Beyond Warmth: Surprising Health Benefits of Using Hot Tubs

The gentle hum of bubbling water, the warm embrace that welcomes you after a tiring day—these are moments most associated with the luxury of hot tubs. Many surprising health benefits of using a hot tub are waiting to be discovered. Ready to dip your toes into what might be your next best wellness companion? Read on.

The Warm Truth Behind Hot Tub Benefits

What is it about hot tubs that beckons you with a promise of comfort? The answers lie in hydrotherapy and thermotherapy. Time-honored methods that harness the power of water and heat to ‘heal’ both body and mind. 

Hydrotherapy & Heat

From the Greeks to the Romans, cultures around the globe recognized the therapeutic potential of water. Ancient Roman bathhouses were social hubs and centers of wellness. Traditional Japanese onsen (hot springs) are revered for their potential to cleanse the body and spirit.

So why are hot tubs good for you? Water, especially when heated, could soothe and heal. By immersing the body in warm water, you expose it to the gentle pressure and buoyancy that can aid in rest and pain relief.

For those who find comfort in the warmth of hot tubs, savor the serenity of relaxation, and seek the therapeutic benefits of hydrotherapy, this enlightening video by Dr. Eric Berg DC is undoubtedly a valuable resource in understanding the benefits of hot baths.

5 Surprising Physical Benefits of a Hot Tub

Stepping into a hot tub is a treat for your senses that can relieve and revitalize your body. 

Alleviate Muscle Tension

Post-exercise or after a long day, your muscles yearn for some TLC. Here are some hot tub benefits for athletes and busybodies.

• After Workout Relief: Athletes and fitness enthusiasts understand the importance of recovery. Immersing in a hot tub post-exercise can assist in easing muscle soreness. The warm water provides an environment akin to a gentle massage, making the benefits of a hot tub after workout sessions particularly appealing.
• Reduced Stiffness: The water's buoyancy, combined with the warmth, can help relax tightened muscles, offering relief from tension and knots.

Cardiovascular Health Boost

Immersion in warm water slightly increases heart rate and improves blood flow, giving your heart a mild yet effective workout. This is one of the less-known but crucial hot tub benefits for your health. The warm water can also help lower blood pressure by expanding blood vessels, ensuring your cardiovascular system remains top shape.

Hot Tub Benefits for Skin

Beyond the glow that relaxation brings, soaking in hot tub benefits for skin goes deep. 

• Improved Circulation: The warm water in hot tubs helps dilate blood vessels, promoting better circulation. This increased blood flow can deliver more oxygen and nutrients to the skin cells, making your skin look healthier.
• Cleansing and moisturizing skin: The warm water opens up your pores and allows the dirt, oil, and dead skin cells to be washed away. This can prevent clogged pores, acne, and blackheads. Hot baths can also moisturize your skin by hydrating it with steam and water. This can help restore the natural moisture barrier of your skin and prevent dryness, flakiness, and irritation.
• Hydration: Soaking in warm water can improve skin hydration. Just ensure you drink enough water to stay hydrated internally as well. Proper hydration is vital for healthy skin.

Better Sleep Patterns

A hot tub might be the answer if sleep has been eluding you. The relaxation offered by the warm water can prepare your body for a deeper and more restful sleep.

Weight Management

While a hot tub isn't a replacement for a balanced diet or exercise, regular sessions can aid metabolism and contribute to hot tub benefits that weight loss enthusiasts might find appealing. Here’s how sitting in hot tubs indirectly benefits weight management:

• Calorie Burn: When you soak in a hot bath, your body temperature rises. To regulate this, your body burns calories. While it's not significant, it contributes to overall calorie expenditure.
• Relaxation and Stress Reduction: Stress can lead to overeating or emotional eating. Hot baths promote relaxation, reduce stress, and help manage weight by preventing stress-related binging.
• Improved Sleep: A warm bath before bedtime can enhance sleep quality. Adequate sleep is crucial for weight management because lack of sleep disrupts hunger hormones and increases cravings for unhealthy foods.
• Muscle Recovery: After exercise, a hot bath can soothe sore muscles. When your muscles recover faster, you’re more likely to stay active and burn calories through physical activity.

