There are many benefits to soaking in a Beachcomber Hot Tub. It can allow you to destress and relax, it soothes sore muscles, and it creates a great social space.
A question we often hear is "can you exercise in a hot tub?".
Many people exercise in pools. Aqua aerobics and swimming are immensely popular. However, you can do some great exercises in hot tubs.
Benefits of Water-Based Exercise
The benefits of water-based exercise are numerous. A low-impact way to improve fitness makes it suitable for everyone.
1. Low-Impact on Joints
When you are exercising in water, there is much less pressure put on your joints and muscles. The buoyancy of water reduces the body's weight by up to 90%. This is great for people with joint issues such as arthritis or who are recovering from a previous injury.
2. Increased Muscle
When you exercise in water, there is a natural resistance making it a great way to increase your muscle mass and grow stronger. Water offers 12 times more resistance than air, making movements more challenging and targeting muscles you may not be able to reach during traditional exercise.
3. Improved Range of Motion and Flexibility
Water is buoyant – making moving around a lot easier in all directions. This makes it a great way to improve your flexibility and joint mobility. Your hips, shoulders, and back can all benefit from this - reducing the risk of injury by maintaining flexibility and range of motion.
4. Calorie Burn and Weight Loss
When you work out in water, you can burn as much energy as you do on land. The added resistance from the water can significantly increase your ability to lose weight and reduce body fat. Even gentle movements burn energy when you are exercising in a hot tub. Why put your body through running on a hard road when you can benefit as much with some hot tub based exercise?
5 Water-Based Exercises You Can Master Inside Your Hot Tub
1. Shoulder Rolls
Shoulder rolls are great for anyone with tight shoulder and neck muscles. Whether its from sitting at a desk all day, or driving long journeys, many people suffer in this area.
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.
2. Bicycle Kicks
Bicycle kicks are great for your core strength and endurance. When you incorporate these to your hot tub exercise routine, you will see overall fitness improvements.
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.
3. Leg & Hip Lifts
Having strong legs and hips makes everyday life much easier. How much time do we spend walking around, climbing stairs, lifting from the ground? Ensuring you maintain strength in your lower body is essential - it helps improve your balance, supports your lower back, and decreases your chances of running into injuries in the future.
Start with leg lifts, and stand up using the walls or edge of your home spa for support. Carefully extend your leg out to the side, repeating for 10-12 reps on both sides.
Moving on to hip lifts. While you are 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.
4. Arm Circles
This exercise is great for toning your arms and increasing your shoulder mobility. Make lifting and carrying objects a breeze with this hot tub exercise.
Extending your arms straight forward, 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 triceps 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.
5. Heel Raises
Heel raises are great for toning your calf muscles. These muscles are crucial for walking and running, and can improve your ankle stability.
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.
In conclusion, the benefits of exercising in a hot tub extend far beyond relaxation. You can enjoy the calming effects of warm water while partaking in water exercises that build muscle strength, flexibility, and heart health.
Whether you're looking to relieve joint pain, improve your fitness, or simply add variety to your workout routine, a Beachcomber Hot Tub offers a perfect space to get moving. With a few simple exercises, you can transform your hot tub into a wellness hub that supports both mind and body.