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If you want to make a big splash with a new exercise routine, doing it underwater is a good place to start. A resistance training program in your swimming pool that employs aqua cuffs is an excellent way to build muscle, enhance flexibility, improve balance, and increase endurance without putting undue strain on your joints.
“Aqua cuff” is the general term given to the cuffs, belts, dumbbells, or other devices that you wear or hold while exercising in the water. These sometimes weighted, semi-flotation devices can be worn on the wrists, ankles, and waist or pulled and pushed through the water. They are designed to add resistance to an aquatic exercise routine. The water itself provides resistance as well, so the combination of the two factors forces your muscles to work harder and more efficiently.
These water workout aids are available in myriad styles, shapes, and types, which makes choosing the right one difficult. But don’t sweat the shopping — save the perspiring for your underwater workout. Read our buying guide to narrow the options and find the best aqua cuffs for your individual exercise needs.
There are a wide variety of aqua exercises to choose from when designing your water routine. Aqua cuffs and other water resistance training devices normally come with instructions for a few basic exercises, but the internet is also positively swimming with good water workout suggestions. Consult a trainer or physical therapist if you need more specific guidance. If you have specific exercises in mind, you will need specific devices in order to get the most resistance bang for your buck.
Neoprene, rubber, and low-density plastic are the primary materials used with aqua cuffs. Much of the resistance comes from the fact that they float, which forces the user to exert downward force the whole time they’re in the swimming pool. Out of the water, aqua cuffs are very lightweight. The straps that hold them in place are typically webbed nylon.
Weighted cuffs for arms and legs are not recommended for use in the water unless you’re certain there is no way you can be pulled underwater or the depth isn’t over your head.
There are two kinds of resistance with aqua cuffs. The first kind, fin resistance, comes from fins attached to the cuffs. The fins are fixed in place and make it difficult to move your arms and legs through the water when you’re exercising. They may be attached at multiple angles, providing resistance no matter which way you’re moving. This ensures a solid workout throughout a full range of motion.
The second kind of resistance, flotation resistance, requires continual exertion to keep your arms and legs down. There is also a second form of resistance for flotation cuffs that comes into play from the bulk of the cuffs. The bulkier the cuffs are, the harder it is to push or pull them through the water. Most cuffs provide low to medium resistance, but some are larger and provide greater resistance.
Pool Noodles are those long, hollow, brightly colored floating tubes can be used in a wide variety of exercises. We like the Oodles of Noodles multicolor assortment six-pack, which gives you a handful of 52-inch floats to choose from. They do double duty as a fun toy when you’re finished working out.
When you’re in the water, a good set of swim goggles is a nice addition to your equipment. If your workout is lengthy, the chlorinated water can irritate your eyes. Goggles will keep the water out of your eyes so you can concentrate on burning calories instead of your eyeballs. We like the Aegend anti-fog goggles for their snug fit, UV protection, and useful carrying case.
Getting a nose full of water isn’t fun. If you’re working out regularly at the pool, rest assured that sooner or later it will happen to you — unless you have a good nose plug. There are many good choices out there, but we like the Splaqua soft latex nose clip.
Aqua cuffs generally cost from $10 to $40. In the $10 to $20 range, you’ll find basic aqua cuffs, though many of these tend to be lower-quality products that may not be that durable.
From $20 to $40 is the middle price range. Aqua cuffs in this range tend to have good nylon straps with buckles. The quality and workmanship of these mid-range aqua cuffs will also be far better than lower-priced options.
Anything above $40 is usually a full kit rather than just cuffs. A resistance belt will normally be part of the kit. At the high end you will also find aqua cuffs with multiple fins on them for a full range-of-motion water workout.
Q. Do aqua cuffs have a warranty?
A. Most aqua cuffs will only have a 30-day return policy or warranty. Beyond that, no, you shouldn’t expect much of a warranty. Be sure you use your new aqua cuffs as soon as you receive them to make sure you’re happy with your purchase.
Q. Can you swim with aqua cuffs?
A. They are intended to be used for exercises, but yes, you can swim while wearing them to increase the intensity of your workout.
