Guidance: Hydrospin bikes

GUIDANCE

There is no formal definition of a hydrospin exercise bike. We define a hydrospin bike as 'an exercise bike designed for use whilst submerged in water'. 

Hazards

Being aware of the hazards presented by a hydrospin bike is essential. The following hazards are associated with hydrospin bikes: 

• Trip hazard - parts of the bike present a trip hazard when submerged. 
• The sudden collapse of the handlebars - if the bike is not set up correctly, the sudden collapse of the handlebars may cause blunt force trauma injury. 
• Bike topples over - if the rider presses down hard on one side of the bike, it can topple over, colliding with the pool surround or pool floor. 
• Overexertion - if the rider exercises beyond their limits, they may experience breathing or cardiovascular injury. Strain injuries may also be more common if overexerted. 

Controls

No UK industry guidance has been published about hydro-spinning equipment setup, use, supervision, or take-down. The following guidance is provided as general safety advice. 

1. Purchase a purpose-made hydrospin bike - Hydrospin bikes are made of materials resistant to oxidation (rusting). The typical spin bike installed on a gym floor does not have these properties and is likely to be damaged if used in the pool.  

2. Inspect the bike thoroughly before use - Hydrospin bikes are subject to wear and tear like any equipment. Always inspect the bike thoroughly before use. 

3. Follow the manufacturer's instructions - Each manufacturer provides an instruction manual setting out the appropriate setup and water depth the bike should be placed in. Bikes are typically placed in 1.1-1.5 metres of water, which varies across bike types. 

4. Put a health commitment statement in place - Operators would be advised to put a health commitment statement and draw class participants' attention to it. 

5. Riders should be encouraged to adjust the bike before the session begins - Each bike needs to be set up to suit the height and leg length of the rider. The use of an incorrectly set up bike can result in muscular injury. 

6. Use under the guidance of a qualified instructor - It is always safer to use a hydrospin bike under the guidance of a qualified instructor. Once familiar with the bike and your capabilities, using a hydrospin bike at home may be safe. Avoid overexertion. Take it easy on your first few classes. 

References

There is no published industry guidance that we are aware of. Please consult the manufacturer's instructions. Contact the hydrospin bike retailer if you require a copy of the manufacturer's instructions. 

Image credit: Simply Swim.

Citation: WIRH. 2023. Hydrospin bikes. Available at https://www.thewirh.com/blog/hydrospin-bikes accessed 6 June 2023.