Christina Mantoura, Author at The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company

5 ways your sauna can help with your new year resolution

Posted on 9 January 2020 - 12:00 by Christina Mantoura

If your new year’s resolution for 2020 is to lose weight and get in shape then you’re not alone. Millions of people all over the world make this a goal at this time of year and it’s a common theme among both men and women. There are lots of different ways to make sure that you hit this goal – and having a sauna at home can be really useful. Below are 5 ways in which a sauna can help to ensure that 2020 is the year you reach that weight loss goal.

Detox and feel better. Sweating is the primary way in which the body removes toxins from the system, including those that you may have absorbed from food, such as copper or nickel heavy metals. Sweating out your impurities by regularly spending time in your sauna will help to clear the lymphatic system, which will in turn increase energy for working out and help your body to be more efficient when it comes to burning fat.
Boost your metabolism to burn fat faster. Exposure to extreme heat or cold has a wide range of different effects on the human body. One of the most relevant here is that it speeds up the metabolism. In sauna heat your heart rate increases by around a third, which speeds up your metabolic system and helps to burn calories faster. You’ll need to spend 30 minutes a day in the sauna to see real benefits.
Lose the water weight. Another benefit of sweating it out in a sauna is that you’ll instantly drop the weight that your body is carrying in terms of excess water. This can be as much as five pounds in a single sauna session. This will gradually return as soon as you start drinking water again but can be useful if you want to swiftly slim down for an interview or event.
More effective breathing equals more capacity to exercise. The better your breathing capacity the more effective your exercise sessions will be. Any existing respiratory issues that you have can be significantly improved by spending time in a sauna. It will also help to increase respiratory function and blood flow around the body, so you’ll be able to work out for longer periods of time and also in a more intense way to help you get fitter faster.
Stay calm and stick to your resolution. It’s well known that getting stressed can cause us all to reach out for food, often treats that are high in sugar and fat. It can increase the levels of cortisol in your system, which will make you want more calories. Time in a sauna on a regular basis can contribute to bringing stress levels down, helping you to feel more relaxed and also more in control of your body.

We all need a bit of support with our new year’s resolutions – a sauna could really help you to get the most from yours in 2020.

Using your hot tub in the winter

Posted on 2 January 2020 - 12:00 by Christina Mantoura

Hot tubs are not just for summer. At this time of year if you’re lucky enough to have a hot tub it can really enhance your life. From helping to soothe seasonal aches and pains to getting you outdoors and giving you the opportunity for new experiences, winter is a great time to use your hot tub.

Warm hydrotherapy is the one

Do you find that your joints ache more at this time of year? Maybe you struggle to get warm in winter or it’s more difficult to recover from a heavy session at the gym. Regularly spending time in your hot tub can help with this, as it will loosen muscles to make physical activity easier to do and help to relieve any discomfort you experience after a long spell outside or a strong training session.

It can also boost your mood

Spending time in a warm, bubbly hot tub will help your body to release endorphins – especially useful if you tend to suffer from SAD at this time of year. Frequent hot tub sessions can also be a very effective stress reliever, helping to relax your mind and muscles and giving you space in which to step back from the hectic pace of every day life.

Finding the right spot for your hot tub is key

The right place will depend on how you want to enjoy being in the hot tub in winter. For example, you might prefer to have the hot tub close to your home so that you can get in and out quickly when it’s cold. On the other hand, you might prefer to position the hot tub away from the house so that you can enjoy some peace and quiet and get a good view of the stars.

How to enjoy your hot tub in winter

Have dry clothes or a robe and slippers handy so that you can slip into them and get dry as soon as you get out of the water.
Don’t stay in the hot tub for longer than you normally would. It might be tempting to keep having another five minutes as the air outside is cold but it’s still possible to get dehydrated if you stay in there too long.
Consider a hat. Having something warm and cosy on your head can enhance the experience even more.
Make it a really sociable space. Whether you’re looking to combat symptoms of SAD with social interaction or keen to find an alternative location for a party, your hot tub can add a bit of glamour and make it an unusual and memorable occasion.
Keep up the schedule of cleaning and maintenance. You’ll need to continue to maintain and clean the hot tub during the winter as you would during the summer even if you’re using it slightly less.

