Many people think of hot tubs as a wonderful way to relax and unwind but do not consider that they can help you burn calories as well. You may be surprised to learn that sitting in the warm water of a hot tub helps to increase blood flow as well as release toxins from your body. Hot tubs are an excellent environment to exercise in by performing low impact movements to build strength and burn calories. There are a number of exercises which can be performed that promote weight loss, tone muscles, assist with injury recovery, increase flexibility and improve heart health.
Below, we will highlight a few simple exercises that you can do in your hot tub.
Torso Twist
While standing, place your arms crossed over your chest and tighten your abdominal muscles. Begin to twist slowly from left to right (side to side) exhaling as you twist and inhaling as you return to your starting position. Make sure that your shoulders are relaxed and aim to increase your range of motion as you become more comfortable with the twisting motion. Torso twists are an optimal exercise for your oblique muscles. Perform three sets of 20 reps each.
Heel Raise
In the middle of your hot tub, stand up straight with your feet flat on the floor. Rise slowly from your heels to your toes and back down to the floor again. In the beginning, if you need help with balance, place one hand on the wall for support. This exercise helps to slim and tone your calf muscles. Perform three sets of 30 reps each.
Hand Claps
While in a standing, put your arms underwater and extend them out from your sides. Bring them back together to touch your palms together like in a slow clapping motion while remembering to keep your shoulders relaxed. This motion engages your biceps, chest, shoulders and triceps. Perform three sets of 20 reps.
Bicycle
While seated, extend your legs towards the center of the hot tub. Start rotating your legs in a motion similar to pedaling a bicycle. This workout is great for your hip flexors and to increase the the difficulty level, you can straighten, lower and lift your legs to create higher resistance. Perform three sets of 30 pedals each.
Core Workout
Sit on the edge of a hot tub seat and hold the wall with both hands while facing inwards toward the middle of your hot tub. Bring both knees towards your chest and in a quick, fluid motion, fully extend both legs at the same time. This exercise is a great workout for your core. Make sure to keep proper form by keeping your back straight and shoulders relaxed. Perform three sets of 30 reps each.
Shoulder Rolls
Stand in the center of your hot tub and begin to roll your shoulders forward and back. The combination of heat and water resistance helps increase the circulation in your shoulders, torso, and neck while improving joint mobility. Do three sets of 30 reps.
When you are finished your hot tub workout remember to take a few minutes to stretch and cool down.
Now that you know that hot tubs are a great way to exercise as well as relax, download a hot tub buyers guide to learn more about the models and features we have available.