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How can daily hot tub use improve physical wellness?

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“Wellness” has become a social media buzz term and a theme across many sectors. However, the reality of it is simply taking care of yourself. There are many different elements involved in this, from ensuring that you’re eating a healthy, balanced died to getting the regular exercise that your body needs to thrive. If you have a hot tub at home – or you’re thinking of getting one – there is a lot that hydrotherapy can contribute to keeping your wellness levels high.

Hot tubs and insomnia

Insomnia is one of the biggest wellness blockers. A good night’s sleep can make you feel revitalised and energetic with positive implications right across the body, both inside and out. However, if your sleep quality is poor, or you’re struggling to get to sleep in the first place, this can have a significant negative impact on how you feel.

The warmth of the water in a hot tub, and the relaxing effect of the experience, can contribute significantly to aiding sleep. Spend time in your hot tub in the evenings to wind down from the day and you’ll soon find that you’re more ready to close your eyes – and that your sleep quality improves as a result.

Recovering from physical activity

The benefits of hydrotherapy are well known when it comes to recovery – for example, heat from the water in a hot tub increases blood flow to muscles and promotes healing. Whether you’re a professional athlete or you’ve started a new exercise programme, aching muscles and tired limbs can be soothed by a soak in the warm bubbles of a hot tub. Not only will this make you feel better in terms of providing some pain relief but it can also help to improve recovery time too.

Minimising chronic pain

Conditions such as arthritis can be difficult to manage and the ongoing discomfort has a very negative effect on wellness. The Arthritis Research Campaign actually recommends regularly using a hot tub to help improve quality of life when it comes to managing this condition. Some of the benefits of doing so include reducing joint stiffness, better pain management and aiding muscle relaxation.

Coping better with stress

Ongoing anxiety and stress are essentially the opposite of high wellness levels. From tense muscles through to the experience of migraines and panic attacks, stress can have an impact right across the body that can be physical and psychological. Hot tubs are a very powerful tool if you’re looking to better manage your stress to improve overall wellness. The combination of the warmth of the water, as well as the buoyancy and the soothing massage jets is incredibly effective when it comes to helping to bring stress levels down. Plus, the massage effect of the jets can release endorphins, which instantly reduce stress levels.

If you’re looking to make wellness a priority in your life, a hot tub could have a big role to play in making that happen. To find the perfect hot tub for you, contact our team.

How can a hot tub help enhance your social life?

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According to the Office for National Statistics 5% of adults in the UK say they feel lonely “often” or “always.”  Being around other people has a very positive impact on the human brain, which is why a healthy social life is so important. Hot tubs are renowned for delivering a range of health benefits associated with hydrotherapy, from optimising sports recovery to helping to soothe aches and pains. However, having a hot tub can also help to support mental health and happiness by enhancing your social life too.

Being in the present

We are all tied to our phones today, whether to check on the babysitter or see whether someone we’re interested in has WhatsApp’d. Getting your friends together in the hot tub means that phones have to be left at a safe distance from the water. This provides the opportunity to really engage and connect, to rediscover what you love about those in your social circle and to strengthen bonds.

Making new friends with a games night

Everyone loves a games night. And if you’re looking to widen your social circle this is also a great way to do it, as it’s much easier to make friends when everyone is focused on the same activity. There are plenty of options when it comes to floating board games and card games or you can use items from your home to set challenges. Get everyone you invite to bring someone you don’t know and your social circle will instantly double.

Staying in is the new going out

It can be difficult to chat in a restaurant or bar if you can’t hear each other over the ambient noise. Maybe you don’t really like the music or the drinks are watered down. If you have a hot tub gathering at home instead you’re completely in control of the playlist and you won’t have to queue for your drinks. That leaves much more time to have fun the way you want to – with the food, drinks and music that you like. If you’re on a budget then it will be a far more wallet-friendly evening too.

Enhancing the fun with a theme

When you have a hot tub at home you can instantly make social experiences more fun by adding a theme. For example, why not create a spa experience around your hot tub for a pampering evening, birthday or hen do. You could also have a movie night, projecting a classic film onto a big screen, or even the side of your house, which everyone can enjoy from the warmth of the hot tub.

