Whenever some of us think of hot tubs or spas, usually one of the first things that may come to mind is how it’s merely a luxury activity that can only be enjoyed when off on vacation or some other luxurious indulgence. While a dip in a hot tub is truly an enjoyable and luxurious indulgence, the health benefits that come with regular soaks in a hot tub are simply the icing on the cake. Here are just some of the ways a hot tub can help you to live a healthier life.
Muscle and Joint Aches/Pains
It’s no secret that sore and achy body parts respond positively to the restorative benefits of hydrotherapy. Sports teams, wellness experts, and physical therapists, among countless others, have long used hydrotherapy to not only treat sore and stiff muscles, but to increase blood flow that aids in the body’s restorative process. Most hot tubs also incorporate powerful massage jets and nozzles that provide constant, steady pressure to knead and massage tired muscles. Also, the water’s buoyancy helps to alleviate the stress of your body’s weight on all your joints and muscles, helping you to drift off into relaxation while enjoying a sense of relative weightlessness.
Cardiovascular Health and Diabetes
Nearly half of all adults in the U.S. suffer from hypertension, or high blood pressure. Hypertension puts you at risk for heart disease and stroke, both leading causes of death in the U.S. The higher water temperatures in a hot tub naturally cause your body temperature to go up, which results in your blood vessels dilating, which helps to lower blood pressure. After consulting with a doctor, those at risk for hypertension or heart disease might experience the improvement that a hot tub provides by increasing their heart rate while lowering their blood pressure. This increased cardiovascular activity also provides more nutrient-rich blood to reach muscles in order to help lower blood sugar and blood glucose levels.
Stress, Anxiety, and Poor Sleep
Some of the most effective ways a hot tub provides improved health is in using the calming effects of hydrotherapy to improve not only your physical health, but your mental health, as well. A quiet daily soak can do wonders for the mind. Whether it’s a morning soak to get your mind focused at the beginning of the day or a dip in the hot tub after a long day, you’ll experience lower stress and anxiety levels, similar to the effects of meditation and other methods of getting calm and centered. It’s also been shown that a soak before bedtime can improve sleep by first increasing your body temperature, only to have it drop once you exit the tub, resulting in a rapid drop in body temperature that sets your body up for a deep and restorative sleep that also helps to maintain good mental and physical health.
For more information on all the ways a hot tub can change your physical and mental health, contact the spa professionals at Atlanta Spa & Leisure to schedule a visit to either one of their local Atlanta showrooms. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, they offer the highest quality products at the lowest possible prices and strive to make your shopping experience as fun and relaxing as possible.