Having a hot tub is a great way to get outside and enjoy the benefits of hydrotherapy all year round. Winter is one of the best times of year to appreciate having a hot tub at home.

Our list of do’s and don’ts for using your hot tub in the winter

Posted on 19 December 2019 - 12:00 by Christina Mantoura

Winter is a great time of year to really get the most from your hot tub. Being immersed in warm bubbles is especially enjoyable when it’s cold outside and could even be therapeutic if you suffer from stiff muscles and joints at this time of year. However, using a hot tub in winter is different to the summer months – these are out dos and don’ts for getting the most from your experience.

DO get a good winter cover. The more insulated the cover the more heat will be preserved inside and the less energy will be required to heat your hot tub.
DO lock the cover. If you’ve invested in a proper winter cover then make sure it’s fully secured so that it’s not allowing any heat or steam to escape. If the cover is tightly shut it will keep your heating costs down and ensure you don’t have to keep topping up the water level.
DON’T change the water if it’s really cold. Although you may have scheduled a water change for every 3-4 months if that day falls within a period when temperatures are really low then wait until they rise again. If you don’t then you risk your pipes freezing. If you absolutely must change the water do it in small amounts so that you’re refilling and reheating the water each time.
DO turn the jets off in winter when you’re not in the tub. The air that comes through the jets will be cold and will bring the water temperature down. This means that your tub will have to work harder just to maintain the right temperature and your energy costs will rise.
DON’T ignore the colder weather. Using the hot tub in winter can be a magical experience but you do have to make a few changes to the way that you use it. For example, make sure that you’re wearing sandals to get to and from the hot tub, as opposed to walking in bare feet on cold ground. Have towels and a robe handy for as soon as you get out and prioritise getting warm straight away.
DON’T use snow to refill your hot tub. Even if all the equipment you need is packed away in a frozen shed, using snow just isn’t a good alternative. Not only is it likely to be full of mud and dirt but you’ll have to add a lot of chemicals to the snow water to deal with impurities.
DO continue to take good care of the hot tub. This is a busy time of year for many of us and it would be easy to simply leave your hot tub and hope for the best. However, if you want to be able to use it right through the winter – and next summer too – you need to ensure you check it once a week, keeping adding the right water chemicals and stick to your maintenance schedule.

Using your hot tub in winter is a great way to get the most from it – as long as you know what to do and what to avoid.

How to enjoy your hot tub during the winter months

Posted on 19 December 2019 - 12:00 by Christina Mantoura

Often we tend to associate hot tubs with the summer. However, they are actually a great asset during the winter too. No matter what the weather is doing there is still a lot of pleasure to be had from sinking into a tub of warm water – and your hot tub could also make winter easier to survive. So, how can you make sure that you enjoy your hot tub in winter this year?

Use your hot tub for seasonal aches and pains

At this time of year the cold can get right into your joints – but a soak in a hot tub can heat you up from the core outward. Hydrotherapy has been used for centuries to help reduce pain from inflammation and increase circulation in the body. This can be incredibly effective when it comes to warming up stiff joints or promoting healing if you’re getting over an injury. Regular use of your hot tub in winter can help you to minimise some of the discomfort of this time of year.

Get out in your hot tub whatever the weather

If it’s blowing a gale you may not want to be outside. And, if you don’t have a covered area for your hot tub then rain may not be that appealing. However, the cold itself shouldn’t stop you from using your hot tub – in fact, it’s likely to enhance the experience. When the air is cold, and even if there is snow on the ground, you can stay toasty warm inside the hot tub and still enjoy the al fresco experience.

Make it part of your celebrations

Whether it’s a Christmas party or a New Year’s Eve event, your hot tub can be a great place to bring people together socially at a special time of the year. Just make sure that you have enough towels for everyone and that people get warm quickly when they get out.

