The third post in a series exploring novel experiences in the area—because you never feel more alive than when you’re trying something new. It’s by Caroline Wilson Kaufman, a writer in the beauty industry who lives in Tribeca.

August in New York: Is there anything more energy-sapping than a 90-degree week followed by a 90-degree week? This time of year, I find it easier to socialize than exercise, which means eating poorly, sleeping poorly, and waking up to do it all over again. So, I was intrigued by Aqua’s trifecta promise of detox, fitness, and wellness.

At first glance, it’s a spin class submerged in a saltwater pool, but I found it to be entirely unlike its dry-land analog. For starters, Aqua is an oasis of quiet, where the reception area has high ceilings, wood floors, single-bulb light fixtures, and expansive white walls, refreshingly free of motivational slogans.

Each class is designated as women-only, men-only, or co-ed. I brought two friends, Meg and Steph, a spin class regular and novice, respectively. We registered online for the Blend class ($47; new members can get a month of unlimited access for $150), a women-only class recommended for beginners because it incorporates all styles of cycling. The website offers an extensive range of pricing options as well as class etiquette, so it’s important to check it out before you go.

After we received our cool-looking water shoes ($2 to rent) and towels, a staff member led us downstairs to a locker room to change into our bathing suits, with self-coded lockers to store personal items. Then we were off to the showers.

The salt-and-chlorine pool is four-feet deep, so the 84-degree water comes to about chest level when you’re on the bike. Candles light the room and low electronic music plays for a mellow vibe. Our 14-person, all-female class was filled to capacity and comprised of a range of ages, shapes, and sizes.

Our instructor, Ed, introduced us to the dynamics of the class: The water, not the gears, provides resistance, so the faster you pedal, the harder it is. He led us in intervals, standing and sitting, hanging off the back of the bike, and sometimes letting go altogether and treading water with our arms. Pedaling in the water keeps you cool and provides a gentle but still-challenging workout that I imagine would be especially good for recovering from injuries or joint pain.

After class, we checked out the retail area in the back, where you can buy cycling gear, teas, candles, and other wellness items. I noticed book a few French-themed book titles, and learned that Aqua was started by Esther Gauthier, a Parisian who discovered the studio in her hometown and decided to open one in New York. Indeed, there was something Parisian about the workout—I felt more inclined to follow it up with a glass of wine than a Gatorade. Which we did. Meg gave it a four on a one-to-ten difficulty scale, and Steph had a great time and appreciated how inclusive it felt.

Everyone at Aqua told me how well I’d sleep that night, and sure enough, by nighttime, my body felt calm and my skin felt detoxified, as if I’d been playing in the ocean. I woke up energized after a full, deep night’s sleep—which, to me, is the biggest luxury of all.

Previous Novelty Quest posts:
••• Crab Night at the Hideaway
••• The Willy Wall