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

How a Hot Tub Can Help to Relieve Arthritis

Posted on 17 February 2015 - 00:00 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

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Many people think they are suffering from normal aches and pains due to their lifestyle, when in fact it could be the beginning of arthritis. It takes a medical professional to make this diagnosis, but it doesn’t have to be one of doom and gloom. The health care professional will make their suggestions about how to get relief. It has been shown that a hot tub can be beneficial in helping to deal with the pain and discomfort that comes with this medical condition.

Arthritis attacks the musculoskeletal system, targeting the joints of the sufferer. There are also many different forms of this disease. The pain that comes with it is as a result of the inflammation it creates, which is often followed by stiffness.

The warm water of a hot tub is what provides the main benefit in regards to pain relief. The joints become compressed due to the inflammation, but the force of gravity against the joints becomes reduced while you’re in the water. The water also offers support to the affected area, and may assist in reducing the swelling and improving circulation to these areas.

When it comes to the heat of the water, hotter is not necessarily better. Water that is too hot can have a negative effect. Generally, it is recommended that the water temperature should be around 92-100^oF.

While the warm water is the main benefit, there are side benefits to using the hot tub as a form of arthritic relief. Once the affected joints begin to feel better as they loosen up, it encourages you to start moving more while soaking in the warm water. The joints are now beginning to be gently exercised which helps to improve circulation.

Many individuals that become consistent with using warm water, like in a hot tub, as a means of helping with their arthritic pain have said that their pain decreased by up to 40%.

A hot tub should be given serious consideration to those who suffer with arthritis. Its use for this purpose should first be discussed and approved by your health care provider. A high-quality unit that’s set properly is the door to some relief. Being consistent with its use for heat and exercise will help to extend the benefits beyond the time spent in the hot tub. Many have reported that the soothing effects of the water continue to last for a good period of time in between soaks.

5 Benefits of Exercising in Your Swim Spa

Posted on 10 February 2015 - 00:00 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

From relaxing to exercising, there are a huge variety of ways to use your swim spa. There are a lot of benefits that come with this type of spa, and whether you’re a professional athlete or a casual swimmer, if you own a swim spa, we’re sure you know what we mean. Here are the top five benefits of exercising in your swim spa.

Muscle Toning and Strengthening

For the get-fit enthusiast, this is one of the main benefits of the swim spa. Getting and keeping the muscles in shape isn’t just for the young. People middle-aged and older can benefit a great deal from having their muscles toned and strengthened. They may use a different, gentler swim spa routine to accomplish, but that is one of the great features of a swim spa: it can be customized to fit the user.

Managing Weight

For individuals who are physically out of shape and are dealing with a weight problem, it is always suggested that they start some form of exercise. This isn’t easy because you may tire quickly and become discouraged. Using a swim spa to start building up endurance for exercise is ideal. The water helps to support the excess weight, and allows you to carry through with your exercise regime. Slowly, it’s possible to build up stamina – and this, in turn, makes on-land activities easier as well.

Increasing Your Agility

One of the big problems that a lot of people face is stiffness in their muscles and joints. They find they arenâ€™t as flexible as they once were. This isn’t a complaint that is restricted to the older generation, either. Using a swim spa to limber up those muscles on a consistent basis helps not only to address the problem when it arises, but works as a preventative measure as well.

Living Heart Healthy

Just as the swim spa is beneficial for the various muscles of the body, the heart is also a muscle and therefore it also receives benefits. Swimming is classed as an aerobic exercise, so this puts it into the heart-healthy exercise category. Keeping the heart in good shape benefits the entire body through increased blood flow.

Treating Various Ailments

There are a variety of ailments which affect people nowadays, some of which have no true cure. Some of the common ailments are arthritis, fibromyalgia, and even asthma. The best that can be done is to keep them under control. This is usually done through the advice and care of a medical professional. In many cases, there are several things that you can do to help yourself, too. Some may not realize that a swim spa can be helpful for those who are afflicted with asthma. Many asthma sufferers have trouble working out in dry environments, which can result in an attack. The moist air in the swim spa environment has been found to be beneficial for asthma sufferers.

The amazing thing about the benefits of the swim spa is that they are applicable to almost everyone. Itâ€™s just a matter of deciding how you want to use your swim spa to build a healthier, happier you.

Finding the Right Service Package for Your Pool or Swim Spa

Posted on 10 February 2015 - 00:00 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

By buying a quality water unit, whether it be a pool, swim spa, or hot tub, you are saving yourself from a lot of potential problems in the future. One of the main reasons people will hesitate to buy a swim spa, for example, is because they believe it requires too much work to keep it in good order.

