The allure of owning your own hot tub is undeniable. People are usually sold on the lifestyle: slipping into the tub on a balmy summer’s evening, cocktail or beer in hand, great tunes on and just letting your cares and worries slip away as the powerful therapeutic jets work their magic.
But it’s not all about the beer and the bubbles. But they are great, aren’t they?
Owning a hot tub also has health benefits that you probably have never even considered.
Relieve Stress
A study carried out in 2018 by The Mental Health Foundation discovered that 74% people have felt so stressed that they were unable to cope. Our fast-paced urban lifestyles mean that stress is not going to go away–it is only going to get worse.
Your hot tub is the perfect remedy for stress. We rarely give ourselves time to unwind, disconnect and recharge our batteries. Owning a hot tub and making time to take a dip provides exactly that. The combination of warm water, massaging jets, and white noise enables you to let go of the feelings of stress and anxiety.
Studies have also shown that hydrotherapy can give you an emotional and psychological boost–the perfect antidote after a stressful day or week. Add some aromatherapy crystals and you can supercharge the stress-busting power of your hot tub.
Reduce arthritic pain
Arthritis is a common yet painful condition that many people suffer from. Whether you suffer from Osteoarthritis or Rheumatoid Arthritis, it can be a constant struggle and the swelling and stiffness can be completely debilitating. Not to mention the effect it can have on your mental health.
However, recent research suggests that hot baths and yes, you guessed it, regular hot tub use can ease the symptoms of arthritis. Sufferers of Osteoarthritis, who used their hot tub frequently over a two-week period, noticed a significant reduction in the pain. So much so, that they suffered less pain than those who were on a drug treatment at the same time.
Research into the benefits of using a hot tub if you have rheumatoid arthritis also resulted in a reduction in pain over a prolonged period of use. The patients tested revealed that the hydrotherapy provided by the hot tub reduced pain, tension, and joint soreness.
So while a hot tub is not the sole answer and we do not recommend it as the only action you take to cope with arthritis, it appears that your hot tub can provide a temporary reduction in pain and swelling.
Lower diabetic sugar levels
There have been a number of studies in the last 10 years that have revealed that a regular dip in the hot tub can have a positive impact on diabetes.
They found that using a hot tub increases your blood flow and increases your body’s production of heat shock proteins, as well as boosting your body’s production of insulin. This can mean that you may need less insulin if you suffer from diabetes.
However, scientists are still divided on the benefits, but if you cannot exercise then taking a hot tub at the end of the day, after all strenuous exercise has been taken, may help. We recommend that you consult your GP before using your hot tub to help with diabetes.
Promote weight loss
According to research carried out in 2016, Soaking in your hot tub can burn as many calories as a 30-minute walk. Who knew? And if mobility is an issue, the support that you get from the water can really help you get started on your journey to better health.
So, using your hot tub as part of a weight-loss program could help. However, we do not recommend that you use your hot tub to replace regular exercise.
Sleep soundly
Many people suffer from insomnia and other sleep problems. In fact, over 30% of adults in the UK suffer from sleep issues. This can lead to problems with diet, mental health, productivity, focus, general well-being, and even your immune system.
Taking a long, relaxing dip in your tub is the perfect way to relax, unwind and prepare for sleep. A study of insomniacs revealed that a relaxing soak in a hot tub before bedtime leads to a night of better and more continuous sleep.
Lower blood pressure
Studies have shown that regularly using your hot tub can help to lower your blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health.
Using your tub for as little as 10/15 minutes a day is proven to reduce blood pressure. The hot water increases your heart rate, which helps you regulate your blood pressure. The study also revealed that relaxing in your tub is equal to a gentle session on an exercise bike, but far less stressful on the body.
Improve mobility
As we age, we generally tend to lose a bit of mobility. This can also be brought on by injury or conditions such as arthritis. Luckily, using your hot tub regularly can really help restore the range of motion that you have lost.
The warm water in your tub creates hydrostatic pressure (pressure caused by the weight of fluids) on your body. This can help reduce inflammation and the buoyancy created by the water enables you to stretch your muscles and use your joints much more than if you attempted it out of the water.
And you thought hot tubs were all cocktails and bubbles. Well, they are, but they can also help keep you healthy and support your quest to become leaner, fitter and more mobile. Why not have a look at our hot tubs today.