Enjoy the outdoors

Especially in winter, it can get boring being inside all the time. If you have a hot tub then you and your friends can socialise outside. And, no matter what the weather is doing, you’ll still have a great, enjoyable (and warm) time.

Hot tubs have a lot to add to any social life. Contact us to find your ideal model today.

Why is a swim spa cover important?

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Whether your swim spa is indoors or outside, and no matter what you use it for, a cover will be essential. From preserving the functionality of the swim spa to ensuring safety and curating aesthetics, there are many good reasons why investing in a well made swim spa cover is a great idea.

An eco approach

If you have a cover on your swim spa then this will help to maintain the temperature of the water. Heat rises so, without a cover, you’ll find much of the heat escapes and a lot more power is required to keep the swim spa warm. For those seeking a more eco friendly way to maintain a swim spa, a cover means you’ll need less energy to enjoy the same experience.

Improving the aesthetics

A good looking swim spa cover will only add to the aesthetics of your pool. The right cover will also make the space look more organised and ensure that you don’t have to look at water with debris floating in it.

Reducing the burden of cleaning and maintenance

If your swim spa is outside then there is a lot that can end up in the water, from insects through to leaves that have fallen from the trees. This not only looks unsightly but may also damage the swim spa, especially if it ends up clogging any of the mechanisms. If you want to keep cleaning and maintenance to a minimum, the addition of a cover will make this much easier to do.

Ensuring that your swim spa is safe

Especially if you have pets or small children it will be essential to cover exposed water, especially when there are no adults present to supervise. A professionally made, properly fitted cover minimises the potential for tragic accidents and gives you the peace of mind of knowing that you’ve taken all the steps you can to make your swim spa safe.

Better quality of water

When your swim spa is protected by a cover you’ll find that you don’t have to adjust the level of water or chemicals as often as for an unprotected pool. Water treatment chemical usage is reduced and the water in the pool is much less likely to evaporate as a result of being constantly exposed to the heat of the sun.

What to look for in your swim spa cover

Not every swim spa cover will deliver the best results. If you’re looking to ensure that you have the right cover for your pool then make sure the option you choose can offer:

  • A custom fit that is snug to the design of your swim spa
  • A cover guaranteed to keep debris out of the water
  • Regular servicing and easy installation
  • A safety-first design
  • Lockable system to provide peace of mind, especially where there are young children or pets in the home
  • Reliable design with great reviews
  • Full coverage

We supply and install swim spa safety covers from one of Europe’s leading manufacturers – to find out more, get in touch or take a look at our range of Swim Spas today.

 

Enhance your hot tub experience with aromatherapy

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Aromatherapy offers a wide range of health benefits, including helping to reduce anxiety, enhance healing and aid better sleep. Hot tubs are also known for their positive impact when it comes to easing stress, minimising muscular aches and pains and improving general wellbeing. Combining aromatherapy with a hot tub experience can considerably enhance the range of benefits that you enjoy as a result.

Using aromatherapy in a hot tub

Aromatherapy is most often available as essential oils. However, it’s important to note that adding these straight into your hot tub is not a good idea. Dropping oil into the water in your hot tub will leave an unsightly film on the surface of the water and mean you might need to change it more often. Essential oils can also block filters and may do damage to the internal parts of the hot tub so that it requires more maintenance – or even replacement parts.

You may also find that essential oils change the PH balance in the hot tub, which may make sanitation difficult. So, essential oils are not the best idea for hot tubs. However, there are a range of options that have been specifically designed to help you combine aromatherapy with your hot tub for the best possible experience.

Aromatherapy liquids

These will disperse in the water of the hot tub releasing the right fragrances but without blocking the filters or causing any damage to internal workings.

Aromatherapy crystals

Using crystals means you can still create a wonderfully aromatic experience but you won’t be left with a film of oil – the crystals just dissolve leaving nothing behind.

Bath bombs for the hot tub

Many of us are familiar with bath bombs and these are also available for the hot tub, packed full of aromatherapy scents.

