Your New Year’s resolution was to finally get into shape or perhaps to try that new vigorous exercise routine you have been lusting after. Either way all you know is that your muscles ache and the thought of sticking with this new routine is almost too much to bear. But before you quit or give up completely you may just need to try a form of hydrotherapy.
What Is Hydrotherapy?
Hydrotherapy is the use of warm water or rather water at varying warm temperatures that aid in the relaxation and relief of health conditions such as arthritis or poor circulation, and can also be used as a form of sore muscle relief. A hot tub is a great way to enjoy hydrotherapy in the comfort of your home or at the gym should you utilize their hot tub. An important factor to keep in mind when incorporating hydrotherapy into your daily regimen is to make sure that you have a clean bacteria-free environment within your spa or hot tub. Scheduling regular hot tub maintenance will help to maintain accurate chemical levels in your spa while also helping to assure that your hot tub is clean and safe to use on a daily basis. Warm water is a breeding ground for bacteria and if your spa or the facility’s that you are using is not maintained properly you are susceptible to various health concerns.
Understanding How Sore Muscles Are Created
Once you have a better understanding of how sore muscles are created you may just appreciate your
workouts more! First, we have Cellular Respiration, which is when sugars in the body are broken down into a form that your cells can use for energy. Next, we have Anaerobic Respiration which you may recognize as the burn you start to feel when your muscles are fatigued or you are doing an intense workout. This is due to a build-up of lactic acid that your body creates to help prevent harm to overworked muscles. While this means that your muscles are indeed working and that you are on your way to seeing results, it also means that you have a pretty good chance of being extremely sore and stiff. Instead of looking at those sore aching muscles as a reason to stop your new or increased exercise routine look at it as you are making proper gains!
This is also where hydrotherapy comes in! Warm water helps to promote the movement of muscle repairing metabolics. It also increases blood flow and flexibility while relieving sore muscles and speeding up muscle repair and recovery. Because of these amazing benefits found in the warm swirling waters of your spa or hot tub, it also helps to increase the chances that you will stick to your new exercise routine and hit those New Years’ resolutions that you made for yourself. Lets not also forget that relaxing and enjoying a warm muscle repairing soak in your hot tub is therapeutic for your mind and soul as well. The warm water can help to reduce tension and ease the stress of the day away.
Not sure if you are convinced yet on the benefits of hydrotherapy? Give it a try for yourself for 30 days. Soak in a well maintained and clean hot tub at least 3 days per week and especially after intense workouts and you will undoubtedly see just how great hydrotherapy can be for your sore muscles, mind, body, and spirit!