In past posts we've described water as a "magic elixir" — drinking 8 to 10 glasses a day helps keep the mind sharp and the body healthy. It turns out that water is so much more than a vital hydration beverage; it’s also an ideal environment for helping our bodies recover from the daily stresses of life.
Speaking of stress, I just saw Gravity, the blockbuster Hollywood movie about astronauts adrift in space. In the film, the gravitational pull of our planet beckons Dr. Stone (a symbolic name if ever one existed; Stone equals rock equals solid ground)-played by Sandra Bullock-back to earth. Her ensuing race to find her own terra firma is a heart-pounding thriller. I won’t spoil the outcome but can't help pointing out a parallel between that film and the one you're about to see: Water plays a role in both.
In the case of Gravity, I'll only say the earth's surface-its vast dark seas and sparse terrain-stretches across the wide screen as an auspicious and ever-present character. And in the case of our short video, Live Dry, Recover Wet, water takes center stage as a featured player, a hero of sorts, here to help us live well and feel better.
Watch as our national trainer Scott Iverson shares some fascinating details about the role that water plays in our lives. Immersing in it-especially warm water-is a natural way to recover from the negative effects of our own gravitational pull-of living on dry land. What Scott shares will help explain why we encourage you to "take your wellness from the water" by enjoying your hot tub more often. We'd love to hear what you think about Scott's beach-side chat.
Some time around the year 50 AD the ancient Romans discovered the city of Bath, England and erected a temple to the hot spring mineral baths they discovered there. Shortly after it became a health getaway for the wealthy nobleman of the time, known then as the city of "Aquae Sulis". The Romans were on to something but they had been aware that warm water hydrotherapy was beneficial to good health long before then.
The ancient Romans appreciated the natural hot spring baths they discovered in the area now known as Bath, England.
What can I do about pain after a workout?
The big benefit of hot tub use is relaxation but the benefits to your health really go far beyond relaxation. Especially after a workout when muscles are sore and tight a soak in your hot tub increases blood flow and helps to alleviate pain. The buoyancy you experience soaking in a hot tub helps to take the weight off your skeletal system while the water pressure and heat (or cold) of the water warms arteries causing them to expand bringing oxygen enriched blood to your brain and heart. "Cold water" you ask? With the Cool Zone™ cold water hot tub cooling system, you can quickly cool your Caldera® hot tub for cold water therapy as well.
Relieve pain after a workout with hot or cold water therapy.
Is it better to use warm water or cold water therapy after a workout?
Like warm water therapy there are also distinct benefits to cold water therapy. Psychology Today reports that cold water can help with depression and anxiety just for starters. For athletes cold water baths and therapy helps to eliminate the lactic acid that is released when you workout. Cold water also helps to reduce swelling and could also help to eliminate brown fat from our bodies.
Cold and warm water therapy may help control weight and eliminate brown belly fat.
How do I protect my skin in the hot tub?
Whether exercising or using your hot tub, it is always important to protect your skin from the sun. You should use sunblock before and while you are exercising outside but be sure to rinse off before you get in your hot tub. Sunblock contains oils and chemicals that will directly effect the water quality of your hot tub. These will greatly reduce the effectiveness of your filter system and your hot tub water care products. You should always shower to remove beauty and skin care products before you climb in. If your hot tub is not in a covered area then you can use a spa side umbrella to protect your skin while you use your hot tub.
After you are done with your soak be sure to rinse off to remove any residue from your hot tub and that is the time to apply any health or skin care products that may be a part of your regular skin care regimen.
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