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6 reasons why your pool is a great calorie burner

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Whether you’re looking to lose weight or build muscle, swimming is a very effective way to do it. You can burn up to 1,000 calories an hour in your pool (depending on your stats you have and the exercise that you do) so if you’re looking for a really effective way to shape up you don’t have to put on a pair of trainers to see great results. Below are 6 reasons why we think the pool is a great calorie burner for everyone.

1. Swimming is effective, but low impact, exercise

Exercise can often take its toll on the body, whether that’s knee pain from running or back issues as a result of cross fit. However, when you’re swimming, the buoyancy of the water provides a much more supportive environment, which means that it’s an exercise option for anyone with chronic conditions, such as arthritis, people with sensitive joints and the elderly too.

2. You can get in the pool even if you’re injured

Swimming is often used in the path to recovery from injury because the water helps to cushion the impact of the exercise. There are lots of different options for the way you can use your pool to burn calories if you’re injured, from straightforward swimming with floats or buoyancy aids to water weight training or aqua aerobics.

3. A full body workout

One of the reasons that swimming is so effective is because it works the entire body. You can burn calories, build muscle and tone your body with a swim workout that combines various different strokes. If you want to get the most out of a workout in your pool then make sure that you warm up first. After that you can switch between swim sprint strokes like butterfly or front crawl with rest periods or slower lengths of breaststroke in between.

4. A genuine calorie burner

The number of calories you’ll burn while swimming will depend on your size and shape, gender, as well as a range of other factors. However, on average you can burn 300 – 444 calories an hour doing most strokes, from breaststroke to front crawl. And if you want to burn more calories? Simply swim faster and for longer.

5. Additional Resistance

Working out in water may make your body feel light but water actually adds resistance to a workout because it’s more than 700 times denser than air. That means that you’re not only able to get the benefits of a cardio workout in your pool but the strengthening and toning effect of pushing against the water too.

6. A real mood booster

Swimming has been used as a way to improve mood for thousands of years. The physical exertion can release endorphins into the body but swimming also has the potential to help calm frayed nerves and reduce anxiety as a result of the calming impact of the water.

Swimming in your pool is a great way to burn calories, shape up and improve overall wellness.

How can a daily hot tub soak help improve physical wellness?

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Hot tubs are a luxury – they are relaxing and indulgent and a great place to socialise. But did you know that a daily hot tub soak goes much further than that? Not only does a hot tub create a blissful spa-like space at home where you can chill out but the impact of the hot tub can also help to improve physical wellness.

A cure for common sleep problems

If you suffer from insomnia, you have trouble getting to sleep or you find that the quality of your sleep is low, regularly soaking in a hot tub can help. The warmth of the water enables the body to wind down and prepare for bed, avoiding issues such as over-stimulation from phones or devices. Quality of sleep is also improved as the body cools down.

Relieving aches and pains

Soaking in a hot tub improves circulation and can help to reduce joint pain and stiffness. Whether you suffer from a chronic condition, such as arthritis, or you’re winding down after an intense activity or training session, spending time in a hot tub is a great way to reduce discomfort and improve the ease of performing daily activities.

Relaxing over-stressed muscles

Soaking in a hot tub helps the whole body to relax. The buoyancy of the water provides a supportive environment in which tight muscles can unwind, aided by the tension relieving effect of the massage jets. The warmth of the water helps to relax muscles and promote muscle healing.

Promoting weight loss and reducing the risk of heart disease

Studies have found that regularly spending time in a hot tub can help to support a weight loss journey. In clinical studies, people who used a hot tub lost an average of 3.5 pounds without any dieting or exercise (although the most effective weight loss approach combines healthy diet, hot tub and exercise). Regular time in a hot tub has also been found to help with heart disease by lowering blood pressure. Just 15 minutes in a hot tub can be more effective than working out on an exercise bike but puts a lot less stress on the heart.

The impact on emotional wellness

Regular use of a hot tub is important for physical wellness but also has a very positive impact on emotional wellness too. A hot tub can be somewhere to escape to and have some quiet time, to meditate or listen to music after a hard day. It can also be a sociable space in which you spend time with family or loved ones, connecting and bonding. The relaxing effect of the water provides an environment in which worry and anxiety can be left behind.

