Aqua Studio

So much fun! The instructor (Moses) and woman at the front desk were both SO HELPFUL! The facility is tranquil, clean, and accommodating (plenty of showers and personal areas to get ready). I took a morning class but next time I want to try evening because you end with meditation and it was really relaxing; a great way to end a busy day. Some parts of the class were more challenging than others, but there’s a great mix of spinning and arm work in the pool. Such a nice addition to my weekly routine!

I signed up for a class 2 weeks ago and paid on the spot. Due to the snow storm, the class was cancelled (which is understandable) however studio management didn’t e-​mail or call people to give them a heads up — extremely unprofessional and unacceptable, especially when a class is at least $ 35.
In order to find out about my refund, I had to call 4 times throughout the day and when I finally got a hold of someone, I was put on hold for 15 minutes while I listened to them socialize with another employee.
This is one of the most expensive (over-​priced) exercise classes in NYC and the customer service is pathetic. I haven’t even tried a class and already know that it isn’t worth it. If the manager was smart and knew how to properly run a luxury service like this one, he/​she would offer a free class to everyone that was inconvenienced (but I doubt that would ever cross their mind considering how inconsiderate they have already proven to be).

1. No one was there when I showed up — waited outside with a few other people for 10 minutes before someone showed up to unlock the front door 5 minutes before class started.
2. Staff unhelpful for first timers, probably because there was only one person there who couldn’t leave the front desk the entire time.
3. Half of ALL the lockers are broken downstairs
4. The instructor was good, but because the resistance is basically only the water it’s hard to get a good workout without REALLY pedaling fast. Even then, it gets pretty boring and the chlorine smell bothered me after a while. When the other reviewers say it’s welcoming for all sizes, they mean it’s welcoming for people who don’t exercise. ever.
5. My locker decided to malfunction when I tried to take my clothes out. I spent forever trying to unlock it until I got fed up. I walked upstairs to the front desk in my towel where two people were just casually chatting. When they saw me I waved to them and they just sat there and waved back at me. LIKE HELLO, I don’t just casually walk out into check in areas in a towel for fun. I had to open the door and tell them to come downstairs to help me.
6. After the locker debacle I was getting changed and someone RUSHED me out of the locker room because their men’s class was starting soon. WTF.
7. The reason they have women only classes and men only classes is because they only have ONE locker room. Which is fine I guess, but I was annoyed that I had to leave while getting changed especially since that locker problem delayed everything.
8. I was forced to finish up in the bathroom upstairs and when I tried to hang my bag on a hook the friggin hook fell off the wall.
This studio LOOKS nice, but it’s falling apart and everything about it sucks other than its appearance in the front.

Great classes! I particularly liked the classes with Lucie and Daniel. Class size is small, and the music is similar to lounge music with good beats (which I like). The class itself isn’t crazy hard, but is a total body workout and super engaging. I felt very good after class. The facilities are modern and clean, only downside is, I don’t know which bottle is shampoo and which bottle is soap, they aren’t properly labeled and all kinda smelled the same.

I cannot believe this studio charges $ 20 for late cancellation for unlimited pass!!! The front desk never make you aware of the fee when you sign up. Individual classes are not cheap and they also charge $ 2 for water shoes rental. Compare to other spinning classes at other studios, this is really not worth the money you need to pay. I will never ever come back again.

I really enjoyed an evening intervals class with Tori. I felt that this unique aqua fitness class provided the intensity/​speed of a spin class and the resistance training you would get from an hour swimming in the ocean. Recently moved from SoCal, I have sought to find an exercise routine that resembles what I would do training for a triathlon. This achieves both in the space of an hour. Plus, I have patellar tendinitis in my left knee and I found the water acted like a cushion, leaving me with no knee pain. I met both Tori and Ann afterwards, and they were the most welcoming teachers I have encountered in NYC. This place is a clear winner and I am glad class pass provided the opportunity for me to try it out.

