Will A Hot Tub Help Sore Muscles? – Guest Post

Many are aware of the incredible benefits hot tubs can have on sore muscles. Many people who may be experiencing stiffness, aching from high impact exercises, overworked muscles or pain from sitting at a desk for too long can find relief through some hot tub time. The warm waters can help relieve sore muscles, soothe overworked joints, and calm creaky bones. But how exactly does a hot tub do so much to provide relief? In the following article, we discuss how regular hot tub use can help ease many aching body issues and support your home fitness routine.

Muscle Massage

When you enjoy the hot tub jets, you will be experiencing a massage that relieves pain and promotes recovery, especially after intense exercises. Even if you only have time for a short warm water massage, you can do a lot to help your pain relief, recover, and athletic performance. You may even have sore muscles from other sources than athletic performance or feel overworked. No worries! The warm water massage is perfect for loosening up all tight muscles, aches, and pains.

Exercise Warm Up

Hot tubs are not just for post-exercise use. Using a hot tub beforehand can actually prepare and warm up the muscles to better exert during a performance. The hot tub soak will increase blood circulation and oxygen that is moved through the body. This makes lactic acid build up less likely, reducing your chances of sore muscles, injury, and increase your ability to perform.

Reduce Lactic Acid

When you encounter sore muscles, it is most likely due to the buildup of lactic acid. This is created when you restrict the amount of oxygen in the muscles as they perform work. Lactic acid will then be converted into energy absent of oxygen. This allows your body to continue working, despite the missing oxygen. It should be noted that lactic acid builds up much quicker than the body is able to burn it, resulting in sore muscles. Many studies have come out saying that taking a warm water soak in a hot tub can actually decrease your lactic acid in muscles, allowing you to reduce the pain felt post workout.

Hot Tubs For Athletes And Office Workers

For a long time, many athletes have taken soaks in a hot tub before playing sports to absorb the benefits of the warm waters and jets. However, the benefits of a hot tub soak are not limited to those who practice strenuous sports, who need to stay limber and pain-free. With more people spending many hours at their desks and computers, too many people find themselves suffering from chronic and debilitating pain. Taking the time to soothe those muscles in hot water allows your body to relax and calm those nerves.

A Caution For Exercisers

While a hot tub soak has proven to help aching and sore muscles find relief, you should cool down following strenuous exercise before taking a dip. Also, be sure to rehydrate before taking your soak. Once you complete your exercise, practice your cool down routine otherwise your risk increasing inflammation and slow down your recovery. Once your cool down routine is complete, rehydrate and allow yourself a comforting soak in your home.

About the Author

Ann Kaknon has been in the fitness industry for over 10 years including work as a dietician, personal trainer, and athletic trainer. She now spends her time at home with her kids and writing about her fitness experiences on the side. If you want to contact her you can do so on her LinkedIn.