Is It Good To Go In The Hot Tub Before Working Out?
Is It Good to Go in the Hot Tub Before Working Out?
Owning a hot tub offers numerous benefits for athletes and individuals that keep physically active. Whether you participate in sports such as hockey, soccer, rowing or just enjoy going for runs or working out a gym, soaking in a hot tub can help compliment your workout.
Often, people wonder if it is good to go in the hot tub before working out or if it is better to take a soak after exercising. The truth is both have their advantages if used correctly. In the article below, we will discuss how using a hot tub can help support your workout routine.
How Does a Hot Tub Help?
Wondering how soaking in a hot tub helps your body and workout routine? When you take a soak in a hot tub, the warm water temperature raises the temperature of your body (skin and muscles) which in turn causes the body’s blood vessels to dilate. Combined with the soothing massage features of the water jets, your muscles become relaxed, loosen up and tension is relieved. That being said, it is important to be aware of how to use your hot tub properly before and after a workout to maximize the benefits.
Pre-Workout
Going in your hot tub for a soak before your workout is an excellent choice. A quick soak of just ten minutes will help prepare your body for your workout routine and sports activity. Sitting in the hot tub will warm up your body and muscles (especially beneficial on colder days) and increase the blood flow to your limbs. The warm water will cause your body to begin to sweat, which helps burn calories. It is important to remember to stay hydrated while sitting in the hot tub so that you are fully hydrated once you begin your physical activity.
Post Workout
Although it may be tempting, it is not recommended to use a hot tub as soon as you have completed your exercise. After a workout, the temperature of your body is already raised, muscles are inflamed and you may be dehydrated from sweating. Sitting in a hot tub following these conditions can only make these symptoms worse. The best thing you can do after a workout is to drink water and allow your body to cool down. Instead of soaking in a hot tub, have a cool shower, drink plenty of fluids and allow your body to rest so that your muscles can recover.
24-48 Hours Post Workout
One to two days after a workout is the perfect time to reap the benefits of soaking in a hot tub. At this point, your body has cooled down and the hot water will increase blood flow to stimulate muscles and help repair tissue. When you exercise, muscle fibers are broken down, torn apart and then rebuild themselves in a stronger state, which is how ‘building muscle’ occurs. By soaking in a hot tub, you are helping your muscles receive the oxygen they need to rebuild at a faster rate. If you have become injured, soaking in the warm water is also very beneficial as the increased blood flow in your body will help your injury heal quickly.
Now that you know that soaking in a hot tub before exercising is a good idea and how you can use a hot tub post exercise for many benefits as well, download a hot tub buyer’s guideto learn more about the models we have available.