These are just some of the ways in which a hot tub at home can be beneficial for both body and mind. Whether you’re looking for somewhere to relax, recover or restore, regularly soaking in a hot tub provides the perfect place to give your body what it needs to thrive.

10 essential water workouts for any skill level

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Exercising in water has many benefits. From supported movement that reduces impact on joints, to the increased resistance of working out in water – which is 800 times denser than air – this type of workout suits everyone, including those recovering from injuries and professional athletes. If you’re looking for inspiration for your water workout then here are 10 options to try.

1. Swimming

The simplest and easiest exercise in water is swimming. It can also burn around 500 calories an hour so is a very effective fat burner too.

2. Bicycle

With your elbows resting on the side of the pool, make sure you’re in deep enough water so that your legs are suspended. Then, begin to move your legs as if peddling a bicycle to improve muscle strength and tone.

3. Tuck jumping

This simple jumping exercise can be made more difficult by keeping your feet off the bottom of the pool between jumps. Stand in water up to your chest and jump, bringing your knees as far up as you can. Repeat in sets of 10 and do as many as you can.

4. Leg lifts

Position yourself so that your body and legs are flat out behind you while you lean on the side of the pool. Then begin lifting and lowering both legs at the same time. Keep your legs pressed together while you lift. This exercise is particularly effective thanks to the resistance of the water pressing down on your legs as you lift them towards the surface.

5. Water weights

You can use weights on arms and legs to help strengthen and tone, as well as building muscle. Make sure you’re using pool weights and add them into a workout that features moves such as a butterfly or bar lift.

6.  Water planking

Everyone knows how tough planking is but how beneficial it can be for building strength, especially in the core. Use a pool noodle for purchase and, pressing down on the noodle with your hands, lift your body into plank position. The resistance you’ll feel from the water will make this twice as effective an exercise.

7. Speed swimming

If you’re looking for a workout that will send your heart rate up then pick a speed stroke like front crawl and do as many laps as you can. A high intensity cardio option like this can burn up to 700 calories an hour.

8. Pile jumps and squats

With your feet together and knees bent out, jump as high as you can for multiple reps. This is a great exercise for toning legs and glutes, especially with the added water resistance.

9. Jog on the spot

Great for burning calories and building stamina, jogging on the spot is incredibly effective with the added resistance of the water. Make sure you keep your knees high.

10. Scissor lunges

Lunge forward with one foot then jump and scissor the legs so that you end up with the opposite foot in front. You can build strength and tone muscle with this exercise without putting pressure on the knees as you would on dry land.

These are just some of the water workouts you can use to get fitter and build strength, no matter what your skill level. Get in touch to find the perfect swim spa for you today.

How to find your perfect hot tub

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There are many benefits of a hot tub, from beauty to wellness and recovery, mean that they are becoming an increasingly popular home purchase. Whether you’re looking for a hot tub as somewhere to socialise or to enjoy the physical benefits of hydrotherapy, finding the right hot tub is key. When you start looking for your dream hot tub these are the key questions that you need to ask.

When do you want to use it?

Hot tubs are ideal for cooling off in the summer and warming up in winter. Even if there’s snow on the ground you can still enjoy all the benefits of your hot tub. Think about when you’re planning to use the hot tub so that you can find the right model – all year round or just when the weather is warm or cool?

Where will the hot tub be?

One of the benefits of a hot tub is that even the smallest spaces can accommodate one. Think about whether you’re planning to put the hot tub indoors or outside and where you want to position it. If it’s indoors then you may need to allow room for ventilation. For an outdoor hot tub you might want to consider creating decking or a gazebo to take advantage of a view or create privacy.

How much do you want to spend?

There is a hot tub for every budget, from those that deliver the perfect hydrotherapy experience to models that have all the added extras. It’s always worth looking at what the next price up will buy you in terms of design and extras, just in case a little more spend could mean you get a lot more added value for your money.

How much maintenance are you prepared to do?