2 Surprising Mental Health Perks of Hot Tubs

Hot tubs provide physical benefits and positively impact our mental well-being. The relaxing and tranquil environment they create can work wonders for our minds. 

Reduced Stress

Endorphins, the body's natural feel-good chemicals, are released when we immerse ourselves in a hot tub filled with warm water. The soothing sensation helps ease tension, easing stress accumulated throughout the day. As you sink into the warm water, allow the bubbling jets to gently massage your muscles and wash away the worries of the outside world. Take this time to focus on your breathing and let the hot tub transport you to a tranquil state of mind.

Boosting Mood

Relaxing in a hot tub can significantly improve one's emotional state. The combination of warm water and hydrotherapy jets stimulates blood circulation, promoting the release of serotonin, the hormone responsible for happiness and well-being. 

Our Hot Picks: Hot Tubs Worth Investing In

Mesa BT-150150 Two-Person Whirlpool Tub

With its contoured seating, adjustable headrests, and ergonomic handles, this corner jetted tub provides the utmost comfort and style for your bathroom.

Best Features:

• Side by Side Contoured Seating: Enjoy the company of a loved one as you both experience the soothing benefits of hydrotherapy.
• 9 Whirlpool Jets: The symphony of water therapy from the 9 jets targets your muscles for deep relaxation and muscle relief.
• Air System Included: Enhance your experience with the invigorating sensation of air bubbles.

Why You Should Choose It:

This whirlpool tub offers a combination of luxury, therapeutic benefits, and style. Every feature is meticulously crafted to elevate your bathing experience. Indulge in the healing power of hydrotherapy as you immerse yourself in the gentle currents and invigorating bubbles. 

Mesa Malibu BT-062 Freestanding Whirlpool Clawfoot Tub

This jetted tub combines the timeless elegance of a clawfoot design with the power of a therapeutic massage bath. With its antique chrome faucet and lucite acrylic construction, the Malibu exudes both style and durability.

Best Features:

• 7 Massaging Power Jets: Experience the invigorating benefits of hydrotherapy as the targeted jets soothe and revitalize your body.
• Complete Back Massage: Let the high-pressure massage system relieve the knotted muscles on your back and shoulders.
• Quiet Water Pump: Enjoy a tranquil bathing experience with the whisper-quiet water pump that ensures a peaceful ambiance.

Why You Should Choose It:

This exceptional tub not only offers a stunning vintage appeal but also provides a powerful therapeutic massage bath. The Malibu epitomizes relaxation and luxury with its durable construction, massaging power jets, and complete back massage system. 

Mesa BT-084 Whirlpool Air Two-Person Corner Tub

This free-standing corner jetted tub offers a spacious interior and combines the therapeutic benefits of a whirlpool system with the soothing comfort of an air system. 

Best Features:

• 12 Whirlpool Jets: Rejuvenate your body with the powerful hydrotherapy of the 12 rejuvenating whirlpool jets, targeting muscles and promoting deep relaxation.
• Air System Included: Enhance your relaxation with the gentle release of air bubbles, adding a layer of comfort and serenity to your bathing experience.
• Dual Head Rests: Sink into blissful comfort as the ergonomic dual headrests provide support and relaxation for you and your companion.

Why You Should Choose It:

With its spacious design, a combination of whirlpool and air systems, and ergonomic features, this tub embraces hydrotherapy, targeting tired muscles and promoting overall well-being. Transform your bathroom into a sanctuary of calm and rejuvenation with this remarkable corner tub. 

Mesa 701A Steam Shower Tub Combo

This spacious combination steam shower and jetted tub is designed with a fully loaded steam shower, a 4KW high-output steam engine, 12 acupuncture jets, and 6 whirlpool jets, offering a rejuvenating and invigorating bathing experience like no other.

Best Features:

• ETL Certified: Meets rigorous safety standards for a secure and reliable bathing experience.
• Jetted Tub with 6 Massage Jets: 6 massage jets deliver a soothing and revitalizing hydrotherapy experience.
• Advanced Computerized LCD: Easily adjust temperature, time, and steam settings with the user-friendly LCD control panel, providing customization and convenience.

