FP MOVEMENT
We Tried It: Floating Yoga
By: Gwen Attridge
Finding our center while staying afloat.
When you think of water, where does your mind go? Maybe your daily 64 ounces, maybe a beautiful beach, or even lounging by the pool. But how about yoga? Yeah, ours didn’t either…until now.
Last week, Team FP took a trip to one of Aqua Vida’s Philadelphia “floating” studios for a yoga class unlike any other. Considered “the world's first clean water lifestyle company,” Aqua Vida’s mission includes a revolutionary approach to health and wellness that emphasizes the connection to the planet and the elements…in this specific case, of course, water.
So how do you marry flowing and floating? By placing a soft, sturdy, stand-up paddleboard in a stunning, luxury pool overlooking the city, and using it as the base of your practice. I know you’re intrigued, so read on for all the deets on how we #MadeSomeWaves on a random Monday in Philly:
Last week, Team FP took a trip to one of Aqua Vida’s Philadelphia “floating” studios for a yoga class unlike any other. Considered “the world's first clean water lifestyle company,” Aqua Vida’s mission includes a revolutionary approach to health and wellness that emphasizes the connection to the planet and the elements…in this specific case, of course, water.
So how do you marry flowing and floating? By placing a soft, sturdy, stand-up paddleboard in a stunning, luxury pool overlooking the city, and using it as the base of your practice. I know you’re intrigued, so read on for all the deets on how we #MadeSomeWaves on a random Monday in Philly:
WHERE WE WERE:
Let’s set the scene for you: 400 feet above street level, at what Aqua Vida dubs an indoor "pool in the sky," with floor-to-ceiling windows. The studio itself, located at Level 28 at AKA University City, is enough to turn heads. Within the pool are stand-up paddleboards, which replace the solid ground that yoga classes are typically taught on. This invites an extra challenge into the flow: balance.
WHAT WE DID:
Over the course of an hour, instructor Christine Bosch, whose background includes a lifetime of swim instruction and 10 years of teaching yoga, led our team through multiple poses, mirroring a traditional flow. However, the water beneath adds a certain instability into the mix, allowing muscles to activate that may not fire up during an on-land session.
WHAT SETS IT APART:
In Christine’s words:
“The number one thing you see immediately is the engagement of your core and smaller muscles. Being on the board forces you to use your body in ways you didn't before the board. You don't realize how hard you could work other muscles. People are surprised that they're sore the next day after class.
The boards are soft, so you don't have the pressure of being on the ground. This is good for people with limited mobility or joint pain issues.
When on the board, you can go deeper into your breath and body, connecting you more to the yoga flow by being on the water.”
“The number one thing you see immediately is the engagement of your core and smaller muscles. Being on the board forces you to use your body in ways you didn't before the board. You don't realize how hard you could work other muscles. People are surprised that they're sore the next day after class.
The boards are soft, so you don't have the pressure of being on the ground. This is good for people with limited mobility or joint pain issues.
When on the board, you can go deeper into your breath and body, connecting you more to the yoga flow by being on the water.”
WHAT WE WORE:
Yoga + water means wearing easy-to-move-in pieces that you won’t have to worry about adjusting throughout your practice. Our dress code? Stretchy femme tops and perfectly-fitting bottoms.
Featuring:
Take Me Away Cami
Never Better Long Tank
Dream Baby Tee
All Clear Eyelet Cami
You're A Peach Leggings
Never Better 5" Bike Shorts
Featuring:
Take Me Away Cami
Never Better Long Tank
Dream Baby Tee
All Clear Eyelet Cami
You're A Peach Leggings
Never Better 5" Bike Shorts
WHAT WE THOUGHT:
Sierra P., Merchandiser: “I LOVED IT SO MUCH! I am a big paddle boarder but wasn’t sure about the yoga/pilates part of it. I was pleasantly surprised at how well I did for the first time and I wish I could do it every day of my life. It was so relaxing, and the view made it 10x better.”
Rylee N., Web Producer: “I love paddle boarding and did not know this kind of class was available! Moving around on a paddle board can be intimidating, but the balance we focused on in this class definitely raised my confidence on the board!”
Cindy S., Stylist: “I thoroughly enjoyed getting a view of the city while trying a new approach to yoga. I tried my hardest and successfully made it through the class without falling in! It’s a great option for both those newer to yoga and already comfortable with their flow.”
Molly F., Sample Coordinator: “The water added an extra challenge that really worked my core and balance. It was a calm, focused workout with a great view. I’d recommend it to anyone looking to switch up their routine in a peaceful and new setting!”
Jamie K., Web Producer: “I really enjoyed this class! It was a lot harder than I expected. Even though it was mainly laying-down and sitting yoga poses, you don't realize how much you're actually using your muscles and core to stabilize on the water. I was definitely sore the next day, but would do this class again!”
Rylee N., Web Producer: “I love paddle boarding and did not know this kind of class was available! Moving around on a paddle board can be intimidating, but the balance we focused on in this class definitely raised my confidence on the board!”
Cindy S., Stylist: “I thoroughly enjoyed getting a view of the city while trying a new approach to yoga. I tried my hardest and successfully made it through the class without falling in! It’s a great option for both those newer to yoga and already comfortable with their flow.”
Molly F., Sample Coordinator: “The water added an extra challenge that really worked my core and balance. It was a calm, focused workout with a great view. I’d recommend it to anyone looking to switch up their routine in a peaceful and new setting!”
Jamie K., Web Producer: “I really enjoyed this class! It was a lot harder than I expected. Even though it was mainly laying-down and sitting yoga poses, you don't realize how much you're actually using your muscles and core to stabilize on the water. I was definitely sore the next day, but would do this class again!”
Sounds like good reviews across the (paddle) board. Would this type of class float your fancy (last one, sorry)? Head over to Aqua Vida’s website to view their offerings.
And don’t forget to wear your FP Movement ;)
Happy Flowing & Floating!
And don’t forget to wear your FP Movement ;)
Happy Flowing & Floating!
FP MOVEMENT
MORE ‘FITS TO FLOW IN
Shop Yoga Essentials
MORE TO READ
3/21/25 | SURFING THE NET
This Women-Led and -Run Surfwear Brand Has Us Hooked
Women wave riders, rejoice.
3/28/25 | UNCONDITIONAL SUPPORT
11 Reasons Why FP Movement Bras “Hold Up”
Firstly – they’re made to move with you.
4/18/25 | WE TRIED IT
Bird Watching
We came for the birds but stayed for the existential clarity.