I soaked in the hot tub every day for a month and here's what happened.
The 30 Day Hot Tub Challenge
You may have noticed over the past few years that hot tubs have reinvented themselves from "hot tub time machine" parties and evolved into a wellness icon.
People around the world are amazed at the benefits they have experienced from implementing the practice of a daily whirlpool bath, and a wealth of studies have sprung up demonstrating the health benefits of hot tubs. This is not a new discovery, for thousands of years soaking in hot water and hot springs has been used by cultures as diverse as the ancient Greeks, Russians and Japanese to relieve pain, increase blood flow and circulation and promote relaxation. 🇧🇷
As someone who likes to be "informed," I embarked on a 30-day hot tub challenge to see if I could reap some of these benefits by making the daily hot tub a part of my routine. As far as kale juice and coffee enema health trends go, this one sounded pretty good!
I decided to start every day with a soak in the hot tub. I woke up 30 minutes before the family, grabbed a towel and headed to the hot tub. I have an above ground bath with a lid. It's the kind of hot tub that is always kept warm, which made this a very comfortable challenge for me.
1. My back stopped hurting.
I have a degenerative disc in my lower back. Because of this I have chronic back pain and sometimes my back hurts lying on the couch for a few days. When I wake up in the morning, my back is noticeably stiff and sore. From day one of the hot bath I noticed a definite improvement in my back. Gentle stretches in the warm water combined with the whirlpool jets on my back had an immediate effect in relieving morning stiffness. However, what I have noticed is a cumulative effect. My back got better with every day in the hot tub.
My observations from my own hot tub experience are supported by numerous studies of hot tubs or hydrotherapy for pain. Osteoarthritis, strained muscles, sports injuries and joint pains are relieved as the hot water and jet massage relax the surrounding muscles, reducing muscle spasms; It also dilates blood vessels, increasing blood flow and promoting healing of injured tissue. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases states that heat also "changes pain perception" — in other words, it feels good and provides much-needed relief for acute or chronic back pain.
A study published inBritish Journal of Rheumatologyshows that patients treated with whirlpool therapy showed greater improvement from mobility to pain relief than a group of patients treated with medication alone.
Need an excuse to join me for a 30-day hot tub challenge? It's so effective for pain that IRS regulations may allow a deduction on your hot tub purchase if your doctor recommends hot water therapy for a medical condition!
2. I have more energy during the day.
Starting the day in the hot tub had a huge impact on my energy levels. It might sound like an oxymoron that something as relaxing as a hot tub can actually boost energy. The science behind this phenomenon has to do with cortisol levels in the body. Stress can increase cortisol, which can drain energy and leave you exhausted. Studies have shown that hydrotherapy reduces the amount of cortisol in the body by up to 50%. According to these calculations, a dip in the hot tub can effectively double your energy level. This 15-20 minute soak prepares me for the day relaxed and in the right frame of mind to face life's challenges. My mind is clearer and I can get so much more done in my day.
Abraham Lincoln famously said, "Give me six hours to chop down a tree, and I'll spend the first four sharpening the ax." Well, in my case, "Give me 16 waking hours to get everything done, and I spend the first 30 minutes in a hot tub to improve my mind, body and spirit.”
3. I am a better mom.
Maybe it's time to be alone in the morning to regroup before the day begins. Maybe it's the jets. Maybe it's the hot water. Maybe it's the quiet time to take a break before the day starts or to be outside and connect more with nature. Whatever the reason, my kids are benefiting from my 30-day Jacuzzi Challenge. Stress leads to muscle tension, headaches, irritability, fatigue and pain. Regular use of the hot tub relieves tension and all the symptoms associated with stress through a combination of buoyancy, heat and massage.
I am much calmer and have more patience with my children. An added bonus; They also joined me a few times in my new morning routine for a wonderful electronics-free time.
4. I'm not that cold during the day.
I'm always cold. Honestly, the hardest part of the 30-day hot tub challenge was getting from my bed to the tub in the cool morning air. But I have found that the jacuzzi warms me up and keeps me warm. In fact, I don't think there's a quicker or more comfortable way to optimize your body temperature than with a relaxing soak in a hot tub. Warms inside and out and leaves you with a fabulous feeling!
The reason for that? Immersing the body in hot water up to the neck is a kind of exercise for the blood vessels. Because water creates physical pressure in the body, which increases the performance of our heart and improves blood circulation. In other words, when we're immersed in water, the heart works faster and harder to warm it up. This isn't a massive undertaking - more of an easy exercise. A few dives a week is great exercise for your heart.