This is so good for me, body and soul.
When I joined classpass, My friends and I considered this to be the unicorn of classes… Elusive, mysterious & magically. I come every chance I can (which sadly on classpass is only 3x a month).
Immediately upon entering, the facility has a very spa-​like vibe. Soft lighting, candles, nice smell, low music. It’s very calming.
The instructors are, in general, great. They take note of newcomers, to make sure they are all set up. Ed, Moses, and Anne are all amazing, friendly and engaging. The class is challenging (try the boost!) while the water is soothing. I try to get in a few minutes before class to take a little zen like me time in the pool and I always feel better after leaving.
It’s definitely pricey while not on classpass, but it’s a lux experience and you get what you pay for.
Hey whiners:
If your are coming late to a class, even «one minute» as stated by the one negative review, you are disrupting everyone else’s workout. Since you had never taken the class, you require extra assistance, which would additionally disrupt those of us who made it a point to arrive to class on time.
Don’t act like an entitled jerk.

I like Aqua Studio. It’s a beautiful, pleasant cross train from barre that I do 4x a week. I’ve been three times (twice to an interval class, once to a restorative class).
Pros
— The workout is so unique and the water is relaxing
— You can go at your own pace
— The other women are very friendly. I’ve never been talked to so much at a gym in NYC! :)
— The studio is absolutely beautiful
— there are women will all different body types and varying abilities — it’s very welcoming
Cons
— I’ve frequented «high end» gyms ($ 35+ a class — ouch on my wallet) and there are some things about this studio that bug me, since they are well in that price range. Instead of being negative about this studio, let me state the «positive» amenities that other high end studios have:
1. Unlimited complimentary towels — you only get ONE towel at this studio
2. Shower caps, hair ties
3. A swim suit dryer thing (this is like a no brainer at a «NYC first and only aqua studio)
4. Music — other $$ studios have SO carefully curated their music; the music here is just OK
5. 24 hour cancellation policy — crazy
Other observations
Like all places, instructors are hit or miss. Lucie really corrected my form but didn’t give me a detailed demo on how to set up my bike. Moses gave a good demo on how to set up my bike but didn’t correct form or show me how to do the arm movements. Emma corrected form, showed me how to do movements, and was very positive.
I’ve read other reviews where they’ve stated it isn’t much of a workout but I’ve gone to Soul Cycle and other gyms. I think it’s really what you make of it. You CAN adjust the resistance on your bike and go at a faster pace. I think it just depends on if the format of the class allows you to do so (like don’t go to Restorative).
I’m on the newcomer unlimited monthly now. Not super sure if I’ll continue after this month. We’ll see!

Love the 30 minute lunch express workout with Anne Koller. The experience is both cardio and spiritual. Anne plays great music and motivates you to work harder in the half hour. I definitely feel like I got a great cardio workout in 30 minutes. I am short on time during lunch and need a quick way to relieve stress and burn calories. This fits the bill. Love the minty shower gel and nice locker room. I bought my water shoes at Duane Reade for $ 9.99 but you can rent shoes if you need to (kind of yucky to wear worn shoes but that’s just my opinion). An added bonus is that they just opened up a Gourmet Garage on Broadway and Franklin, so you can get your lunch quickly after your express workout.

These classes are awesome and I like the fact that their beginner classes are really for beginners but still a workout that will make you sweat. I love the stretching and meditation at the end of the class. My instructor Moses Daniel is very good and very nice.
My one negative about the place is that they don’t have a swimsuit water extractor so you have to take your —very wet — bathing suit in a baggy they provide.

This review is for their Blend class.
I thought I was going to die during this class, since I booked it after a boxing class that worked me HARD. Actually, I’m happy I did that because I felt great after taking Blend.
I signed up for Blend since it is recommended for those new to aqua cycling. I highly recommend coming in early so you can take the time to get acquainted with the studio, rinse off and get assistance with adjusting your bike.
The bikes are not your typical bikes. In aqua cycle, the bikes do not have wheels since you will be relaying on the resistance of the water. It might seem easy at first but once you actually use proper form, you will feel the burn. There are a few positions to learn such as your typical sitting and standing positions but there is also one where you are spinning while holding the back of your seat. This was my favorite position since it was nice to have my body from the neck down submerged in the pool, especially since it has been so hot in the city. After class, I felt relaxed and didn’t feel the burn until later in the day.
I think aqua cycling is a great cross training class and for those who are be dealing with injuries… but of course consult with your doctor before signing up at Aqua Studio.

