AquaBLAST started out as a plastic milk jug...
My aquatic journey began on a softball field in Ohio. It was the sixth inning, a tie game, and a runner on first base. The batter hit a screaming line drive. I fielded the ball and threw an incredible game-saving out at home plate – I ONLY WISH!
The ball traveled barely 50 feet and I was thrown out with a season-ending rotator cuff injury.
To aid with my recovery, my doctor prescribed aquatic therapy. I began a regimen of daily exercises in the backyard pool. As my recovery progressed, I noticed that foam accessories lacked weight - I wanted to build strength in the pool using actual pool weights.
In the pool, I tried different homemade weights until I found that milk jugs filled with pool water made excellent resistance weights and kettlebells for above-water and below-water exercise. The jugs were inexpensive and effective.
My lightbulb moment...
To make the jugs ligher, I removing water. The air inside caused the jugs to "float" mostly underwater. One day, I punched a jug as it floated by, and to my surprise, discovered it was flexible enough for low-impact boxing.
I continued tinkering until I created a neutrally buoyant underwater punching bag for swimming pools using parts found at the hardware store.The first working model the "Big Red Tomato" held about 12 gallons of water.
AquaBLAST has been granted three patents.
In 2019, I met an experienced product designer from Portland who helped me reimagine the bag and find manufacturers. He is a good friend who continues to advise and assist with new designs, and has helped AquaBLAST become what it is today.
One of my goals was to make a portable fitness bag that could be taken anywhere
AquaBLAST officially launched in July 2020. AquaBLAST has 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, recently launched three exciting swimming pool fitness products.
Redesigned AquaBLAST 20 & 25 Liter
We listened to your feedback and redesigned AquaBLAST bags to make them easier to setup and more functional.
AquaBLAST 20 Liter Mini
The "Mini" holds 20 liters (about 5 gallons) of pool water and is a smaller version of the original AquaBLAST bag. The AquaBLAST 20 Liter is lighter and easier to handle and sets up in only 30 seconds. The new 20L allows weight adjustments from 5-40 pounds in seconds, making the bag suitable for weaker clients.
AquaBLAST 25 Liter
The "Mini" holds 25 liters (about 6.5 gallons) of pool water and also sets up in only 30 seconds. The new 25 Liter bag allows weight adjustments from 5-55 pounds in seconds, making it versatile for stronger clients.
AquaBLAST Suction Tether
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 300 times its body weight, AquaBLAST Suction Tether system creates a portable 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® for non-stop kickboxing action. The tether will make aqua kickboxing classes available to everyone and provide new ways to exercise and have fun in the water (projected release -August 2022).
AquaBLAST® 25 Liter
A 25-liter AquaBLAST® bag has been redesigned with features similar to the 20 Liter. We replaced the air chamber with buoyant foam, added padded neoprene handles, made it lighter for travel (it weighs just 4 pounds when empty), and sets it up in just 30 seconds.
Strength in Water®
Our parent company, RomaQuatics, actually means Strength in Water®. 'Roma Aquatics' refers to strength and water, making it an appropriate slogan for a device intended for aquatic fitness.
As a manufacturer of portable aquatic fitness gear, our mission is to promote strength, fitness, and conditioning in water regardless of the individual's age or physical limitations.
I am a US Army veteran with a vision to donate a portion of profits to wounded veterans and first responder organizations. I am still in the early stages of planning this charitable component, but my heart is set on it. I believe that AquaBLAST® will increase the quality of life for our wounded veterans and first responders.
Dive in and Start Working Out in Water
No matter if you're 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 of 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