5. I sleep better.
A more productive day, waking up earlier, better stress management, and less body aches are attributes of a better night's sleep. My Fitbit shows my sleep has dropped from 6-7 hours a night to 8 hours since I started the 30 day hot tub challenge.
The studies I've found on hydrotherapy and sleep recommend taking a 15-minute soak in a hot tub about 90 minutes before trying to sleep for the best results.
6. I lost 5 kilos.
You may be as surprised or skeptical of this claim as I am. I was shocked to discover that I'd lost 10 pounds during my 30-day hot tub challenge without changing my eating or exercise habits. Why have I lost weight and is it from soaking in the hot tub?
I found several studies that show this may be true. A study by the New England Journal of Medicine found that whirlpool therapy mimics the beneficial effects of exercise. In one clinical study, patients using hot tubs lost an average of 3.5 pounds in weight compared to controls without a new diet or exercise program. In another study, people with type 2 diabetes who spent 3 weeks in a hot tub for 30 minutes a day, 6 days a week experienced an average 13% reduction in blood sugar levels.
While I didn't find bathing in a hot tub to be equivalent to physical exercise, I did notice a rise in body temperature and a surge in energy, both symptoms of an increased metabolism. This could be attributed to weight loss. Anyway, I'm very happy with the result!
7. I have less joint pain
Every day I am weightless for 30 minutes. I float without gravity squeezing my joints, allowing the warm water to raise my core temperature and increase circulation. I get out of the hot tub without my usual morning joint pain and stiffness. It's my natural alternative to Tylenol or Aleve.
It's so effective for joint pain that the Arthritis Research Foundation recommends using a hot tub as an excellent way to apply heat to arthritic joints because of its tremendous ability to relax muscles, relieve joint pain and stiffness, which in turn allows for greater ease Conducting exercises and daily activities.
8. Getting up early is easy! Habits – Research – Suggestion Reward Cycle
Getting up early is always one of my New Year's resolutions. But hitting the snooze button always wins. I recently picked up a book by the titleforce of habitby Charles Duhigg to see if it could provide a habit changing lifehack of waking up earlier. The author speaks of a "Referral Reward Cycle". Duhigg says the MIT researchers discovered a simple neurological loop at the heart of every habit, a loop made up of three parts: a cue, a routine, and a reward. I decided that instead of giving a negative cue like an alarm clock ringing, my cue to wake up and get in the hot tub would be the coffee pot. Every night before bed, I set the coffee maker to automatically brew at 5:30 am and place a towel at the end of the bed. As the coffee maker beeps, I get up, grab a towel and a cup of coffee, and head to the hot tub. This is the new "routine". my reward? you guessed I drink my morning coffee in the hot tub! Basically, I reset my morning routine with a new, healthier habit. For the first time in my life, getting up early is easy and I'm not hitting the snooze button anymore!
9. More time outdoors, enjoying nature.
Being outside in the morning when the air is crisp and the birds are all busy and chirping is a reward in itself. Being able to enjoy my garden in warm water means I'm far more likely to spend more time enjoying the great outdoors. The spa has become my private retreat where I can relax, let go and enjoy meaningful conversations and special moments with my loved ones surrounded by nature.
I plan to continue with my new morning routine. I love my new habit of getting up early. Improving my physical and mental well-being has motivated me to adopt healthier habits. Next, I plan a morning journal (aka morning pages). I look forward to journalingNOThe hot tub! I encourage you and everyone to challenge yourself to 30 days in the hot tub. I can guarantee this will be one of the most enjoyable and valuable health boosts you will ever experience. I'll give up until the next wellness trend. Good luck and have a good bath! 🇧🇷
If you would like to join me for a 30 day hot tub challenge, post your Instagram photos with the hashtag #30dayhottubchallenge
Do you want to keep learning? Check out our guidemaintenance of the hot tub coveron here.
5 replies to "I soaked in the hot tub every day for a month and here's what happened.”
I bought an expensive hot tub last February and have been in it 4 times now. I had polio when I was 9 months old. I hurt my back!! I feel pain every day. Why did I blind my eyes to get in the hot tub?
Thank you for your contribution. You made me hungry to do the 30 day trial. My joints and back hurt so much!! What am I waiting for?
Thanks again.?Thanks great read .. I'll start
Thank you for this exciting news. We just bought a hot tub and it will be delivered this week!! So excited now with your wonderful results. I have told my husband that this would be the best for our health and as a mutual valentine's day gift, I am so happy to read your wonderful results in 30 days God bless you ❤️-❤️
I loved your article
I have a morning routine of stretching, journaling, meditation, and coffee.
