery class at €26 allows you to try either activity without commitment. For full details of packages, consult the aquabike prices.
Frequently Asked Questions: Aquabike or Aquagym
Which activity is most effective for weight loss?
Both burn between 300 and 600 calories per session. Aquabike offers a more continuous effort, aquagym a more global muscle workout. Combining both is the most effective.
Do you need to know how to swim for aquabike or aquagym?
No. Both activities are practiced in a pool where you can always stand.
Can you do aquabike and aquagym in the same week?
Yes, it’s even recommended. At Swim Stars Beaugrenelle, both are accessible with the same membership.
Which activity to choose for cellulite?
Aquabike is more effective against cellulite thanks to its intense and targeted draining effect on the thighs and glutes.
Aquagym or aquabike for beginners?
Both are perfectly suited for beginners. The coach adapts the intensity to each participant. Consult our tips for starting aquabike.
Ready to try?
Book your discovery class for €26 at Swim Stars Beaugrenelle — aquabike, aquagym, or both.
