Do you have stretched muscles or sore joints after a soccer game? Fret not! A hot water session will soothe them as if they were never there.
Hot tubs are home add-ons for muscle and mind relaxation and overall well-being. A hot tub soak also increases blood flow, improves digestive health, enhances injury recovery, and much more.
This blog explores the top 10 benefits of the hot tub after a workout. It also covers the benefits of cold plunge and safety precautions regarding who should avoid using the hot tub.
What is Hot Tub Hydrotherapy?
Hot tub hydrotherapy is soaking in hot water through intense water jets that press on the muscles.
It is mainly done after extensive muscular activity or exercise to treat sore muscles and improve overall well-being.
Hot water sessions reduce stress, providing a healthy environment for the mind and body.
What are the top 10 health benefits of hot tubs after a workout?
People mostly ask, are hot tubs good for you? Well, the straightforward answer is that hot tubs are worth every penny.
From elevating your home decor and value to promoting relaxation of the mind and body, hot tub and spa installations are for every age, home style, and budget.
Here are the top 10 benefits of having a hot tub session after hitting the gym or playing muscular sports.
- Stress Relief
- Muscle Relaxation
- Improve Sleep Patterns
- Improves Your Blood Circulation
- Boosts Immunity
- Helps in Weight Loss
- Improves Your Skin
- Cardiovascular Health
- Better Digestive Health
- Enhanced Recovery From Injuries
1. Stress Relief
Hot baths after exercise feels good! The bubbly water helps your sore muscles feel better. It also makes you feel calm and relax, improving mental health.
The buoyancy effect experienced during the hot tub session makes you feel weightless, calming your senses and mind.
2. Muscle Relaxation
Warm water helps your sore muscles feel better by sending more blood to them. The strong jets massage the stretched muscles and help reduce their tension.
A hot tub will be your happy place if you train intensively at the gym or an athlete involved in muscular workout, such as soccer, cricket, baseball, etc.
3. Improve Sleep Patterns
As we all know, exercise relaxes the mind and helps achieve relaxed sleep. But the good news is that hot water sessions after a workout or exercise can enhance this effect.
Take a little time to bring your body temperature to normal before bed for a more comfortable and instant sleep.
4. Improves Blood Circulation
Another benefit of a hot water session after the workout is that it enhances the optimal blood flow throughout the body.
More blood flow means more oxygen-carrying to the whole body, which is necessary for a healthy body.
5. Boosts Immunity
Hot tub sessions also boost the immune system as the white blood cells will be effectively distributed across the body.
Hot water may stimulate white blood cells, which kill bacteria and germs. Therefore, hot tub sessions may decrease your chances of getting illness.
6. Helps in Weight Loss
You can also lose weight through a hot tub, both directly and indirectly. Hot water burns calories, similar to light exercise.
Various hot tub exercises can boost your weight loss process at home.
7. Improves Your Skin
For routine skincare, the hot tub is the best choice. Hot water that softens your skin and enhances its flexibility. It also opens the skin’s pores and hydrates it.
A regular hot tub session can help release toxins from your skin that can cause pimples or acne.
8. Improves Cardiovascular Health
Though hot tub sessions are not recommended as a substitute for regular exercises for heart health, they may have an effect as a mild exercise.
Hot water slightly increases your heartbeat and blood pressure, putting more effort into the heart and lungs. This can improve the cardiovascular health of hot tub users.
9. Better Digestive Health
You might be surprised, but hot water can improve your digestive system. Again, the increase in blood pressure enhances the function of nutrient absorption and waste removal.
Hot tub sessions are best for those with abnormal bowel movements and digestive problems.
10. Enhanced Recovery From Injuries
Hot tub massage after a workout can speed up muscle recovery and injuries.
The healing process of injuries is more effective because of the increased blood pressure in the affected area. However, the hot tub is not recommended for fresh wounds.
NOTE: We strongly recommend consulting your doctor if you have any health issues before using the hot tub.
Should I use a hot tub before or after exercise?
Another significant question arises regarding when to use a hot tub: before or after a workout? Hot tub usage before and after the workout gives you different results.
The table below shows how.
| Before Workout | After Workout |
| Improves flexibility | Reduces muscle soreness |
| Warms up muscles | Improves blood circulation |
| May cause excessive sweating, dehydration | May cause dizziness if blood pressure is low |
| Can increase core temperature | Promotes relaxation |
| Mental relaxation | Avoid using immediately after intense exercise |
Who should avoid hot tub soaks?
The following tips are for health precautions and ensuring safe hot tub use.
According to WebMed, here is who shouldn’t use a hot tub.
- Elderly people with respiratory issues.
- People with chronic heart diseases.
- Pregnant women.
- Infants.
- People with fresh wounds.
Cold vs. Hot Water Sessions: Which One is Better for You?
While most people prefer hot water sessions in their tubs after workouts, several also use them for cold water therapy.
The table below shows the differences between cold and hot water sessions to help users choose the right option.
| Features | Cold Water | Hot Water |
| Blood Vessels | Constricts blood vessels | Dilates blood vessels |
| Heart Rate | Increases heart rate | Decreases heart rate |
| Muscle Tension | Reduces muscle tension and soreness | Relaxes muscles and increases flexibility |
| Inflammation | Reduces inflammation | Can increase inflammation |
| Circulation | Improves circulation in the long term | Improves short-term circulation |
| Skin | Tightens pores and improves skin tone | Opens pores and hydrates skin |
| Energy Levels | Increases alertness and energy | Promotes relaxation and sleepiness |
Note: The above is general information to help you understand the benefits of hot-water and cold-water hot tubs.
You can choose the one that best suits your health condition and achieves the desired results.
How long should I stay in a hot tub session for recovery?
A 10-15 minute hot tub session can relax muscles and mind effectively.
What is the best hot tub temperature for muscle recovery?
The ideal hot tub temperature for muscle recovery ranges from 102 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
Should you do a cold plunge before or after the hot tub?
The best way is to soak in hot water before taking a cold plunge which is referred to as contrast hydrotherapy refers to when you.
It tremendously increases the chances of muscle recovery and bodily relaxation.
Does a hot tub work for inflammation?
Hot water effectively reduces the pain of joint inflammation during arthritis. It can also improve the joints’ mobility and flexibility.
Conclusion
Hot tubs are great for your body and mind. Hot water after a workout brings sore and stretched muscles back to normal.
You can use cold and hot water therapy to achieve specific results before or after the workout.
Consult a health professional before soaking in a hot tub if you experience any health issues.
For professional and safe hot tub and spa installations, contact Silverline Pools and enjoy hot and cold water therapy all year.