But my evening routine is a hot tub around 4:30 or 5pm and I agree with you...all the health benefits of being in the moment and enjoying nature are definitely some of them
Yes I have been in my routine for 2 weeks and I have been so happy to connect with your experiencesMy husband has wanted a hot tub for 2 years and I finally decided to seek information on it. Their 30 day challenge brings a whole different perspective to this and I think getting one would be a good idea. We are both in our fifties and joint pain is more common now. Ours has to be outside so it doesn't get hot all the time. Thank you for your contribution.
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FAQs
What happens if you use a hot tub everyday? ›
THE UNIQUE BENEFITS OF REGULAR HOT TUB SOAKS
When you soak in a hot tub once in a while, you'll experience physical and mental relaxation on the spot, but when you soak daily as part of a normal routine, you'll likely experience: Widespread and lasting stress and tension relief and relief from pain.
Staying in your hot tub too long can result in dizziness, light-headedness, overheating and dehydration, especially if you're soaking at a higher temperature. It can also cause burns, decrease in blood pressure, increased heart rate, nausea and vomiting.
What disease can you get from a hot tub? ›If contaminated water stays on someone's skin for a long time, it can cause a rash known as “hot tub rash” (Pseudomonas folliculitis). Hot tub rash is caused by the germ Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This germ is commonly found in the environment (for example, in water or soil).
Does a hot tub detox your body? ›Interestingly, the warm waters of your tub also stimulate detoxification through the kidneys, liver, colon, and lungs by “inducing lymphatic flow, improving circulation, and calming inflammation.” The skin is not the only organ through which toxins can be eliminated from the body, although it is the largest and most ...
Does a hot tub burn belly fat? ›Burning Calories in a Hot Tub
Seems strange, but it's true! A daily soak in your hot tub can help you lose weight, even if it's in an indirect way. If you weigh around 150 pounds, you can normally burn up to 17 calories or . 005 pounds of fat by simply submerging yourself in your hot tub for 15 to 20 minutes.
What are the symptoms of Hot Tub Lung? The most common symptoms are cough and shortness of breath. These symptoms often occur soon after exposure to the contaminated water.
Does hot tub raise blood pressure? ›"The high temperatures in a warm tub or sauna cause your blood vessels to dilate, which lowers blood pressure," says Dr. Adolph Hutter, professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School. The volume of blood your heart pumps will also rise, especially in a hot tub.
How much hot tub time is too much? ›As a general rule of thumb, most hot tub sessions last between 15 and 45 minutes. If after 45 minutes you want to keep soaking, we recommend stepping out for a bit to give your body a break.
How do you detox your body from a hot tub? ›Soak in a Hot Tub
The water inside most modern hot tubs is heated to around 100°F to 104°F. While spending time inside your spa, your core body temperature will rise, ultimately leading to sweat. The more you sweat, the more toxins will be expelled through your pores and skin.
Hydrotherapy in a hot tub reduces inflammation from your muscles and eases soreness. Regular use of a hot tub can help you manage mild to severe inflammation caused by overuse. That means you'll experience less pain and enjoy better mobility.
Are hot tubs good for arthritis? ›
A hot tub is an excellent way to combine heat therapy and hydrotherapy for arthritis pain. Potential benefits of hydrotherapy include : increased blood flow. relief from pain and stiffness.
How do you know if you have bacteria in your hot tub? ›Look out for slime, a sour smell or unclear water – clear signs of a bacterial infestation. You can often see/smell the bacteria long before it becomes a serious problem. That's usually a symptom of bacteria in your hot tub.
Can you get a bacterial infection from hot tub? ›Hot tub folliculitis is an infection of your skin's hair follicles caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a type of bacteria found in many hot tubs and pools. The condition often clears up on its own in one to two weeks without treatment. Call your healthcare provider right away if you develop fever or if symptoms worsen.
What does hot tub folliculitis look like? ›The primary symptom of hot tub folliculitis is a bumpy, red rash that's often itchy. The bumps may be filled with pus, and they can resemble acne. This rash may develop anywhere from a few hours to several days after exposure.
Does a hot tub speed up your metabolism? ›INCREASES METABOLISM – Soaking in a hot tub simulates exercise as your circulation increases and your metabolism speeds up from sitting in the hot water.
Do hot tubs help reduce cellulite? ›The warm water and massage stimulates the blood vessels increasing circulation. It also helps tone the body tissue, reduces fluid retention, and relieves swelling. When you add all of these benefits together you may well find that the result is a reduction in the appearance of cellulite!