In-built aromatherapy

Some hot tub models have an aromatherapy system built into the design itself. Where that’s the case, the scent is usually dispersed via cartridges that release it into the air as opposed to the water.

Aromatherapy beads

If you’re looking for aromatherapy that doesn’t get released into the water, aromatherapy beads are ideal. They come with a dispenser that floats on the water, releasing the scent continuously without anything entering the water.

Aromatherapy – where to start

If you’re considering using any of these methods to start enjoying aromatherapy with your hot tub then these are some of the most common scents and their benefits.

  • Lavender. It’s widely known that lavender can be a great stress reliever and can help to calm the mind. Studies have also shown it may reduce instances of insomnia.
  • Rosemary. If you’re under physical or mental strain, rosemary can help to reduce the impact and enable you to find calm.
  • Peppermint. The kick of peppermint is great for mental agility, improving memory and waking you up.
  • Frankincense. This soothing scent is also well known for its effect on reducing anxiety, as well as inflammation and pain.

There are many ways in which a hot tub can enhance your lifestyle. Contact our team to find the perfect option for you.

How does the history of the steam room benefit modern users?

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For hundreds of years humans have used the power of steam and water to cure aches and pains and stimulate wellness. Cultures all over the world have understood how valuable warmth and steam can be when it comes to health and wellbeing. But what does the history of the steam room look like and how does this benefit modern users?

Who got there first?

It’s difficult to pinpoint with total accuracy which civilisation was responsible for the first ever steam room. There is a clear line of descent between the saunas that we know and love today and the Finnish sauna or American Indian sweat lodge. However, when it comes to the use of humid heat there are two clear leaders in the field: the Romans and the Turks.

Roman Thermae

The Romans are renowned for their love of a bathhouse, whether large and public (Thermae) or small and private (Balneae). For this ancient civilisation, bathhouses were not just somewhere to get clean but a place to do business, to socialise and to follow regimented wellness routines that they believed would help prolong health and long life.

Sweat bathing was an important part of this and the Romans were responsible for pioneering the architecture to enable this, including using a furnace and hollow walls. Like many of the modern spas we know and love today, traditional Roman bathhouses would also have massage and treatment rooms, as well as the contrast of an ice cold Frigidarium.

Turkish Hammam

The Turkish Hammam was originally designed to be part of a mosque. However, as the popularity of these bathhouses increased, they became standalone destinations that were frequented both for practical purposes and also so that people could meet and chat. The first Turkish bath opened in the UK in 1850, using the process of sweat bathing to give patrons the opportunity to enjoy a range of health and wellness benefits.

The modern steam room

Thanks to the early pioneers of steam and sweat bathing, today there is no need to leave the comfort of your home to enjoy an experience worthy of the best Thermae or Hammam. The benefits of steam treatments are now well established, from helping to soothe sinus issues through to the relief that can be provided from aches and pains.

Both the Turks and the Romans understood well the detoxifying effect of steam and sweat on the body, as well as the improvement in circulation that can be delivered as a result of time in a steamy environment. In the modern steam room these benefits are easy to enjoy at home whether your motivation for doing so is to improve health or feel better.

Steam rooms and treatments have a long and rich history when it comes to making humans feel better. From therapeutic muscle relief to improving mood and lowering stress levels, the use of steam can significantly improve wellbeing.

If you’d like to find your perfect home steam room experience contact the Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company team today.

Using your sauna in the snow (or cold weather!)

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If you’ve ever wondered why saunas are always found in ski resorts it’s because there are many benefits to this kind of dry heat in the snow or the cold. A sauna at home is not just a luxury, it can also have a very positive impact on health and wellness – and help to support a more positive lifestyle this year.

Aiding relaxation and sleep

If you feel tired all the time then it may be that the quality of your sleep is poor. This is often the result of tension and stress that you don’t quite manage to let go of at the end of the day. Spending time in your sauna is a great way to relax in the evening and to make sure that you’re getting good quality sleep. A more relaxed body means better rest and a stronger immune system too.

