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Author Archives: Christina Mantoura

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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.

Science in your sauna… how does it work?

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Sometimes the best way to test whether something is good for you is just to try it. If you’ve ever tried sinking into the warmth of a sauna after a hard day at work you’ll know just how wonderful and relaxing it feels. However, the effect of a sauna isn’t just that pure bliss feeling – it can also have an impact in a number of other ways that have more of a scientific basis.

Detoxifying and cleansing

You won’t feel this happening but the process of detoxifying and cleansing the body and system is something that saunas are very effective at. What you will feel is sweat – this is the body’s primary method for ridding itself of impurities and sweating is amplified significantly when you spend some time in a sauna. Not only will this help you to feel healthier and more energetic but it can also improve the appearance of your skin, for example clearing out blocked pores and removing surface layer dirt.

Bronchial relief

Whether you are a regular sufferer of bronchitis or you’re coming down with a seasonal cold, the science of a sauna can have a very positive impact on your respiratory system. Warm steam acts as a decongestant, reducing blockages and easing breathing. Spending time in a sauna on a regular basis can provide relief from the symptoms of bronchitis and other similar conditions. There’s also significant evidence to suggest that you can reduce your risk of catching a cold by half if you have at least two sauna sessions a week.

Lower blood pressure and better circulation

Heat has a very positive impact on the body, causing blood vessels to dilate and helping to improve circulation. An increase in blood flow around the body can help to deliver nutrients and remove metabolic waste. It also means that the body is more effectively using oxygen, which is distributed via the blood. This can help to steady the pulse and lower the heart rate, reducing stress and aiding relaxation. The overall impact on heart health is very positive, bringing down blood pressure and helping to relieve the discomfort – and reduce the risks – of conditions such as hypertension and congestive heart failure.

Reducing pain and inflammation

Heat is a natural form of pain relief and often applied to specific areas of injury by professional athletes. Spending time in a sauna can have the same beneficial effects, especially if you’re suffering from widespread pain and inflammation, for example as a result of conditions such as arthritis. The scientific impact of heat is twofold: firstly, it can help the body to release endorphins that feel good and secondly it can trigger the release of anti inflammatories, such as cortisol and growth hormones. The overall effect is that short-term pain, such as from injury, is reduced and regular sauna sessions can provide a natural way to manage the impact of chronic conditions.

Your sauna is so much more than just somewhere to kick back and relax. As the science shows, it has some real wellness, health and lifestyle benefits too. Get in touch with our expert team or take a look at our full range of saunas on our website today.

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