Can hot tubs help and promote wellness and recovery for athletes?
Hot tubs might seem to be about pure indulgence and luxury. However, they are part of the tradition of hydrotherapy, which has long played an important role in wellness and recovery for athletes. Whether you’re a pro looking for some home therapy, or you’re an amateur athlete seeking to improve performance with better recovery, a hot tub might be the ideal solution.
How does a hot tub help?
Hot tubs provide heat therapy
Soaking in your hot tub after a workout or training session will help to boost blood flow and improve circulation thanks to the heat in the water and the steam. Your muscles will be able to relax to a much deeper level and you’ll find it much easier to wind down and ease out any tensions.
Hot tubs can be part of your warm up
If you’re looking to better prepare your body for training or exercise then a 10-20 minute soak before you begin activity can also have huge wellness benefits. Sitting in the hot tub will get your blood flowing and warm up and loosen all your muscles. Follow the hot tub soak with 10 minutes of stretching and your body will be ready to work at its optimum level.
Hot tubs help to optimise recovery
According to research published in the New York Times, muscles can often recover better from training or an intense workout when they are warmed up, rather than quickly subjected to colder temperatures. So, by using your hot tub after a workout session you could optimise the speed and quality of your recovery.
Hot tubs don’t have to be hot
If you’re looking to incorporate both heat and cold therapy into your post workout recovery then you can adjust the temperature settings on your hot tub to provide the right level of variety. You’ll still get the same benefits of the hydrotherapy but at a cooler temperature.
The jets provide essential massage
A soak in a hot tub after a workout also means that you’re subjecting your muscles to the massaging effect of the jets, which can help to ease out tension and aid recovery. Choose the setting that works best for you depending on how your body feels, from powerful jets that deliver an intense experience, to something a little more soothing instead.
Hot tubs can promote injury recovery
If you do get injured while training or working out a hot tub can play a role in helping you to recover from that injury and speeding up the process of getting well. Healing heat therapy is renowned for its therapeutic properties and can help with the recovery and rehabilitation of an injured muscle.
Hot tubs help you to relax
If you’re dealing with a stressful training schedule or finding it difficult to sleep due to upcoming events, a soak in a hot tub could help you to relax. Plus, 20 minutes in the hot tub before you go to bed can actually help you get a better night’s sleep.
For more information on how a hot tub supports athletes in wellness and recovery – and which might be the right model for you – please get in touch with The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company today.