What is the best temperature for a hot tub? ›According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, the water temperature of a hot tub is best between 100°F and 102°F.
How long should you sit in a hot tub? ›Ideally, you should aim to time your hot tub sessions to last between 15 and 30 minutes. Depending on the factors at play (i.e., water temperature), you might be able to extend your soak to 45 minutes. Keep in mind that you can always re-enter your hot tub later on!
Do hot tubs help with back pain? ›Hot tubs are ideal for back pain because: The warm, soothing water promotes optimal blood circulation, which aids the healing effort. Hydrotherapy (especially a hot tub soak for lower back pain) also diminishes the pain sensory signals sent from your back to the brain.
What time of day is best to use hot tub? ›Hopping in your hot tub before bed is a great way to help guarantee a great night's sleep, as soaking in hot water in the evening is a scientifically proven way to get sounder sleep.
What is Lady Windermere syndrome? ›
Lady Windermere syndrome refers to a pattern of pulmonary Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection seen typically in elderly white women who chronically suppress the normal cough reflex. A fastidious nature and a reticence to expectorate are believed to predispose such persons to infections with MAC.
Can you get a water infection from a hot tub? ›You can easily catch Pseudomonas aeruginosa a bacterium most commonly found in hot tubs or whirlpools whichis the main cause of UTIs and hot tub rash.
What time of the day is blood pressure highest? ›Blood pressure has a daily pattern. Usually, blood pressure starts to rise a few hours before a person wakes up. It continues to rise during the day, peaking in midday. Blood pressure typically drops in the late afternoon and evening.
Can a hot tub affect your heart? ›Soaking in a hot tub can increase your heart rate and lower your blood pressure. This explains the ubiquitous signs posted near hot tubs warning heart patients to consult their doctors before entering.
Are hot tubs good for blood clots? ›Because most athletes initially conclude they have a strain, they do exactly what is most dangerous – massage or hot-tub therapy. Both are contra-indicated because they can help dislodge a clot and allow it to travel to the lungs, where it's known as a pulmonary embolism.
How many times can you shock a hot tub in a day? ›In essence, shocking your hot tub means adding a higher than usual dose of oxidiser chemicals to the water. This is also known as oxidising. We advise everyone to shock their water once a week to reduce bacteria and impurities. You can do this with one of two products; chlorine shock or non-chlorine shock.
How long can you stay in a hot tub at 100 degrees? ›If the water temperature is between 95-100° F, you should be able to stay in hot tubs for 30 minutes. You might be able to enjoy a longer soak if the ambient temperature is on the cool side. It's generally recommended that you spend no more than three-quarters of an hour to an hour in hot tubs.
How often should you shock a hot tub daily? ›It is essential to shock the hot tub frequently – at least once every week. It is important to use Chlorine shocks as well as non-Chlorine shocks.
Does hot water detox your liver? ›06/11Lukewarm water
This combination works well for detoxifying the liver and eliminating toxins from the body. In a glass of warm water and add the juice of half a lemon to it. Mix it well and drink it in the morning. Have 10-12 glasses of warm water daily.
Flushes toxins A detox bath with Epsom salt may help your body flush out toxins more quickly and efficiently, supporting better overall organ function. Pain relief for headaches, cramps, and spasms Epsom salt may relieve the pain from headaches, cramps, and spasms by relaxing your body and your nerves.
How many calories do you burn in a hot tub for 30 minutes? ›
And now, we have another reason to add some R & R to our agendas, thanks to research from Loughborough University published in the journal Temperature: Relaxing in a hot bath can burn as many calories as a 30-minute walk, about 140 calories. Wait, what?
Do hot tubs boost immune system? ›Your hot tub is good for so much more than relaxing and de-stressing. It can be a vital weapon in your arsenal against colds and viruses. In fact, research has shown that, when used regularly, it's an effective way to boost your immune system and overall health.
What temperature water reduces inflammation? ›Cold water therapy is the practice of immersing oneself in water that's at or under 59°F as a treatment tool for a number of health conditions, including body pains.
Are hot tubs good for healing muscles? ›Your spa can help speed up muscle healing and the workout recovery process. A hot water soak will relax blood vessels and improve blood flow. This helps to ease muscle soreness, as blood carries oxygen, protein, and the other nutrients needed to repair the muscles that were damaged by the workout.
Are hot tubs good for your knees? ›According to the Arthritis Foundation, Regular sessions in your hot tub keep joints moving. It restores and preserves strength and flexibility and also protects your joints from further damage.”
