We all love soaking in a hot tub when the opportunity arises, and let’s be honest, it doesn’t arise often enough for most of us.
But maybe that’s something you ought to change. Maybe frequent hot tub sessions are as beneficial to your health as they are enjoyable.
Today, I’ll tackle some of the most well-known health benefits of soaking in a hot tub, as well as few nuggets that are guaranteed to surprise you.
#1 — Better Skin
Better skin? Hot tubs?
I know, it’s not the first benefit you’d expect to see on this list, and it’s certainly not something many would associate with hot tubs.
The science linking hot tubs to better skin is hotly debated, but it’s believed the high temperature of the water not only opens up and cleans your pores, but it also helps to draw those nasty toxins to the surface of your skin.
It’s also fair to say that frequent sessions have shown to alleviate some of the triggers behind bad skin, such as stress and poor circulation.
#2 — Alleviated Stress
Anyone who has ever set foot (or bum) in a hot tub will know what happens the moment those bubbles consume you.
Yep, it’s almost like a form of meditation.
The hot water combined with powerful jets pushing against your body is a recipe for relaxation, and the ultimate cure for stress.
So whether it’s from a grilling workout, a hard day at work, or even some personal struggles in your life, hot tubs are excellent at taking the edge off.
#3 — Improved Blood Circulation
While there are medications you can take and lifestyle changes you can make to improve your poor circulation, something as simple as relaxing in your hot tub could better your blood flow.
Experts say the hot water in your tub causes your blood vessels to open, which in turn lowers your blood pressure.
The warmth of the water also encourages blood flow, allowing better circulation throughout your body.
So yeah, while a spa session won’t necessarily cure poor blood circulation, it has shown to temporarily improve the symptoms associated with poor circulation.
#4 — Eased Muscle Pain & Tension
Whether it’s from working, exercising, dodgy sleep or poor posture, muscle pain is something we all frequently experience.
How do hot tubs help? Well, the water, often above 100°F, is just hot enough to loosen your muscles up and relieve you of some of that tension, especially when coupled with the weightlessness you get from being in the water.
You may not be surprised to see this on our list, but hot tubs are surprisingly overlooked as a way to relax and treat muscle soreness.
#5 — Improved Sleep
Science says that falling asleep faster is just a matter of raising your body temperature.
I know, it sounds counter-intuitive. After all, it’s hard to fall asleep feeling like the Human Torch from Fantastic Four, but stick with me.
The guys in lab coats have concluded that the process of cooling down relaxes you enough to help you fall asleep faster, and this process, no matter how subtle, can actually last for several hours.
The best way to take advantage of this “phenomenon” is to have a nice hot tub sesh around 2 hours before you intend to hit the sack, so that the gradual but significant temperature recalibration can work it’s magic.
#6 — Lowered Blood Sugar
Did you know 1 in 11 adults are diabetic?
Type 2 diabetes is the most common type, and, according to a 3-week study done by Dr. Philip L. Hooper, use of hot tubs is one way those affected by the disease can lower their blood sugar.
During the study, he found a 13% average reduction on blood sugar levels, with one of his subjects claiming an 18% reduction on his daily insulin dose less than 2 weeks into the experiment.
It turns out, being submerged in hot water has similar affects on your body as exercising, which makes an ideal alternative for Type 2 sufferers who, for whatever reason, are unable to carry out strenuous activities.
#7 — Better Endorphin Production
Endorphins are produced by your central nervous system to combat physical pain, but they also make you feel good – and who doesn’t want more of that?
Fortunately, hot tubs have shown to stimulate your endorphins, much in the same way a tough workout session does.
Yep, you read that right.
You can get some of the positive effects of exercising without actually exercising, but simply sitting on your butt for 20 minutes.
Interestingly, this one also ties in with a number of other benefits listed here, including a stronger immune system, reduced stress and improved sleep.
#8 — Reduced Joint Pains
This last one is more for the older folks, but its no secret that bone and joint pains can affect people of all ages.
One of the best ways to alleviate such pain is to soak yourself in a hot tub and let the water work it’s magic.
Thanks to our buoyancy in water, you only feel about 10% of your entire body weight which ultimately reduces the force of gravity on your joints.
This also relieves pressure on the surrounding muscles and can even decrease swelling and inflammation.
Let’s be honest, you don’t need to be a physician to see how soaking in a hot tub can take the edge off, and it’s no different when it comes to your bones and joints
Conclusion
Pheeew, there you have it!
A complete list of 8 health benefits associated with regular hot tub use — some more well-known than others, but all backed by science in one way or another.
So whether you’re looking to tackle a specific health issue, or you’re simply a fan of using hot tubs, this is all the justification you need to go ahead and give it a go.
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