Hot tubs do need some maintenance, especially if they are in regular use. This isn’t something that you have to manage if you don’t want to – you can opt for a cleaning and maintenance package or choose a self-cleaning hot tub that will do most of the work for you. Most hot tubs will require you to test the water quality a couple of times a week and clean the filters at least once. The hot tub should be cleaned at least once a month and will need draining and refilling three or four times a year.

Is your set up practical?

In particular, you’ll need to consider:

  • Hot tubs need a strong and structurally supportive surface on which to stand, whether that’s inside or out.
  • To fill the hot tub you’ll need an easily accessible water source nearby
  • Electricity supply is key – most hot tubs are fine with a 110-volt electrical outlet but if you’re planning to buy a higher end design this may need a more powerful supply.

Finding the right hot tub for you is all about asking the important questions. From hot tubs for relaxation to larger models for family fun there are lots of great options to choose from.

Get in touch with The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company today.

Get your home summer ready with a new hot tub!

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The daffodils are out, the days are getting longer and the seasons are beginning to shift towards the warmer months of the year. Spring and summer are the ideal time to get outside after the cold and grey of winter. If you’ve been hibernating from the weather since last autumn it’s time to start thinking about how to get your home – and yourself – summer ready. A new hot tub is the perfect way to do both.

Getting your home summer ready

A hot tub is the ideal summer accessory for your home – and with the hottest time of the year a few months away you still have time to find the perfect model for your property. Hot tubs have a lot of benefits in the summer, including:

  • A great alternative to a pool for properties with limited space
  • The ideal way to host summer parties with a difference
  • All the benefits of hydrotherapy – e.g. reducing anxiety and soothing tired muscles – all year round
  • Al fresco entertainment – getting everyone outside and into the fresh air when the weather is good
  • Somewhere to connect with family and friends – no phones allowed!

Getting yourself summer ready

Of course it’s not just your home that may need a bit of a reboot before the summer gets here. If you’ve spent the winter feeling sluggish and tired, wrapping up in big jumpers and generally preferring the sofa to getting out and being active then summer could be an intimidating prospect. A hot tub can help with this too, providing a very effective way to detox before it’s time to bare all in shorts and start revealing pale winter skin to the summer sun. Hot tubs can make you sweat, and sweating is the most powerful tool that our bodies have when it comes to removing toxins from the system. If you’re looking for an effective way to use your hot tub to get summer ready this is what we’d recommend:

Start with a scrub

Use a loofah or a body scrub – you can even make your own from brown sugar, olive oil and honey. The scrub will slough off any dead skin cells, allowing your skin to breathe and get the full benefits of a hot tub soak.

Jump in the tub

As you sit, your body temperature will start to rise and you’ll begin to sweat out all the winter toxins, renewing and refreshing your system and skin as you do so. Remember to drink plenty of water while you’re in the hot tub so that you stay hydrated.

Cool down

When you get out of the hot tub have a cool – or cold – shower to remove anything you’ve sweated out during your detox.

Whether you’re looking to revamp your home for summer – or start getting yourself ready for the warmer months of the year – a hot tub is a great option to help you do it. We can help you find the perfect tub now so that you’re summer-ready in plenty of time.

Get in touch with The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company today to find your perfect hot tub.

Can you use your sauna even when it’s hot outside?

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When it’s cold and dark and you want to warm up, a sauna seems like the ideal choice. However, during the summer when the mercury is rising a home sauna can easily get forgotten about. The benefits of a sauna are just as relevant when it’s warm outside than when it’s cold – in Scandinavia, arguably the spiritual (and physical) home of the sauna, you’ll find saunas at local summer homes, as well as winter residences. That’s because you absolutely should use your sauna even when it’s hot outside. Here’s why.

Use your sauna to help your body adjust to the heat

If you struggle with the heat – or just with the transition from one seasonal temperature range to another – a sauna can help you to adjust. Saunas are so effective at this that they are even used by professional athletes and sports teams who are training to compete in hotter climates. So, if you want to get more from your summer this year and not suffer with the heat, your sauna will be key to helping you to adjust.