Soothing the nervous system

Whether it is the stress of sore muscles or the emotional stress of a day job, an exhausted nervous system is just not good for our bodies. There are lots of ways to help manage stress and the warm, dry environment of a sauna is one of the most effective. The impact of the heat enables the body to physically relax and release tension, and the benefits of that essential alone time can help to develop a calmer and more mindful approach to life’s challenges.

Sweat it out

Saunas help to support a healthier body and immune system by enabling better relaxation and also through detoxification. Sweat is one of the primary ways that the human body rids itself of toxins and in a sauna you will do plenty of that. Whether you’re detoxifying the effects of lots of eating and drinking during December, or the germs of coughs and sneezes, spending some time sweating in a sauna is an easy way to do it.

Better heart health

You might be surprised to learn that studies from Japan and Finland have established that regularly spending time in a sauna can be very beneficial for the health of your heart. The heat of a sauna helps to improve circulation, boost the immune system and can minimise or control heart problems. In fact, it can be as effective as regular exercise. So, if you’re struggling to do good things for your heart during the winter, regular sauna time is the ideal place to start.

Mood boosting

There are many ways in which spending time in a sauna during winter can help to improve your mood. From soothing away stress and increasing endorphin release to helping you to stay calm, there are lots of positive benefits. Saunas can also be incredible social spaces, bringing more people into your life and ensuring you connect regularly with family and friends. The more connections we have, and maintain, the happier humans we tend to be.

If you’re keen to find a sauna that perfectly fits your lifestyle contact a member of our team.

Enhance your workout with a swim spa

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Working out in water is a great way to get all the benefits of exercise without the impact of gravity on the body. If you have access to a swim spa then there is plenty that you can do to use it to enhance your workout.

The benefits of exercising in water

There are many good reasons to consider using water in your exercise regime. The natural resistance of the water to movement means that the impact of every activity is optimised, for example. That same resistance also encourages a higher calorie burn – the body has to work harder in the water to complete the same exercises as on land so the rate of calorie burn is higher. Thanks to the way that water lessens the impact of gravity on the body it’s often possible to achieve a much wider range of movement when exercising in water. This also reduces the risk of injury by minimising the strain on joints and bones.

How to enhance your workout with a swim spa

Swimming

This is the most obvious way to use your swim spa for exercise. Swimming uses the entire body and is a great low impact way to exercise. Adding resistance by swimming against a current can help to considerably enhance the impact of this type of workout.

Jogging

For many people, jogging on land is the fastest way to get injured. However, in water this is a much more supported exercise but one that still achieves positive results – jog on the spot, lifting your knees as high as possible. Alternatively, you can switch on the jets and turn your back to them – studies have shown that walking or jogging backward tends to engage more muscles than regular jogging.

Other lower body exercise

There is a lot you can do in a swim spa to work the lower body, including kick backs – raising your leg behind you to the surface and squeezing the glutes as you do. Flutter kicks using the buoyancy jet can be very effective and the swim spa’s stairs provide an easy way to do step reps.

Core work

If it’s your core that you’re looking to work when you’re in the swim spa water planks are very effective – all you need is a pool noodle to act as a stabiliser. Water dumbbells can also come in useful, for example for doing core rotations, twisting to the right and left with the weights at shoulder height.

Enhancing an upper body workout

If you have a resistance band then a shoulder press is a very effective way to get more from a swim spa work out. Dumbbells can be used for chest presses and tricep pushes.

When you’re working out in a swim spa don’t forget that you’ll need to warm up, as for any other activity. You’ll also need to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water before and after your workout.

Call our team today on 0208 300 4003 to find the ideal swim spa for your lifestyle.

Benefits of using your hot tub in the cold weather

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At this time of year it can be tempting to stay inside, wrapped up tight, and forget all about the outside space your home has. However, if you’ve got a hot tub at home then you’re missing out, as this is a great time of year to see a wide range of benefits from using it regularly. Hot tubs in winter can be a great place to relax, be social and also have lots of advantages when it comes to health and wellness too.
 

