Hot Tubs & Cold Plunges For Ultimate Wellness

If you’re looking to enhance your health and wellness routine, you’ve come to the right place! The combination of hot tubs and cold plunges — known as contrast therapy — offers a range of impressive benefits that can transform your physical and mental well-being. Let’s dive into how these therapies work and how to incorporate them into your life.

Why Hot Tubs Are More Than Just A Soak

Hot tubs have been a favorite for relaxation, but did you know they come with a whole host of health benefits? Whether you’re using a traditional hot tub or a saltwater one, you’re in for some serious perks.

The Scoop On Salt Water Hot Tubs

Salt water hot tubs are becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason! Here’s what makes them special:

• Gentler on Your Body: The salt increases the water density, giving you better buoyancy. This means less pressure on your joints and muscles — perfect for anyone with aches and pains.
• Skin Benefits: Salt water feels silky smooth on your skin and can help with hydration. Plus, it may reduce inflammation, making it a great choice for those with skin sensitivities.
• Fewer Chemicals: Saltwater systems generate chlorine from salt, which means lower levels of harsh chemicals in the water. Your skin will thank you!
• Muscle Relaxation: The magnesium in salt water can help relax your muscles and improve nerve function, making it easier to unwind after a long day.

Traditional Hot Tub Benefits

Don’t count out traditional hot tubs! They also offer fantastic health benefits:

• Heart Health: Regular use can improve blood flow and support overall cardiovascular health.
• Stress Relief: The warm water is incredibly soothing, helping to melt away stress and tension.
• Better Sleep: Enjoying a soak before bedtime can lead to improved sleep quality — who doesn’t want that?
• Pain Relief: If you suffer from joint or muscle pain, the heat and buoyancy of hot tubs can provide much-needed relief.

The Chill Factor: Cold Plunges

Now let’s talk about cold plunges! These may sound daunting, but they come with some impressive health benefits:

• Speedy Recovery: Cold water immersion can help reduce muscle soreness and inflammation, making it a favorite among athletes and weekend warriors.
• Boost Your Immune System: Regular cold plunges may help strengthen your immune system, keeping those pesky colds at bay.
• Mood Booster: Cold exposure has been linked to reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety, plus it can give you an energy boost!
• Metabolism Kick: Cold plunges activate brown fat cells, which can help increase calorie burning — great news if you’re looking to manage your weight!

The Magic of Combining Hot & Cold Therapy

Using hot tubs and cold plunges together can amplify the benefits of both:

1. Better Circulation: Switching between hot and cold stimulates blood flow, which is great for overall health.
2. Faster Recovery: Alternating temperatures can reduce inflammation more effectively than either method alone.
3. Detox Support: This approach helps stimulate your lymphatic system, aiding in detoxification and immune function.
4. Mental Toughness: Practicing contrast therapy can also build mental resilience, helping you handle stress better.

How To Get Started With Contrast Therapy

For Regular Exercisers

• Start with a 10-15 minute soak in the hot tub after workouts.
• Follow it up with a brisk 1-2 minute cold plunge.
• Repeat this cycle 2-3 times.
• Aim for 2-3 sessions per week to see improvements!

For Serious Fitness Buffs

• Begin with a longer 15-20 minute soak in the hot tub.
• Transition to a 2-3 minute cold plunge.
• Repeat this cycle 3-4 times.
• Consider doing cold plunges alone after strength training sessions to aid recovery without hindering muscle growth.

Always listen to your body. If you’re unsure about starting any new wellness routine, especially if you have existing health issues, consult with a healthcare professional first.

Ready To Transform Your Health?

If you’re excited about experiencing the incredible benefits of contrast therapy for yourself, Hot Spring Spas of Iowa and the Twin Cities is here to help. Don’t miss out on this chance to invest in your well-being! Visit our showrooms today — your journey toward optimal health starts now!

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Embrace Winter Wellness: 6 Benefits Of Hot Tubbing In Cold Climates

As winter’s chill sets in, many of us retreat indoors. But what if you could enjoy the crisp air while staying warm and reaping health benefits? Enter the winter hot tub experience, a perfect blend of comfort and wellness for colder climates.

1. Boost Your Immune System

Winter often brings an uptick in colds and flu. Regular hot tub use can give your immune system a helping hand. Research shows soaking in warm water can increase the production of white blood cells, which are crucial for fighting off infections. The warm water raises your body temperature, mimicking a fever, which can stimulate the production of white blood cells and help fight off winter illnesses. By improving circulation, hot tubs help these immune-boosting cells reach all parts of your body more efficiently.