Moses was fun– the music was energized, the studio is beautiful, but the novelty wore off after ten minutes. Plus the receptionist didn’t even say hello back to me upon entry. She was aloof. It was a relaxing experience none the less, being in the water, but certainly not a tough workout. It was an experience.

After my 5^th trip to Aqua Studio, I think it’s safe to say it’s a really unique, fun, and challenging workout. I had no idea what to expect on my first visit, and found myself flopping all over the place and thinking «wow… that was silly». The second time I started understanding how to pedal on the underwater bikes – after years of spinning «on land» this was a bit of a challenge. By the third time I was panting, hot, and exhausted and my legs and arms burned from the workout. So to all who say this isn’t a challenge, I really think you get back what you put in.
I have mostly taken Interval with Moses in the morning and love it. It’s an amazing way to wake up and start your day. Tired? Stressed? Hungover? The pool does wonders.
Things to know:
— you don’t HAVE to wear a one-​piece or sport bathing suit, but you’re going to be bouncing around so plan accordingly
— there’s a 98% chance your hair will get wet (lots of splashing arm action happening)
— if you’re going straight to work in a hurry, leap out of the pool and skip the cool down — the shower and locker situation is as everyone describes: kind of a hot mess
— bring a bottle of water. it seems counterintuitive while you’re IN the water but you’re still working out.
Caveat: My 5 star rating would probably be lower if I didn’t have Classpass. I couldn’t justify the price tag unless I lived in the neighborhood and went ALL the time on an unlimited plan. Maybe. As it is I can go 2 or 3 times a month and it feels like a delightful workout treat.

I attended a class via class pass and absolutely loved it! I am a former swimmer but I have never taken a spin class before. You do need to push yourself to get a full work out– since your body is half under water you can be a little lazy.
I was nervous about jumping in a pool with strangers in my bathing suit — but it was totally cool! I felt very comfortable.

things to know.
–bring bathing suit.
–bring water shoes (you can buy on amazon its about 12 $) otherwise you can rent from the studio which is 2 $ but if you are planing to come more than once i suggest invest in a pair)
–class is 45 min but give yourself a good 2 hrs since your hair will most likely wet and you really need to shower off those chlorine from the pool.
Aqua cycle is great class just for the sake of being in the pretty water with light and candle.
but will i burn as much cal as regular cycling class? definitely not.
because you can cheat yourself, you are most likely forgive yourself enough to just paddle a little less since noone can really see if you actually paddle hard.

*** Upbeat Instructor, Memorable experience, For beginners (in my opinion) ***
I’m not sure whether it was the class I took (an hour long class compared to their regular 45 minute classes), but I didn’t find the class very difficult. There was a huge age range of participants, so maybe the instructor was trying to be accommodating. She was very upbeat and very helpful with the bikes, since it was my first time. The experience was memorable, but due to the cost I wouldn’t come back.
Note: There are showers for you to use after your workout, blowdryers, free towels, etc. You will have to rent water shoes ($ 2). Wear a sports bra and/​or bathing suit you feel comfortable cycling in. Do not need to know how to swim for this class (it’s only 4 feet deep). Class is beginner-​intermediate, at most.

I discovered Aqua Studio about six months ago, and I have visited once per week since then. While the first time I went to the studio, I left feeling that I hadn’t done the world’s best workout, every trip I’ve made to this place has subsequently become better and better — primarily because my form has improved. (This is normal!)
My favorite instructor is Anne Koller, because she works our full bodies. This workout works way more than just your legs, and it is TOUGH. (Watch grown men cry!) But Anne is inspiring, funny, and always smiling, so that will certainly help you get through it. She really focuses on improving your form which is perhaps her best attribute.
The locker room here is very clean. Aqua cycle a great way to kick off the weekend by coming here for the men’s class on Friday evenings.
In the words of Arnold, «I’ll be back.»

