Some people think that a long relaxation session in a hot tub or spa is the equivalent to a good jog. While sitting in a hot tub can have some general health benefits, it’s not quite the same as taking a jog in terms of overall health benefits. Let’s see what effects hot tub use and jogging have:
- Cardiovascular Health:
o Jogging: Improves cardiovascular fitness, strengthens the heart, and can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. In the long term, its effect is extremely positive, not only for the body, but also for the ,mind and soul.
o Hot Tub: While soaking in hot water can temporarily increase heart rate, it doesn’t provide the same cardiovascular workout as jogging. It also has a positive effect on the body and mind, but not to the same extent as jogging. - Muscle Strength and Endurance:
o Jogging: Engages multiple muscle groups, improves muscle strength, and enhances endurance. Running or jogging is one of the best forms of exercise if you want to build muscles and get lean.
o Hot Tub: Soaking in hot water can relax muscles and alleviate muscle tension, but it doesn’t actively contribute to muscle strength, growth, or endurance. Nevertheless, it is worth using it daily, especially the tired parts of the body will thank you for it. - Calorie Burning:
o Jogging: Burns a significant number of calories, helping with weight management. Jogging, coupled with a healthy diet, is ideal for losing weight in a healthy and sustainable manner.
o Hot Tub: Soaking in a hot tub doesn’t burn many calories, if any, as it is a passive activity. Regardless, it is good for the skin, muscles, heart and overall relaxation. - Mental Health:
o Both activities can have positive effects on mental health by reducing stress, promoting relaxation, and improving mood. That’s why it’s worth doing both activities regularly as part of your your daily or weekly health and wellness program.
In summary, while sitting in a hot tub can offer relaxation and temporary relief for muscle tension and stress, it doesn’t provide the same comprehensive health benefits as jogging or running. If you want to truly couple your hot tub with exercise, you should consider a Swim Spa, in which you can exercise and relax at the same time. In a swim spa you can jog or run in place like a water treadmill which provides low impact cardiovascular exercise. Or, simply swim in place which is also an extremely effective form of exercise. Swim spas have a temperature range of 85-104 degrees so they have all of the benefits of a traditional hot tub as well. One particular brand to consider is a Wellis Spas as they offer a dual temperature swim spa that is a single unit but has separated hot tub and swim areas that can maintain two temperatures.
Also, for more information visit our hot tub buyer’s guide pages. Also, click on the pink boxes and complete our free local quote form to get competitive prices from local dealers in your area. You can also click our “Spa Buyer’s Consult” link above to get one on one expert advice on the cold plunges available in your area.