Prepare your hot tub for winter

Instead of draining and covering over the tub until next summer get it ready for use during winter instead. That may mean cleaning and replacing the water and ensuring that you’re following the same schedule of maintenance that you would during the summer. You might also want to consider a few winter additions to the hot tub area to make the experience even more enjoyable. That could be heated towel rails, mats to stand on when you get out or somewhere to hang a cosy robe so that you can get warm as soon as you’re out of the water. You may also need to consider:

A winter cover to help preserve heat and energy
A freeze protection system to ensure the pipes stay clear
Checking the water level every day – if it gets too low the pumps and heater may stop working and the water could freeze
Turning off the air jets when you’re not in the hot tub to avoid cold air being pumped in

It’s easy to enjoy your hot tub during winter. From soothing aches and pains to hosting celebrations, hot tubs can be an essential part of the coldest season of the year.

How to use spas & hot tubs safely in the winter

Posted on 12 December 2019 - 12:00 by Christina Mantoura

There are some great reasons to use a spa or hot tub during the winter months. From warming up on chilly days to providing a space for unique socialising and applying hydrotherapy to aches and pains, continuing to use your hot tub or spa all year round is definitely the right choice. But what do you need to consider when it comes to safety at this time of year?

Don’t drastically increase the temperature of the water

It can be tempting to boost the heat in a hot tub or spa at this time of year to make things extra toasty but this isn’t recommended. The temperature of the water should never be higher than 104 degrees Fahrenheit and you should ensure that you don’t stay in the water for longer than usual. For a healthy adult a 15-minute soak is ideal – anything longer than that and you risk becoming light headed or could even suffer from heat stroke. It’s difficult for the human body to regulate its temperature when in water, as perspiration can’t happen. So, it’s essential that you’re attentive when it comes to water temperature and time immersed.

Take care of the cover at this time of year

Make sure you have a well fitting, high quality cover that will provide both protection and insulation. Try to regularly clear debris or snow from the top of the cover, especially if you’re about to take it off the hot tub or spa. Be careful when you’re removing the cover so that no damage is done and you don’t end up with ice and snow or dead leaves etc in the water.

Wear a hat

It may sound odd to wear a hat while the rest of your body is immersed in warm water but this will actually help you to better regulate your temperature. It’s almost impossible for the body to do this if your shoulders and neck are very cold and your lower half is warm. A hat can help to even this up and give your body more of a chance to regulate normally.

Prepare to get out before you get in

Hot tubs and spas are often outside and so there is a real need during the winter to ensure that you don’t get cold once you’re out of the water. Prepare for this exit before you even get into the water – put towels and a robe nearby or make sure that you have quick and easy access to somewhere that you can get dry and warm. You might want to wear shoes if the ground between your home and the hot tub is likely to be hard and cold – sandals or slippers are ideal. If the weather is icy make sure that whatever you opt for has decent grip so that you don’t slip.

These tips are designed to help you enjoy your spa or hot tub safely all year round, even during the winter months.

How can a sauna help you stay healthy this winter?

Posted on 5 December 2019 - 12:00 by Christina Mantoura

Winter can be a challenging time for staying healthy. We’re exposed to fewer hours of sunlight and the weather is cold and often wet. It’s easy to get run down and viruses, coughs and colds can be annoyingly frequent. If you’re lucky enough to have access to a sauna then you have a very effective weapon in the battle against the health challenges of winter – there are a number of different ways in which it can help.

Reducing the impact of colds and flu

Research has found that regular use of a sauna during the winter months can actually reduce the number of coughs and colds suffered at this time of year. Regularly spending 10 – 15 minutes in the sauna at around 90 degrees C will encourage more rapid production of white blood cells in the body. These are essential for helping you to fight off infections and colds. The increase in body temperature is also thought to help reduce the impact of bugs by killing them before they can affect your body. If you do end up with a cold then using your sauna can help to alleviate some of the symptoms, especially when it comes to congestion.

No more SAD

It’s not just the physical impact of this time of year that can be challenging but the mental and emotional effects too. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is common in winter and most of us will feel a little blue or sluggish at some point. When you use a sauna your body releases endorphins, which naturally flood the system with good feelings. They can help to reduce pain and also produce a feeling of wellbeing. If your winter blues are being triggered by a lack of sleep then spending time in the sauna before bed could not only help you to get to sleep more easily but also improve the quality of your sleep too.