2. Relieve Winter Aches & Pains

Cold weather can exacerbate joint pain and muscle stiffness. Hot water therapy, or hydrotherapy, has been shown to provide significant relief for conditions like arthritis. The combination of heat and buoyancy:

• Reduces joint inflammation
• Improves flexibility
• Eases muscle tension

3. Enhance Mental Well-Being

Winter blues and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) affect many in colder climates. Regular hot tub use can help combat these mood disorders by:

• Promoting relaxation and stress reduction
• Improving sleep quality
• Increasing the production of feel-good hormones like serotonin

In colder climates, regular hot tub use in winter can be particularly effective in combating SAD. The combination of outdoor time, even in cold weather, and the relaxation provided by the warm water can help improve mood and reduce symptoms of winter depression.

4. Improve Cardiovascular Health

While it might seem counterintuitive, soaking in a hot tub can provide cardiovascular benefits similar to light exercise. A study found that regular hot tub use can lower blood pressure and improve heart health. This is especially beneficial for those who find outdoor winter exercise challenging.

Winter hot tub use can significantly improve circulation, which is particularly beneficial in cold weather when blood flow to extremities is reduced. This improved circulation can help keep you warmer even after you’ve left the tub.

5. Create A Winter Social Hub

Don’t let cold weather isolate you. A hot tub can become a unique gathering spot for friends and family. Socializing in this warm, relaxing environment can strengthen relationships and combat the isolation often felt during long winter months.

6. Enjoy The Outdoors Year-Round

With a hot tub, you can appreciate the beauty of winter – starry nights, snow-covered landscapes – without the discomfort of freezing temperatures. It’s a perfect way to stay connected with nature throughout the year.

Ready To Transform Your Winter Experience?

Consider adding a hot tub to your home. Not only will you create a relaxing retreat, but you’ll also invest in your health and well-being. Remember, always check with your healthcare provider before starting any new wellness routine, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions.

The post 6 Benefits Of Hot Tubbing In Cold Climates appeared first on Hot Spring Spas of Iowa and the Twin Cities.

This blog originally appeared on hotspring.com. It has been edited for clarity and length.

What Is The Ideal Hot Tub Temperature?

When you choose a Hot Spring spa, you’re not just buying a hot tub – you’re making a long-term investment in health, vitality, and well-being. Like any fitness equipment, a hot tub provides maximum benefit with regular use. It can become an essential part of a daily routine when it’s always ready and set to the perfect temperature.

Determining the ideal temperature is key to getting the most out of a hot tub experience, but there are several variables to consider.

What Temperature Should A Hot Tub Be?

While the ideal hot tub temperature varies from person to person and depends on factors such as age, health, and personal preference, there are recommended guidelines to keep in mind.

Set Temperature At Or Below 104° F Degrees For Adults.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission states that temperatures above 104°F are dangerous for adults because they can lead to heatstroke. For a comfortable soak, most people set their hot tub between 100°F and 102°F. Healthy adults are safe to soak at these moderate temperatures for 20 minutes at a time.

Start Low, Then Gradually Raise The Spa Temperature.

Set the spa controls to 98°F or 99°F, and as you soak, increase the temperature gradually until you can enjoy an invigorating massage without feeling overheated. If you have the urge to get out or sit on the cooling step after a couple of minutes, that’s a sign that the water temperature is too high for comfort.

Consider The Preferences Of Everyone In The Tub.

When soaking with friends or family members, consider the age and health of everyone in the tub, and set a temperature appropriate for everyone in the group.

How Long Will It Take For My Spa To Warm Up When I'm Ready To Use It?

After filling the spa for the first time, allow 18 to 24 hours for the water to reach a temperature of 100°F. After an initial setup is complete and you’re enjoying daily hot tub use, you’ll want to make sure the hot tub is always ready to deliver the ultimate in hydrotherapy. To do so, simply set the spa to your ideal temperature, then close it up and leave the thermostat set at that level. Hot Spring spas feature insulated cabinets, custom-fitted covers, and energy-efficient circulation pumps that work together to maintain a steady temperature while conserving energy.

How Much Will My Utility Bill Increase?

Utility costs vary depending on model and usage, but you can be confident a Hot Spring spa is built to be energy efficient. All models are certified to the California Energy Commission (CEC) requirements. California sets the standard for energy-efficient hot tubs, so you can have peace of mind knowing that it’s designed to keep operating costs low no matter where you live.

When Should I Change My Normal Temperature Setting?

While a “set it and forget it” approach is recommended for convenience, energy efficiency, and the longevity of the spa, here are some times when you should consider dropping the water temperature by a few degrees:

• When you’re exercising in your hot tub, such as doing stretches or yoga.
• When the outdoor temperature is high, or if you’re overheated from exercise or illness.
• If there will be others in the tub who require a lower temperature.

What Temperature Is Best For Hydrotherapy For Arthritis Relief?

A hot tub soak is good for you! The heat improves blood flow, can help improve joint flexibility, and can provide relief from arthritis pain. There are even recommended hot tub stretches and water exercises for arthritis relief. You can experience these benefits at relatively low temperatures – so set the spa at around 100°F to start, and raise it to suit your comfort level.

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