You may be aware that hot tubs can be an excellent source of relaxation and hydrotherapy, but did you know they can also help you burn calories? When you sit in those heated waters, you will be increasing your blood flow and pushing the toxins out of your system. In this environment, you can easily perform low impact exercises that can help improve your overall fitness and burn more calories. If you are looking to lose weight, improve the health of your heart, build muscle, increase flexibility, or recover from an injury, you will find that a hot tub can be the perfect spot to complete numerous exercises. Continue reading to learn more about our favorite hot tub exercises that will be great for your overall health.
Core Workout
Sit or hold onto the wall of your hot tub with both hands, while turning your body inwards, facing the center of the hot tub. With your knees together, bring them to your chest then, with control, extend your legs out. Be sure to keep your back straight and shoulders back. This movement will help build your core. The suggested amount is 3 sets of 30 reps.
Shoulder Rolls
Stand in the center of your hot tub rolling your shoulders forward, then back. This move is intended to help joint mobility by using the combination of the water resistance and heat. You will also experience an increase of circulation in your shoulders, neck, and torso. The suggested amount is 3 sets of 30 reps.
Hand Claps
Stand in the center of your hot tub with your arms under the water. Extend them from your side, then bring them together like you are clapping. Continue to keep your arms in the water with your shoulders relaxed. You should feel it in your biceps, triceps, chest, and shoulders. The suggested amount is 3 sets of 20 reps.
Leg Extension
Sit in your hot tub with your legs extended towards the center. Begin to move your legs as if you were on a bicycle, rotating them in circles with your knees bent. This workout will your strengthen your hip flexors. If you are looking to up the intensity try straightening your legs as you extend, lower them, and then lift your legs again to create additional resistance. The suggested amount is 3 sets of 30 reps.
Torso Twist
Stand in your hot tub and cross your arms over your chest, then flex your abdominal muscles. Begin to slowly twist from side to side. Be sure to breathe as you twist. Relax your shoulders and challenge yourself to increase the range of motion you feel comfortable with. This can be an excellent workout for your oblique muscles. The suggested amount is 3 sets of 20 reps.
Heel Raise
Stand in the middle of the hot tub with both feet planted on the ground. Slowly stand on your tippy toes, go back down, and repeat. If you are struggling to balance, lightly place your hand on the wall of the hot tub for support. By performing this move you will begin to tone and slim your calves. The suggested amount is 3 sets of 30 reps.
It is also important to note that when you complete your hot tub exercises you should take a few minutes to stretch and cool down, this will help prevent injury. Clearly, you can benefit greatly from hot tub exercises as a way to get fit and relax!