Get outside in the fresh air – but stay warm

If you’re using your hot tub outside then you’re enjoying all the benefits of the fresh air without any of the head to toe chill. Warm bubbles are a great way to stay toasty in cold weather and can help you to make the most of your outside space. Especially if you’ve been spending a lot of time inside with the central heating on, or wrapped up in layers, getting outside and into the hot tub can be an invigorating experience.
 

Be more sociable this winter season

Winter is the season when we tend to feel the least sociable. Especially once all the festive cheer of Christmas and New Years Eve have passed it can be difficult to get motivated to go out and see friends and family when the weather is cold and the days are short. Having a hot tub at home can provide exactly the motivation that you need for the colder, darker months – it’s a great theme for a party and a warm, fun space in which to get together with family and friends. If you’re looking for a unique way to get sociable this season then your hot tub is the perfect place in which to do it.
 

Improve your health and wellness

Hot tubs have long formed part of wellness regimes, as they provide an essential hydrotherapy experience. Hydrotherapy basically employs water to help soothe and treat a range of conditions, from arthritis to muscle stiffness. If you’re starting a new fitness programme and experiencing stiff muscles after workout sessions then spending time in the hot tub will help to soothe aches and pains. It can also be an essential experience pre-workout too. At this time of year we are all prone to muscle strains and injuries because our bodies are colder. A hot tub can help warm up muscles, joints and ligaments to help ensure a safer workout.
 

Using your hot tub in the winter months

With a few small adjustments, any hot tub can be made winter-proof. For example, make sure that you have warm, dry clothes to wrap up in when you get out and a quick route from the hot tub back inside. Clean and maintain your hot tub regularly if you’re planning to use it during the winter and turn down the jets, as these can lower the temperature in the water.
 

To find your dream hot tub for all year round, contact a member of our team.

How can hot tubs alleviate muscle pain?

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Whether you’ve started a fresh exercise regime for the new year or you’re trying a different activity that works a whole new range of muscles, aches and pains as a result of exercise can be troublesome. However, if you have a hot tub then you don’t need to keep suffering, as the warm water and jets of the hot tub can have a thoroughly therapeutic effect on your recovery. This is how it works.

Massaging tight or overworked muscles

The jets in the hot tub work to help loosen muscles that have become tight, either as a result of overwork or just being cold. This can be beneficial, both before and after exercise. Hot tub jets have a massage effect, which can help muscles to relax and improve recovery time after a workout session. You’ll not only feel better as a result of time in a hot tub post-workout but you’ll also be ready for your next session more quickly too.

Dispersing lactic acid

It’s lactic acid that, more often than not, is responsible for the soreness that we experience after a workout. If the muscles don’t get enough oxygen when they’re being worked then lactic acid is created. This acid can be burned as energy but when it’s not the result is muscle pain and soreness. There are lots of different ways to tackle lactic acid if sore muscles are something that you regularly suffer from. One of the most effective ways is in the warm water of a hot tub. Research has found that a hot tub session after intense exercise can help to reduce lactic acid build up, which means that you’re going to get much less soreness.

Preparing your body to workout

The warm water of a hot tub helps to increase blood flow around the body and physically warms up muscles. Especially in the colder months of the year it’s easy to get injured simply as a result of starting a workout when the body is cold. Hot tubs can be used before exercise to help prepare the body to work out. The warm water not only improves the oxygen supply around the body by stimulating blood flow but also helps to ensure that muscles are warm enough to avoid injury as a result of activity.

Soothing away a hard day

Although hydrotherapy, such as hot tubs, is often recommended for those who are working out or exercising at professional athlete level, they also have a great deal of positive use for everyone else too. The impact of sitting at a desk all day has been found to be as tough for the body as professional sports – and can result in just as much debilitating stiffness and pain. Hot tubs not only enable stiff muscles to be eased out after a day at a desk but can also help to shake off the anxiety of the day by soothing the nervous system.

There are many wellness benefits to owning a hot tub, especially when it comes to alleviating muscle pain. If you’d like to find your dream hot tub today contact a member of our team.