When it comes to workouts and hot tubs, most often you hear about the benefits of soaking in a hot tub before you start exercising or as a way to soothe your muscles after you finish. But what about the ways to work out inside a hot tub? Hot tubs shouldn't just be looked at as a place for socializing and having fun. They are also packed with tons of amazing health benefits, that offer a safe, low-impact environment for exercise. This can prove particularly beneficial for anyone with joint pain, sports injuries, or anyone who wants to combine therapeutic exercises with the soothing heat and buoyancy of warm water. Remember, before starting any new exercise regime, it's always a good idea to get the go-ahead from your doctor.

5 Water-Based Exercises You Can Master Inside Your Hot Tub

Shoulder Rolls

Standing in the centre of your hot tub, begin your workout with light shoulder rolls, going both forward and back. The heat and resistance in water allow this simple, low-impact movement to improve joint mobility and boost circulation to your neck and shoulders. Start with repetitions of 20-30 and sets of 3-4.

 Bicycle Kicks

Sit in your Beachcomber with your legs towards the centre, hold tight onto the edge of the seat with both hands, and elevate your legs without taking them out of the water. Start making a pedalling motion as if you are riding a bicycle, with clean circular movements. Keep it up for 20-30 seconds, and mix up the speed depending on the level of cardio workout you are looking to achieve.

Leg & Hip Lifts

Strengthening both your legs and hips can help improve your balance, add support to your back muscles, and decrease your chances of running into injuries in the future. To achieve results in a hot tub, stand up using the walls or lip for support and carefully extend your leg outward and to the side. While seated, steady yourself with your hands, gently lift your hip muscles and slowly rest them back down. Repeat 10-12 times, and try to do 2 - 3 sets. 

Arm Circles

Define and tone your arms extending them straight outward, one or both at a time depending on the size of your hot tub. Then, work them in circles to build up your shoulder and tricep muscles with repetitions of 10-12. Repeat 2-3 times and see how you feel. If you like, add light weights to the workout as you start building more muscle.

 Heel Raises

Standing flat-footed in your hot tub, raise your heels onto your toes repeatedly for three sets of 15-30 repetitions. This move slims and tones your calves. If you need help staying balanced, contract your core, and place one hand on the wall for support.   

Remember whenever you are practicing any form of exercise always stretch. Warm water loosens up your muscles, making your hot tub the perfect place to stretch pre-or post-workout! As always, it's super important to ensure you are staying hydrated. So whenever you're in a hot tub, be sure to drink lots of water. Make sure to pay attention to your body during your hot tub workout and exit the water if you ever feel light-headed.