Hot Tubs South Bay

Hot Tubs And Spas: Your Key To Faster Recovery

If you’re an athlete, then you know that minimizing the time your muscles need to recover between workouts is the key to making gains, whether in the weight room or with your race times.  You likely already know all the standard advice: stretch, use ice if you have swelling, and so forth.  But did you know that one of the hot tubs for sale Palos Verdes has to offer might be what you need to take your fitness to the next level?  Here’s the science behind using targeted hot tub sessions to improve your training.

 

  1. Soothe Your Muscles

After a great run or a challenging workout, your muscles actually need to repair themselves.  That’s how they get stronger, after all: suffering microscopic tears, that then need to heal and become tougher for the next time you work out.  Increasing circulation, whether through massage, stretching, or other “active recovery” techniques, can significantly decrease muscle soreness and lessen recovery time.  The gentle, relaxing warmth of a hot tub is an ideal addition to other active recovery techniques, since it enhances your circulation, which helps remove painful lactic acid from your muscles.  (There IS a set of do’s and don’ts about this, however–see our hint below to make sure you’re soaking at the right time.)

 

  1. Enhance Your Sleep

Experts agree that one of the most vital things you can do to recover from hard workouts is simply get enough sleep.  It can be difficult in our stressed, modern lives, however, to wind down enough to fall asleep.  If you’re having trouble relaxing enough to get your rest, try a nightly session in your hot tub.  The combination of warm water and “me time” might be just what you need to ensure a healthy 8 hours of sleep.

 

  1. Warm Up Cold Muscles

While you shouldn’t jump in the hot tub right after a hard workout or run (see below), you can use the hot tub to warm up your muscles before you start a workout, especially if you’re going to be exercising outside on a cold day.  For example, you might slip into the hot tub for five or ten minutes, towel off and put your running clothes on, and then set off on your run.  While a hot tub session won’t replace your usual warm-up, it can help jump-start your workout.

 

  1. Use It At The Right Time

So, should you just hop straight into the hot tub after your workout?  As appealing as it sounds, if you’re still experiencing swollen muscles that are extra-warm to the touch, getting in the hot tub can sometimes actually make your swelling worse.  For example, if your sore muscles are from running, it’s advised that you wait between 36-48 hours after your run before you get into the hot tub, making sure to rehydrate in between.

Hydrotherapy is a valuable part of any athletic recovery plan.  While you should talk to your doctor and personal trainer if you have any questions, most people can start enjoying the benefits of enhanced mental and physical recovery in their hot tubs right away.

 

Sources:

 

Benefits Of Hot Tubs For Athletes – www.thecoverguy.com

Sore Muscles From Running & A Hot Tub – www.livestrong.com