FORGET hot yoga and ditch the zumba ...

a new craze is making waves in the west of Scotland.

Fitness fans are flocking to Renfrewshire to try underwater cycling.

With celebrity fans including Pippa Middleton, Hydrospin combines indoor studio cycling with the benefits of underwater exercise.

Frenchman Alain Lellouche launched the idea in 201. Since then the waterbike has captured the imagination of the French.

It hit the UK late last year, and now two leisure centres in Renfrewshire have started classes - the first in the west of Scotland.

The special bikes which sit under the water provide more resistance when pedalled, and the water supports the joints, giving a low-impact workout.

The upper body is also worked hard during a Hydrospin session because the arms perform swimming-type movements.

Renfrewshire Leisure, which runs local sports and leisure facilities, has brought in 32 Hydrorider Aquabikes for The Lagoon in Paisley and The On-X in Linwood. Classes started on June 9.

Renfrewshire Leisure chief executive Joyce McKellar said: "This is a fantastic new take on spin classes combining the dynamism of indoor studio cycling with the benefits of water-based exercise."

Margaret Cairney, health and fitness development officer in Renfrewshire, said she believed Hydrospin was here to stay.

She said: "I don't think it will be a phase, we've already got people from our aqua aerobics classes who want to try it. It's good for toning your arms and lower body and it's an alternative to traditional spin, which many people find is too hard on their joints."

The classes are suitable for people over 50, GP referrals and people recovering from sports-related injuries.

Joyce added: "The Hydrospin classes enable you to improve overall well-being as well as aiding weight loss, increasing full body strength and endurance and improve cardiovascular fitness.

"The cooling effect of water reduces the discomfort of sweating and the buoyancy of the water gives support around the joints, which makes Hydrospin a fantastic low-risk intensive exercise.

"It can be enjoyed and accessed by everyone, no matter what fitness level."

Go to www.renfrewshireleisure.com for more information on Hydrospin.

rachel.loxton@eveningtimes.co.uk