Why You Should Choose It:

This remarkable unit combines the indulgence of a jetted tub with the invigorating effects of a steam shower, offering both relaxation and therapeutic benefits. With its advanced features, impressive design, and exceptional quality, the Mesa 701A Steam Shower Tub Combo truly stands out.

Mesa 905 Steam Shower

Upgrade your bathing experience to new heights of luxury with the Mesa 905 Steam Shower. Designed to replace a standard tub and shower, this fully loaded combination steam shower offers unparalleled relaxation and therapeutic benefits. 

Best Features:

• 3KW Steam Generator: Immerse yourself in the soothing and detoxifying benefits of steam with the powerful steam generator.
• Hydro Massage and Acupuncture Jets: Experience the invigorating and rejuvenating effects of 6 hydro massage jets and 6 acupuncture jets, targeting specific body areas for ultimate relaxation.
• Rainfall Ceiling Shower and Handheld Showerhead: Enjoy a luxurious shower experience with the overhead rainfall shower and the convenience of a handheld showerhead.

Why You Should Choose It:

With its sleek design, advanced features, and outstanding quality, this powerful hot tub elevates your self-care routine and provides health benefits a regular shower can’t offer.

Risks of Using Hot Tubs

A hot tub can be a relaxing and enjoyable way to unwind, but it also has some potential risks you should be aware of before using it. Some of the reasons why a hot tub might be bad for you are:

1. You have a heart condition or high blood pressure. Hot tubs can raise your body temperature and blood pressure, which can stress your heart and cause irregular heartbeats, dizziness, nausea, or fainting.
2. You are pregnant or have a developing fetus. Hot tubs can affect your baby's blood flow, brain development, and skin sensitivity. You should avoid hot tubs during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. Always ask your doctor.
3. You have epilepsy or a seizure disorder. Hot tubs can trigger a seizure if you have one, which can lead to drowning if you don’t have someone nearby to help you. You should only use a hot tub with a trusted partner who knows what to do if you have a seizure.
4. You are intoxicated or under the influence of drugs. Hot tubs can make you lose your sense of awareness and judgment, increasing your risk of overheating, dehydration, or injury. You should avoid drinking alcohol or using marijuana before or while using a hot tub.
5. You have an open wound or infection. Hot tubs can expose your skin to bacteria that can cause rashes, conditions, or allergic reactions. Before using a hot tub, check your skin and cover any cuts or sores with bandages.

Despite the inherent risks associated with it, the benefits it provides to our physical health are substantial and noteworthy. Here are some insights about why Heat from Sauna & Hot Tubs Has Loads of Health Benefits by High Intensity Health.

Making the Most of Your Hot Tub

If you want to get the most out of your hot tub regarding health benefits, keep in mind the following suggestions:

1. Avoid very hot water. Ensure the water isn't too hot, with a maximum of 104°F (40°C). This can cause burns, dehydration, and skin irritation.
2. It is crucial to keep yourself hydrated, especially when using hot tubs, as they can cause sweating and dehydration. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your soak to replenish your fluids and electrolytes.
3. Limit your time in the tub. Don’t stay in too long, especially if you’re not used to it. A general rule is to limit your soak to 15 minutes or less per session. This can help prevent overheating, muscle fatigue, and blood pressure changes.
4. Wash afterward. Remove your bathing suit and wash with soap and lukewarm water. This can help remove dirt, bacteria, or chemicals accumulated in the water.
5. Supervision and Safety. If you're using a hot tub for therapeutic purposes, especially for individuals with medical conditions. While hot tubs offer numerous benefits, they should not be seen as a replacement for traditional medical care.

Takeaway

Basking in the warmth of a hot tub can work wonders for your overall well-being, from calming your body to revitalizing your mind. Regular use can help reduce muscle tension, promote better sleep, and provide a soothing escape from the stresses of everyday life. Remember, however, that they should be seen as a complementary therapy rather than a replacement for traditional medical care. It's essential to consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you have underlying health conditions. Are you ready to experience the surprising health benefits of using a hot tub?

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