Health benefits of soaking in a hot tub

There’s often nothing better than unwinding in a hot tub after a testing day, allowing you to enter a state of pure relaxation. But did you know that spending time in a hot tub can have other amazing benefits for your health? Whether you’re lucky enough to have your own hot tub, or you’re an avid bather at your local gym, there are some key points you should be aware of to make sure you’re really reaping the benefits that bathing in a hot tub can provide. To this end, we’ve put together a list of the top 7 health benefits of soaking in a hot tub! 

Stress Relief

One of the most well-known benefits of soaking in a hot tub is its ability to reduce stress levels. Warm water’s calming effect, alongside the massaging action of a hot tub, can help to alleviate physical, emotional, and mental stress. If you’re keen to enhance this stress-relieving effect, make sure you incorporate soft music, low lighting or even aromatherapy to take your relaxation to the next level.

Muscle Relaxation

The hot water and massaging motion of the hot tub jets will help calm and soothe muscles that are holding a lot of tension, aiding in relieving post-workout aches and pains. Some research also indicates that soaking in a hot tub before a workout can minimise the chance of injury.

Improved Sleep

Many studies have shown that a soak in the hot tub before bed is an effective way to help you drift off. A combination of both the relaxation provided by a hot tub through hydrotherapy and passive body heating have been identified as ways that promote a night of significantly deeper and more restful sleep. 

Pain Relief

Soaking in a hot tub will help ease certain forms of pain by soothing strained muscles, joints and tendons. The heat and massaging effects of a hot tub have been proven to relieve arthritic pain such as stiffness and inflammation. Whilst in a hot tub, the buoyancy of the water takes the weight off of joints, which increases your flexibility and range of motion.

Better cardiovascular health

Relaxing in a hot tub has also been proven to have significant benefits for your heart and overall cardiovascular health by raising your heart rate and lowering your blood pressure. Studies have shown that immersion in hot water can have powerful effects on vascular function and blood pressure. Ideal for those who are unable to exercise, passive heat therapy can help reduce cardiovascular risk and mortality!

Improved insulin sensitivity

According to some researchers, regular thermal therapy, provided from saunas and hot tubs, can improve impaired insulin sensitivity and can aid in diabetes management and be beneficial for those with obesity.

Calorie Burn

Research has even indicated that soaking in a hot tub can boost your metabolism, particularly for those with limited mobility. A 2016 study showed that participants who spent an hour soaking in hot water burned a similar number of calories as a 30-minute stroll! This is not to say that it should replace exercising, but hot tubs can be beneficial if you’re looking to burn some calories easily.  

The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company offer a diverse and extensive range of Hot Tubs for all types of budgets and specifications. Get in touch with a member of our friendly team today to discuss your options today by calling 020 3666 1997 or emailing sales@hottub-swimspa.com