Spinning in water is challenging during but its benefits curiously carry over long after the wet, sweat session is done. Though I’ve only been once, I had Anne as my instructor and the music was bumping, the studio was BEYOND gorgeous, and the workout was unique and flew by quickly. By the end Anne had the whole class singing along, as well as we could through heaving breaths.
Be Warned though: Stay hydrated to prevent soreness!!!

I hardly write Unilocal reviews, however, past two months at Aqua has been really amazing that I was so compelled to write one. Everyone’s fitness/​workout needs are different. And with that said, mine was a quite special one, too.
One of the most joyful event of my life has also left me with one of the most painful scars on my mind and body: cesarean. Two months had passed, and I could see myself not only going stir crazy but also anxious to be active again. After understanding my physical boundaries, I found Aqua. And I naturally chose Emma’s Classical Restorative class– what is there NOT to like; classical music, cycling, and water. I went once a week to start with, and never skipped one. About a month after I began Aqua, I «warmed-​up» enough and felt confident enough to go back to yoga.
Location: very close to multiple subway lines, and easy to get to/​find.
Facility: very TriBeCa, urban chic, minimal, and clean.
Staff: friendly and professional reception staff, and lovely and accommodating locker room staff
Locker Room: always very well maintained, wiped, spacious shower, great products.
Pool: one of very few saline pools in the city, so no drying out or damaging to your skin, hair, swimsuit.
Instructor, Emma: knowledgeable, compassionate, professional, and intuitive. Her uplifting energy always delightful, and her classes always engaging. She is so well-​versed in all aspects of «well-​being», food, exercise, lifestyle, and etc; truly a whole-​listic experience. Not a single part of your body will be left out from head to toe!
Sadly, yesterday, I went to my last class of Emma’s Classical Restorative due to my leave at work nearing the end. But it just means that I will be going to a bit more upbeat & challenging after-​work-​hour interval classes or weekend classes.
If you have special needs as I did, or have any injuries that prevents you from working out, I highly recommend this studio & class & instructor. At 3 months post-​OP, I am not only moving on to more challenging classes, but also adding other workouts to my practice.
p. s. if you have a post baby body, Aqua is a great place to start your conversation between you and your new body.

An important thing to remember about operating a bike underwater, your resistance is only as high as how fast your legs can go.
That being said, Aqua Spinning can be incredibly relaxing, like treading water with assistance or it can be incredibly intense, like swimming against a current.
I took a power class and an interval class, and I’d have to say that the power class was the former and the interval class was the latter. I definitely enjoyed the interval class more.
As usual, the teacher is paramount to your experience in any class, and if I had to recommend someone I’d say take Anne’s class. She has a great energy, you can tell she’s passionate about what she does, and I liked the music pop quizzes that she peppered throughout the class to make it not only physically challenging but mentally, as well. She taught the interval class, and it was really fun. 45 minutes passed by like that.
Some tips for first timers:
1) You don’t really get wet from the neck up.
2) You have to rent water shoes. + $ 2
3) Best to wear a sporty bathing suit.
4) Locker situation — Not sure if you can bring your own lock, but if you can, that’s the way to go. Otherwise, you’re stuck there waiting for someone to give you the next free locker, and it’s basically mass confusion because there are people showering, and then there are people waiting, and it’s just… not efficient.
Also, the classes are not co-​ed, so if you take the last class before the men’s class at night, be prepared to be kicked out even if your hair is half dry and you only have one side of your eye shadow on. That didn’t happen to me… I swear.
Oh, and… for some reason only the first two showers have shampoo and conditioner, the last two do not. Remembering this is more important than you realize at the current moment. Trust me.
Other than a few minor quirks, the studio itself is really nice and relaxing. The staff is incredibly friendly and helpful.
If you’re looking to burn some serious calories, then this probably isn’t the right place for you. However, if you’re looking to try something new, in a class that is all women (or men, if you’re a man), and you like working out in a chill environment, then this is something that is definitely worth trying at least once.