Enjoy the beauty benefits

Whether your skin has become dull and problematic due to constant use of sunscreen, or you’re worried about getting into swimwear for the first time, a sauna is an effective way to tackle these issues. Sauna sessions in the summer can help you to get beach ready – an infrared sauna session can burn 600+ calories in a single sitting. You’ll also see all the benefits of a sweaty sauna session straight away in your skin. Sweating cleanses your system and helps to remove all the impurities sitting on the surface of the skin that might cause problem areas and breakouts.

You still need downtime in the summer

Saunas have an instantly relaxing effect on the body and can be a great place to enjoy some alone time and relax. If you’re suffering from physical aches and pains – maybe a new exercise regime or a sport you’ve taken up for summer – the heat of the sauna will soothe sore muscles and help relieve any pain. Recovery is much quicker with the aid of a sauna, whether that’s recovery from physical activity or from having a few too many drinks at a summer party the night before.

Improve your wellbeing this summer

There are many wellness benefits to using a sauna, whether during the summer or the winter months. For example, regular use can help to improve your heart function and respiratory system. It can assist with salt elimination, enabling your body to sweat out the after effects of summer BBQs to detoxify and reduce water weight. Plus, a sauna provides instant stress relief and help with anxiety issues, whether that’s as a result of an upcoming summer event or seasonal stress at work.
Saunas aren’t just for the winter months they have many benefits all year round. And in the summer in particular they can be ideal for helping you get the most from the time of year, physically and mentally too.

Take a look at our range of saunas and get in touch to find which would be the best suited to you today.

5 ways that a hot tub can improve emotional wellness

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Hot tubs are often pitched as a luxury or an indulgence. However, the reality is that they can have a great practical impact on wellness too, no matter what your lifestyle. Emotional wellness, in particular, is something that many of us regularly neglect as a result of busy lives and a range of stresses and pressures. If you have a hot tub then there are five easy ways to use it to help improve your emotional wellness and to make it more of a priority.

1. An investment in the quality of your sleep

All of us have experienced a sleepless night at some point in our lives and so are aware of how emotionally raw this can make us feel. When we aren’t sleeping, we may suffer increased levels of anxiety and depression and find it difficult to deal with every day situations. Regular use of a hot tub before bed helps to create the conditions for good sleep to support emotional wellness. From relaxing muscles to improving breathing and circulation, there are many benefits to aid a better night’s sleep.

2. Making time for the people who matter

Loneliness and isolation are big issues in our society today. Many of us share spaces with friends or family but don’t really engage with them or are just not dedicating enough time to these crucial relationships. For true emotional wellness to thrive, it’s important to make time for those who matter and a hot tub is a great space for this. No phones, just great conversation and a fun environment in which to relax together.

3. Time that’s just for you

All of us need at least a little alone time to relax and recharge away from our busy lives. If you have a hot tub then this is the ideal place in which to do it. You can disconnect from the world, read a book or listen to your favourite music and just spend a little time on a regular basis reconnecting with you. The more time we make to look after our own emotional wellbeing in this way, the better parent/spouse/friend/coworker we can be to others.

4. Creating wellness routines that work

Finding time to dedicate to wellness can be tough in a busy schedule, which is why little routines are so essential. A routine is something we can do almost without thinking, which makes it easy to bring something positive into the day without really trying. Build a wellness routine around your hot tub to make this more of a priority in your life, whether that involves meditation and relaxation or spending time with friends.

5. Take care of your body

Pain and discomfort impact negatively on emotional wellness. If you suffer from a condition like arthritis, from stress headaches or any other aches and pains, a hot tub can be very healing. The warmth of the water, combined with the massage jets, has a powerful impact on physical discomfort that can help to ease emotional stress too.

Hot tubs are so much more than just a luxury – if you want to prioritise your emotional wellness then this is a great way to do it.

Help reduce stress in young adults with a hot tub

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Rates of stress and anxiety are increasing significantly among young people. From academic pressure through to the impact of social media use, there are many influences that can be negative when it comes to how it makes children and young adults feel about themselves and the world around them. As parents, guardians or friends of young adults it’s often challenging to identify ways to help them cope with this stress – a hot tub could help.

