Soaking in Hot Tub Phoenix can help you sleep better, easing muscle pain and reducing stress. Regular soaks may even reduce the need for medication.
A recent study found that soaking in a hot tub for an hour burned the same number of calories as 30 minutes of jogging!
1. Health Benefits
Whether you’re an athlete recovering from a tough workout or just want to reduce your stress levels, the warm water and massaging action of a Hot Tub can make it easier to relax and feel rejuvenated. In fact, studies show that regular use can improve sleep patterns and alleviate aches and pains. In addition, a Hot Tub can provide other health and wellness benefits including increased circulation, muscle recovery, skin improvement and even respiratory health.
The heat of the Hot Tub causes blood vessels to dilate, promoting better circulation and oxygen flow. This can also help relieve stiff, sore muscles, as well as joint and arthritic pain by melting away accumulated lactic acid and loosening tight muscle fibers.
Additionally, the buoyancy of the water helps take pressure off joints and can be used to perform gentle strength-building exercises prior to a relaxing hot tub soak. This is especially beneficial for those who suffer from arthritis and other chronic conditions that affect mobility.
Studies have shown that soaking in a Hot Tub can boost your metabolism, which can aid in weight loss by burning calories at a faster rate. In addition, as your body temperature rises from absorbing the warm water, it triggers the release of hormones known as endorphins, which can have mood-boosting effects.
In addition to improved sleep patterns, a Hot Tub can significantly improve your quality of life by helping you rest easier at night. The warmth of the water and the massaging action of the jets relieve tense muscles, which can then prevent you from tossing and turning in your sleep. Also, the cool down effect of stepping out of the Hot Tub signals to your brain that it’s time for bed and can allow you to fall asleep sooner.
2. Relaxation
Whether you’re recovering from an injury or just looking for some me time, a Hot Tub is the perfect escape. The warm water soothes your aches and pains and the massage jets will relax your tired muscles. This combination of warmth and relaxation helps lower your blood pressure, which also aids in relieving headaches.
Regular soaks in your Hot Tub may even help alleviate the symptoms of Fibromyalgia, a condition characterized by widespread pain throughout the body and long-lasting fatigue. In addition, soaking in your Hot Tub before exercising may reduce the likelihood of exercise-related injuries by improving joint flexibility and range of motion.
Just like a good workout, a hot soak can improve your mood, helping you manage stress and boost self-esteem. Some studies suggest that hot tub therapy promotes emotional stability, supporting the prevention of depression and anxiety. The warm, soothing environment and calming aromatherapy of your Hot Tub can help to improve sleep quality as well, which in turn reduces stress levels.
While you enjoy a relaxing soak, focus on deep breathing to calm your mind and relax your body. Start at your toes and consciously relax each muscle group, allowing the warm water to melt away any tension and tightness. The soothing effects of the hot tub may also be enhanced by listening to music or reading a book.
Just remember to bring a towel and stay hydrated. Overheating and dehydration can occur, particularly if you’re soaking for an extended period of time. Keeping up with regular inspections and making sure you have a fresh, clean towel on hand will prevent these issues.
3. Stress Relief
Soaking in a hot tub is a great way to reduce stress by lowering cortisol levels and relaxing tense muscles. The warm water and jets work to promote the release of feel good endorphins which help to reduce anxiety and relieve stress. Spending time in a hot tub with friends is a social experience that fosters connection and support, both of which are important to stress management.
Soothing tight muscles in your back, shoulders, neck and arms is just the beginning of the physical health benefits you can get from a Hot Tub. The warmth of the water and buoyancy of the spa lowers inflammation, increases circulation, and promotes faster healing from injury. The hydrotherapy of a spa can also be helpful for those with chronic pain conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and chronic migraines. It can even relieve post-workout muscle soreness as the heat elicits analgesic effects, reducing the sensation of pain and increasing blood flow to injured areas.
Soaking in a hot tub can also improve your sleep by encouraging the natural dip in body temperature that occurs before you go to bed. In addition, a 20-minute soak before you start to wind down can signal your brain that it is time for rest, easing you into deep sleep. Adding aromatherapy to your spa or using an iPod with soothing music can further increase the relaxation you receive. By creating a relaxing space in your own backyard, you can make it easy to set aside time for yourself and decompress from the day-to-day stresses that may be plaguing your mind.
4. Socializing
When friends and family gather in a hot tub, it creates an intimate setting where people can connect on a more personal level. It can help to foster deeper relationships and to build lasting memories. It can also offer an opportunity to get away from the distractions of technology and noisy environments, which can be a real benefit for those with anxiety or depression.
Using your hot tub regularly with family and friends can create a warm and welcoming space for social gatherings all year round. It’s a great place to host parties or themed family nights with activities like storytelling sessions or waterproof card games. The warm water and soothing jets are a perfect environment to enjoy each other’s company without the usual distractions.
A hot tub is a great way to break the ice when inviting new people over. People are less likely to be on their phones and more prone to engaging in conversation in an environment that is safe, friendly, and judgment-free. It’s also a great way to meet neighbours or make new friends when hosting an outdoor event such as a pool party or backyard BBQ.
Many hot tubs have integrated lighting options which can be used to set a mood and create the perfect atmosphere for socializing and relaxing. The ambiance can be enhanced with additional lighting such as mood lighting or a fireplace to add an extra level of warmth and cosiness. Having a sound system in your hot tub can be a great addition for playing music and enjoying conversations, while some even have a projector so you can watch movies or sports in the comfort of your own spa.
5. Exercise
A Hot Tub can be a powerful tool for exercise and fitness. The movement of water against and over the body during a workout stimulates muscles, joints, and tendons, which can help reduce pain and enhance muscle recovery. The calming effect of the warm water also reduces stress, which can be particularly beneficial for those with anxiety or depression.
A hot tub can be used for cardio, strength training and core exercises, and is a great alternative to gym equipment for those with joint or muscle problems, low mobility or limited time for traditional exercise. It is important to note that exercise in a hot tub or swim spa can increase your heart rate and breathing, which could be dangerous for some people with certain medical conditions. Therefore, it is recommended that you consult your doctor before starting a new exercise program in your hot tub.
While hot tubs can enhance any exercise routine, they are most beneficial for post-workout muscle recovery. Soaking for 10 minutes or more after exercise increases circulation, reduces stiffness and helps eliminate the buildup of lactic acid. This enables oxygen to be delivered to the muscles more quickly and improves muscle performance, according to a 2021 study.
While there are many benefits to exercising in a Hot Tub, it is important to monitor your heat tolerance and never push yourself beyond your limits. You should also hydrate and seek medical attention if you experience any signs of heat intolerance, such as lightheadedness or dizziness. Additionally, it is important to have protective barriers such as locking gates around home hot tubs to prevent unsupervised use by children or teens.