The AquaBLAST® Story
AquaBLAST started out as a plastic milk jug...
My aquatic journey began on a ball field in Ohio. During a softball game, I attempted to throw a ball from right field to home plate. In the process I injured my shoulder. The ball barely traveled 50 feet, and I was "thrown out" with a season-ending rotator cuff injury.
My doctor encouraged me to try aquatic therapy to aid with my recovery, so I began a daily regimen of underwater resistance and drag exercises designed to strengthen my shoulder. As my rehab progressed, I noticed that most pool rehab and fitness equipment -- mainly foam and plastic devices -- lacked weight.
I preferred lifting weights in the pool, but there were no types of aquatic weightlifting equipment available -- so I made my own.
I created simple homemade pool weights by using plastic milk jugs filled with swimming pool water. The jugs provided excellent underwater resistance AND they added weight to my underwater routine. In addition, the jug doubled as a kettlebell for above-water weight training. The milk jugs were cheap and effective, and they allowed me to build Strength in Water.
This got me thinking....
My lightbulb moment...
To lighten the jugs, I removed water and added air. The air caused the jugs to "float underwater". By adding a small counterweight, the jug flipped upside down and I discovered that the jug was flexible enough for low impact punching and kicking.
I now had a multipurpose pool fitness device for weightlifting, underwater drag and resistance training, AND now, it could be used for punching and kicking! BOOM!
I continued to tinker and redesign my concept until I created a neutrally buoyant underwater striking bag for swimming pools.
The first model was a massive 12-gallon bag glued together from parts found at the hardware store. It weighed almost 100 pounds and I dubbed it the "Big Red Tomato (below)."
My goal when designing AquaBLAST was to make it portable so it could be taken anywhere.
No other aquatic device can claim the versatility and portability of AquaBLAST.
Now weighing 4 pounds empty -- AquaBLAST is easy to transport to any pool, gym, or on vacation -- and it sets up in seconds.
We launched AquaBLAST in July 2020 and has now been recognized for its innovation by the Aquatic Exercise Association, Aquatic Therapy, and Rehab Institute and numerous experts in the field of aquatic fitness and therapy.
Moreover, we recently launched three exciting swimming pool fitness products. We listened to your feedback and redesigned AquaBLAST bags to make them easier to set up, plus more functionality.
AquaBLAST 20 Liter - (5 gallon)
The 20 Liter is lighter and easier to handle and sets up in seconds. Vary the weight from 5-45 pounds in seconds.
AquaBLAST 25 Liter - (6 1/2 gallons)
The 25 Liter is lighter and easier to handle and sets up in seconds. Vary the weight from 5-55 pounds in seconds.
AquaBLAST Suction Tether - powered by ClingTech Bionics
In partnership with ClingTech Bionics (www.clingtech-bionics.com), we have created a unique suction cup that sticks to pool floors underwater using the Clingfish Effect™. Modeled after the Northern Clingfish, a tiny fish capable of holding 250 times its body weight, the AquaBLAST Suction Tether system creates a portable kickboxing platform in 3-5 feet of water, with an adjustable tether cord and a powerful bio-inspired suction cup
With the suction tether, you can move independently around AquaBLAST in the pool for non-stop, low-impact kickboxing action. The tether allows aqua kickboxing classes available to all, and provides a new way to exercise and have fun in the water.
Strength in Water®
The name of our parent company, RomaQuatics LLC, actually means Strength in Water®, our trademark and slogan. ROMA is the Greek word for Strength, and AQUATICS means Water.
As a manufacturer of portable aquatic fitness gear, our mission is to promote strength, fitness, and conditioning in water regardless of age or physical limitations.
As a US Army veteran, I am committed to helping our wounded and disabled veterans and AquaBLAST is now being used for recovery and rehabilitation.
Dive in and Start Working Out in Water
Whether you are training for a competition, recovering from an injury, participating in a group exercise class, or just want to burn off some steam, our low-impact aquatic fitness bags and accessories offer upper body, lower body, and core conditioning through the combined use of water resistance, drag, and weight.
AquaBLAST® is a single piece of portable equipment suitable for functional strength training. It allows you to incorporate everyday movements, such as lifting, gripping, stepping, and moving in the weightless swimming pool environment.
The benefits of aquatic exercise include a reduction in muscle and joint stress, as well as ease the pounding your body receives from land-based exercises such as tennis, running, boxing, and treadmill use.
There are a variety of movements that can be performed in water without stressing muscles, joints, and ligaments. Aquatic exercise cools your body, so you can exercise longer and recover faster. When standing in a swimming pool, the water actually lowers your heart rate.
AquaBlastFit is rethinking water aerobics -- stop dancing and start BLASTING!
Blast Away!
Rob Magrino | CEO & Founder | US Army Veteran
AEA Certified Aquatic Fitness Professional