Just hearing the words “hot tub” can conjure up visions of sheer luxury or good times with close friends. But hot tubs can offer benefits beyond just fun and relaxation. Many people find a nice soak in a bubbling hot tub can help to relieve the stresses of the day. Others find relief from lower back pain or after exercising Hot tubs also provide a low-impact environment for exercise: Because you weigh only 10 percent of your actual body weight in water, there is less pressure on your joints. The low-impact environment is ideal for arthritis and fibromyalgia patients, as well as runners who may have suffered knee injuries. Water’s resistance also forces your muscles to work harder, making aquatic exercise an effective activity for strength training and endurance. Performing mild exercises in warm water (100 – 102 degrees F) is a soothing and gentle way to tone, strengthen, and rehabilitate muscles. (Always consult your physician before beginning any exercise routine.)
Still, if it makes you feel good, and there is no reason to avoid hot water — such as pregnancy or heart disease — a hot tub can be a very enjoyable way to relax and socialize. Experts say the best hot tub and swim spa is the one that best fits your lifestyle, which is a very personal decision. That may explain why most consumer publications don’t test or rate hot tubs. Buying a new or used hot tub or swim spa is a big decision and should be researched very carefully and make sure you deal with a reputable firm with warranties and or manufactures guarantee’s.
Swimming is the fourth most popular sports activity in the United States and a good way to get regular aerobic physical activity. Just two and a half hours per week of aerobic physical activity, such as swimming, bicycling, or running, can decrease the risk of chronic illnesses. This can also lead to improved health for people with diabetes and heart disease. Swimmers have about half the risk of death compared with inactive people. People report enjoying water-based exercise more than exercising on land. They can also exercise longer in water than on land without increased effort or joint or muscle pain. Water-based exercise can help people with chronic diseases. For people with arthritis, it improves use of affected joints without worsening symptoms. People with rheumatoid arthritis have more health improvements after participating in hydrotherapy than with other activities. Water-based exercise also improves the use of affected joints and decreases pain from osteoarthritis.
Water-based exercise improves mental health. Swimming can improve mood in both men and women. For people with fibromyalgia, it can decrease anxiety and exercise therapy in warm water can decrease depression and improve mood. Water-based exercise can improve the health of mothers and their unborn children and has a positive effect on the mothers’ mental health. Parents of children with developmental disabilities find that recreational activities, such as swimming, improve family connections.
Water-based exercise can benefit older adults by improving the quality of life and decreasing disability. It also improves or maintains the bone health of post-menopausal women. Exercising in water offers many physical and mental health benefits and is a good choice for people who want to be more active. When in the water, remember to protect yourself and others from illness and injury by practicing healthy and safe swimming behaviors.
Yes, swim spa’s and hot tubs are a luxury, however with the manufacturing today with all its new technology competitive prices are so available. You might be surprised to see that you can afford one or both of these wonderful enjoyable pleasures in life. So, at least go to a few of your local reputable hot tub and spa outlet and test the waters so to speak and see if you too can fit yourself into one of these joys.