Looking and feeling healthier

If there is one thing that your body is guaranteed to do in a sauna it’s sweat. Sweat is the most effective method that the human body has for detoxifying and regularly being in a sauna and sweating it out will help your body to process impurities and flush them out of your system. The heat of a sauna works to increase the core temperature of the body – that’s the point at which sweating starts. Blood vessels begin to dilate, flushing out impurities, and the pores on your skin open, allowing it to breathe. The overall result is that you’ll not only feel healthier but look it too. At a time of year when many of us are suffering from dry, dull skin and cold, aching limbs, the heat of the sauna can help to give you a physical boost.

These are just some of the ways in which a sauna can help you to stay healthier this winter. Regular sauna time will give you an essential boost, both in terms of body and mind.

What are the benefits of using your spa in the winter?

Posted on 28 November 2019 - 12:00 by Christina Mantoura

If the arrival of winter makes you want to retreat inside and put the cover on your spa for six months then you’re not alone. Few of us enjoy being out in the colder weather – however, if you have a spa then there are actually some great benefits to continuing to use it at this time of year.

Use the spa to help fight illness

Coughs and colds are very common at this time of year and can be difficult to shift. If you have a spa then using it could actually aid your recovery thanks to the effect of the warm water on your body’s circulation. Blocked sinuses can be eased by the steamy environment, which may help to take the pressure off your chest and lungs. In fact, a dip in your spa can help you to feel a lot better generally – the only time you need to avoid it is if you have a temperature.

Aiding rest and recovery

Winter is also a time when many of us suffer from aches and pains – the cold can really get into your joints and make muscles stiff. This could be problematic just in terms of moving around on a daily basis if you have a condition such as arthritis. It may also make exercise more difficult and increase the risk of injury if your body isn’t warm when you start. Your spa has an obvious role to play here too, helping to soothe the seasonal aches in muscles and joints and providing a very effective way to warm up before exercise.

Create a space in which to switch off and relax

It’s very easy to get over stimulated at this time of year. Many of us spend a lot more time in the winter inside and tend to watch a lot more TV and be more sedentary. End of year pressures can also create stress, as can imminent seasonal celebrations. If you have a spa then you can use it to create a space where you can find some essential moments of peace and relaxation at this very busy time of the year. Added extras, such as heating lamps or a thick rug can make the experience cosier while you enjoy the fresh air and time away from screens, devices and other people.

Using your spa in winter – top tips

Make sure you can get dry quickly after you’ve been in the spa. Retain the benefits of the experience by ensuring you’re not going to be sitting around in swimwear afterwards.
Clean and service the spa regularly. Keep up the cleaning schedule as you would during the summer months and change the water before temperatures really start to plummet.
Reduce jet pressure. Sometimes the air from jets can lower water temperature so it’s a good idea to turn them down.
Be sensible. Limit your soak to 20 minutes maximum and don’t be tempted to stay in even if the air outside is cold. Always remember to hydrate afterwards.

There are some fantastic benefits to using your spa in winter. From helping to alleviate the symptoms of a cold to providing somewhere to relax, this is a season in which your spa can be incredibly useful.

The 5 healing benefits of hydrotherapy

Posted on 21 November 2019 - 12:00 by Christina Mantoura

Water has long been viewed as a way to heal and soothe, as well as to hydrate. The concept of hydrotherapy is essentially using water to support recovery and promote physical wellbeing and today it’s often most accessible via a home hot tub, sauna or swim spa. If you’re keen to find out more about how hydrotherapy might contribute to your lifestyle then there are five healing benefits to note.

1. Providing immune support

Especially during the winter months our immune systems can take quite a battering. Hydrotherapy works to increase the flow of blood around the body and boost white blood cells. Lymph, which is an essential bodily fluid for the immune system that effectively removes unwanted materials, is then able to move more freely through the body, boosting the immune system so that you’re less susceptible to colds etc.

