Yes, you read that right. Hot tubbing counts as exercise.
In this article, we’re going to show you how and even offer some statistics to prove it!
Show Me the Proof
A recent study found that spending time in a hot tub can lower blood pressure and inflammation while increasing metabolism.
What’s more, you can burn 140 calories in 30 minutes soaking in your hot tub. This is the same number of calories you burn taking a 30-minute walk around your neighborhood.
In addition, during this study, they discovered that the blood sugar levels of participants after eating were about 10% lower when they took a hot bath compared to when they exercised.
These results show an added benefit to your physical fitness from soaking in a hot tub. Imagine on the days when you can’t fit in exercise in addition to your daily soak. It appears that your hot tub soak has health benefits for those who can’t exercise regularly.
We can also take this one step further and add exercise to your hot tub soak for additional benefits. Here’s how.
Jog in Your Hot Tub
You already know that soaking is exercise, but what if you jogged in place in your hot tub, too?
This is a great use of your time because you get your cardio done in the hot tub in a low-impact way.
And, as you jog, the warm water dilates your blood vessels, and oxygen feeds your muscles, making your exercise routine more efficient.
While jogging on land is hard on bones and joints, jogging in the water is easy on the body. You don’t have pain, but you do improve your aerobic fitness and reduce body fat.
Stretch in Your Hot Tub
Stretching in the hot tub is great for your body because the warm water helps to loosen muscles.
You can even do arm lifts and push-ups on the side of your hot tub for some strength training.
Grab your aqua dumbbells as well because they increase your resistance.
Simply Sit in Your Hot Tub
Remember that just soaking in your spa counts as exercise.
Even though it’s a passive activity, the warmth of the water and the massage of the jets reduce swelling and the load on your joints while promoting muscle relaxation.
Hot tubs are also ideal for injury recovery. Even though you can’t exercise on land, you can soak in the hot tub and enjoy the health benefits of mild exercise.
Final Thoughts
Multiple studies show the benefits of hot tub use. So, the next time you are pressed for time, or it’s late at night, remember that your hot tub soak counts as exercise.
What’s more, not only are you exercising your heart, but you’re also relaxing, enjoying a massage, and increasing your health each day.
Do you use your hot tub for exercise? If so, we’d love to hear more about it! If you don’t have a hot tub and are interested in learning more, download our Hot Tub Buying guide for information!