Downtime from phone time

The current generation of young adults is the first to be going through adolescence – and beyond – permanently attached to a screen. Smart phones can have many benefits but many studies have shown that they can also contribute to anxiety and stress in young people. Many feel addicted and struggle to even put down the phone for a short period of time. This is where a hot tub can be useful – most young adults prize their phones so highly that they simply won’t risk taking it near water so time in a hot tub is phone free.

Making space for real conversations

Spending time in a hot tub with the young adults in your life creates a space for real, authentic conversations to take place. Whether you’re concerned about the impact of stress and want to have a face-to-face conversation about it, or you simply want to create a space and time to engage more with your children, a hot tub is a great environment in which to do it. Sometimes just being together in a low pressure environment can create the ideal conditions in which young people feel that they are able to open up.

Easing the physical symptoms of stress

Relaxing in a hot tub enables anyone to deal better with stress simply by reducing symptoms to provide some relief. The hot water improves circulation, for example, which can ease tension headaches that may be being caused by feelings of stress and anxiety. The warmth of the water, combined with the gentle pressure of the massage jets, triggers a release of feel good endorphins, which helps to energise and improve the mood, as well as creating the conditions for problem solving. Plus, if young people are suffering with physical aches and pains as a result of stress in the body, a hot tub can provide a lot of relief.

Emphasising the importance of taking a break

Young adults can experience a lot of stress, whether that’s impending exams or social pressure. Encouraging them to step out of whatever is causing these difficult feelings – and into a hot tub – is always positive. It’s a great way to teach younger people how to start managing stress and to demonstrate how powerful it can be to just take a break.

Hot tubs are a luxury and they can be a lot of fun but they also have the potential to contribute to better lifestyles too. If you’d like to find out more, get in touch.

Sleep tight with a hot tub

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According to the National Sleep Foundation there are more than 30 million people in the UK who suffer from insomnia or other sleep issues. So, if you regularly find yourself struggling to get a good night’s sleep then you’re not alone. The impact of poor sleep can be wide ranging.

From being unable to concentrate during the day to feeling depressed and anxious, there are many ways in which a lack of rest at nighttime can affect how you feel all day. If you’re currently struggling with insomnia then your hot tub might be able to help you turn the situation around.

Giving the body what it needs to wind down

Many hot tub owners report getting better sleep simply as a result of using their hot tubs before bed. There are lots of different reasons for this. For example, when we’re in a hot tub we tend to put our phones down – the blue light that smart phones emit essentially tells our brains that it’s daytime, waking us up just when we should be winding down.

20 minutes in a hot tub before bedtime – without your phone – means you’re avoiding exposure to that harmful light and you are much more likely to sleep better as a result. A bedtime session in a hot tub also helps to release tight muscles and soothe any aches and pains that could potentially be uncomfortable enough to keep you awake. The warm water in a hot tub improves the flow of blood around the body, boosting its ability to heal itself.

A better night’s sleep

When we are in a hot tub, the warmth of the water tends to increase body temperature. However, once we step out of the water, body temperature falls. This can naturally trigger drowsiness, signaling to the mind and body that it’s time to switch off and rest. This not only helps to avoid a situation where you can’t get to sleep but can also ensure that the quality of sleep that you enjoy is higher too.

Experts recommend bedtime rituals

Parents often create bedtime rituals for children because this helps young minds to get used to the idea that sleep happens at a certain time of the day. Many experts recommend the use of similar rituals in adults for anyone who finds it difficult to get to sleep on a regular basis.

A warm soak in a hot tub can be the cut-off point from the day that has just gone, helping to create a gap between being switched on during the day and switching off when it’s time to sleep. It’s a good idea to schedule this for around an hour or 1.5 hours before you go to bed, at the same time every night, so that the body starts to get used to the idea that this is the point at which the wind down begins.

A hot tub is a fantastic tool for anyone who is struggling with sleep issues. Regularly soaking in your hot tub before bed really can help you to sleep tight.

Get in touch with The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company to browse our full range today.