Does hot tub help knee pain? ›Turn Your Hot Tub into an Exercise Spa. The Arthritis Foundation states that warm water therapy offers the most well-tested and enjoyable treatment for knee pain. Water therapy allows you to enjoy immediate relief from knee pain and long-term protection from future injuries.
Are hot springs good for arthritis? ›Immersion in warm water produces hydrostatic pressure on the body that results in reduced joint inflammation and increased mobility. The Arthritis Foundation notes, “soothing warmth and buoyancy of warm water makes it a safe, ideal environment for relieving arthritis pain and stiffness.”
What kills bacteria in a hot tub? ›Chlorine is added to the water to kill germs. But it does not work right away. If used properly, free chlorine* can kill most germs within a few minutes. CDC recommends pH 7.2–7.8 and a free chlorine concentration of at least 1 ppm in pools and at least 3 ppm in hot tubs/spas.
Can you get a fungal infection from a hot tub? ›But in some cases, people can develop complications. Hot tub rash is a type of folliculitis, a skin condition in which hair follicles become inflamed, typically as the result of a bacterial or fungal infection, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Can E coli spread in a hot tub? ›Bacteria such as mycobacteria, E. coli, and pseudomonas aeruginosa can live in hot tubs, causing infections to unsuspecting users. Contact with infected people in the spas and hot tubs can lead to both bacterial and fungal infections— and herpes virus infections.
What kind of diseases can you get from a hot tub? ›
Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you used a hot tub/spa in the last two weeks. People can get Legionnaires' disease or Pontiac fever when they breathe in small droplets of water (mist) that contain Legionella.
Can you get a staph infection from a spa? ›Staph infections are common as a result of hot tub use. Any small open wound, even a paper cut, can be the entry point for an antibiotic-resistant infection.
What kind of skin infections can you get from a hot tub? ›If contaminated water stays on someone's skin for a long time, it can cause a rash known as “hot tub rash” (Pseudomonas folliculitis). Hot tub rash is caused by the germ Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This germ is commonly found in the environment (for example, in water or soil).
What does severe folliculitis look like? ›Folliculitis signs and symptoms include: Clusters of small bumps or pimples around hair follicles. Pus-filled blisters that break open and crust over. Itchy, burning skin.
What are the signs and symptoms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa? ›- Ears: pain and discharge.
- Skin: rash, which can include pimples filled with pus.
- Eyes: pain, redness, swelling.
- Bones or joints: joint pain and swelling; neck or back pain that lasts weeks.
- Wounds: green pus or discharge that may have a fruity smell.
- Apply a warm, moist washcloth. ...
- Apply a nonprescription antibiotic. ...
- Apply a soothing lotion or cream. ...
- Clean the affected skin. ...
- Protect the skin.
Understanding The Risks Of Overuse
Since the water in a hot tub is higher than your normal internal temperature, staying in a hot tub too long can cause you to overheat and experience symptoms like light-headedness, dizziness, or nausea.
How long is too long to be in a hot tub? You might love luxuriating in the warm, jetted waters for as long as an hour, but it's not recommended that you stay in for extended periods of time for safety reasons. About 15-30 minutes at a time is a general recommendation if you prefer very hot water.
How long is it OK to stay in a hot tub? ›Most experts recommend adults sit for not longer than one hour in their hot tub. Children's time in the hot tub should be less. Listen to your body as you enjoy the benefits and consider speaking to a health professional before you take a dip.
Do hot tubs help with inflammation? ›Hydrotherapy in a hot tub reduces inflammation from your muscles and eases soreness. Regular use of a hot tub can help you manage mild to severe inflammation caused by overuse. That means you'll experience less pain and enjoy better mobility.
What temperature should I keep my hot tub when not in use? ›
Depending on how long you plan to stay away, you can turn off your hot tub or reduce the water temperature. For those going away for a short while, it's best to leave hot tubs at 10°C (50°F). This will not only help maintain a safe and warm temperature, but it also won't spike up your electricity bills.
What is ideal hot tub temperature? ›WATER TEMPERATURE QUICK FACTS
The majority of hot tub users prefer a water temperature in the range of 100°F-102°F. 104°F is the standard maximum temperature, which some users also prefer. Always consult a physician before getting in the hot tub while pregnant.
Shocking too often: In most cases, shocking every week or two is good. If you are shocking literally after every single use, you can overshock your tub and will have to address it.
How do you prevent hot tub lungs? ›Hot Tub Lung is most common in poorly-maintained hot tubs, or hot tubs that are kept indoors. If you keep your hot tub inside, make sure that it is in a well-ventilated area. Change the water frequently, and make sure that you often clean the filters, pumps and the hot tub itself.