2. Getting rid of toxins

Whether you’ve had a stressful few weeks and been eating and drinking badly as a result or you’re just keen to get ready for the party season, hydrotherapy can help where detoxification is concerned. Heated hydrotherapy, such as a sauna or a steam room, makes the body sweat, triggering its most effective mechanism for removing toxins from the system. This can help with everything, from clearer skin to reducing headaches.

3. Effective pain relief

One of the biggest benefits of hydrotherapy is the fact that it triggers the release of endorphins, which have a crucial role to play in relieving pain. The weightlessness of the body in water can also take stress off tired and aching joints and muscles, reducing inflammation so that it’s much less painful to move, both in and out of the water. Hydrotherapy can be a particularly effective option if you’re recovering after a workout or looking for a way to help manage chronic pain.

4. Dealing with stress and tension

Stress is a major cause of many of the problems that we struggle with today and can have a range of uncomfortable effects that are both emotional and physical. Hydrotherapy is a great way to start managing stress differently. Regular sessions can help to reduce blood pressure and the endorphin release provided by the water can also work to reduce anxiety. Plus, warm water tends to relax us physically, which can slow down both a racing heart and a racing mind.

5. Support for injury

Hydrotherapy is commonly used by athletes and professional sports people who deal with injuries on a regular basis. It can also help to provide progress and relief for every day issues where joints or muscles have become damaged. This is because warm water will boost blood flow around the body, which will reduce pain. An increase in circulation works to rehabilitate and heal injured muscles, tissues and joints.

Especially at this time of year when wellness moves to the top of everyone’s agenda, hydrotherapy has a lot to offer. These key healing benefits are just some of the ways in which this type of physical therapy can be beneficial.

How can using a hot tub help you in the winter months?

Posted on 7 November 2019 - 12:00 by Christina Mantoura

When winter arrives priorities shift and we tend to spend much more time inside. The focus moves to staying healthy and warm, boosting the immune system and surviving the colder months without getting sick or suffering from SAD. If you have a hot tub at home then it can help to support you during the winter in many different ways.

A much needed immune boost

According to some research, elevating the body’s core temperature can help to provide a serious boost to the immune system. So, regularly soaking in your hot tub can actually give your body more resources to fight the seasonal coughs and colds that tend to plague us all at this time of year. The temperature should be 100 degrees or lower if you want to enjoy the immune boosting benefits of your hot tub.

Relieving uncomfortable symptoms

If you do get sick then that’s no reason to avoid using your hot tub – it can actually help to relieve some of the most uncomfortable symptoms. For example, if you’re spending time in a hot tub you’ll get a boost to your circulation and the steamy conditions can help to relieve congestion and ease the pressure on your sinuses.

Warming up in winter

The heat of your hot tub is an easy way to flood the body with warmth if you’re struggling to find any during the really cold months. Even if your hot tub is outside you can still benefit from the warmth of the water and the wealth of wellbeing you’ll feel from taking a quick dip. Plus, with an outdoor hot tub you’ll get the benefits of being away from the drying effects of the central heating and still be able to stay warm while enjoying some fresh air.

Protecting and easing muscles and joints

If you regularly suffer with stiff muscles and joints as a result of the colder weather, spending time in a hot tub can help to provide essential discomfort relief. The warm water boosts circulation, allowing blood to flow more easily around the body and encouraging muscles to relax and heal. Your hot tub can also be incredibly useful if you’re regularly working out at this time of year, both in terms of preparing your body for a session and helping to aid recovery afterwards.

Reduce stress and feel better

A hot tub is a great form of hydrotherapy, which has been proven to have a positive impact when it comes to stress. From helping your body to wind down at the end of the day so that you can enjoy a better night’s sleep, to boosting endorphins to help combat seasonal anxiety and depression, there are many ways in which a hot tub can help. You can also work out in your hot tub – light aerobics or calisthenics against the resistance of the water can be incredibly effective.

Your hot tub has a lot to offer during the winter months. From a way to beat stress to a useful workout tool, there are many ways to use your hot tub at this time of year to enjoy better living.

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