Your pool, hot tub, or swim spa should never be a burden, but instead a constant source of enjoyment. This begins with buying high quality, then having a spa provider that offers good customer service and swim spa or hot tub service packages.

These water units take very little care when they are properly maintained!

Enhancing the enjoyment of your hot tub or swim spa begins with the purchase and installation. When you use a quality provider, they have the expertise to help you decide on the best location for your new unit. Choosing the right location helps with your future maintenance.

Once you have your hot tub or swim spa up and running, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with maintenance. Then, you can decide which tasks you want to put into the hands of the service experts. Companies that specialize in hot tubs and swim spas often offer a selection of service packages.

Which service package is best for you will depend on how often you are using your water unit, and even the number of people that use it. You may find that you only require a monthly or quarterly maintenance service. Or, you may prefer to have it maintained on a weekly basis. This is something that your service provider will help you to determine.

You never have to be concerned if you are going away on holidays or leaving home for a period of time because you can always make use of a holiday check program.

Routine maintenance requires proper care of the water and keeping the water unit clean. These are simple but highly important. You have the option of doing this on a regular basis yourself by following the instructions that came with your hot tub or swim spa, and purchasing the appropriate chemicals needed to maintain it.

By starting out with a quality hot tub or swim spa provider that is offers top-quality units, and has a selection of service packages to choose from, you can rest assured that you made the right decision in buying one of these amazing spas for you and your loved ones to enjoy.

Planning the Perfect Valentine’s Day Celebration in Your Hot Tub

Posted on 3 February 2015 - 00:00 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

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There are many holidays to celebrate throughout the year, and often this includes spending time with family and friends. Valentine’s Day is a little different – one that is meant to be shared with that special love of your life. If you are looking to make this Valentine’s Day celebration extra-special, then consider using your hot tub.

Usually, each individual will buy some small gift as a token of their love and appreciation. More often than not, this gift is comprised of a heart shaped box of chocolates, or perhaps a dozen roses. While these are a wonderful gesture, they have become common place and have lost their impact. If you really want to make an impression on your loved one, then why not do something really extra-special?

You could start with reservations at your partner’s favorite restaurant. It is a great way to start to set the ambience for the making of a perfect romantic evening. Chances are your partner will think this wonderful evening ends when the meal is completed. You, however, have an additional surprise waiting at home and it all focuses around your hot tub.

Now, you want to make the atmosphere a little different because you both likely use your hot tub on a regular basis. So, you want it to be a little more special this time. You can do this by purchasing some hot tub accessories designed to set the romantic mood.

It could begin with having a nice bottle of champagne or wine on ice, within easy reach from your hot tub. It’s important to buy one of the shatterproof ice buckets that are specifically designed for this.

To really create a pleasing and relaxing atmosphere, consider purchasing some scents to add to the water. There are a variety of scents, and these oils are specially made to work with your hot tub. Don’t use regular oils as they could damage your hot tub. We recommend Dream Scents, which is offered in 6 unique aromas.

There is nothing like the proper lighting to enhance a romantic encounter. You can easily turn your hot tub into a dazzling light display by purchasing a simple item like the Light Show. It is inexpensive, and easy to use, and packed full of delightful light combinations.

You can expand the ambiance by setting up some soft music nearby. You can feel very proud of your extra efforts that you have put into your Valentine’s Day celebration with your soul mate. You probably didn’t realize just how valuable of a resource the hot tub can be when it comes to making a lasting impression.

Healthy Exercise Tips for Your Swim Spa

Posted on 3 February 2015 - 00:00 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

One of the greatest benefits of the swim spa is its ability to allow you to complete many different levels of exercise depending on your ability. For young athletes who want to keep in shape it is an ideal venue for water workouts. For those who suffer with ailments and want to start a rehabilitative regime, the swim spa is perfect. For seniors and those who are out of shape and want to strengthen their cardio system, swim spas are also an excellent resource.

Like any exercise equipment, there are right and wrong ways to use it. Getting exercise with the swim spa is super easy because of all the options available. Even just sinking into the water encourages one to gently move about and stretch their limbs, which is beneficial in itself.

For an exercise regime based on meeting a specific goal or need, some planning never hurts to help keep you on track!

Many of the exercises that you would do on land can be modified for the swim spa. Here are a few ideas to keep your workouts interesting!

Lap Swimming

Using your swim spa for lap swimming not only brings you all of the regular benefits that a traditional swim does, it allows you to take it one step further. Not only can you increase the number of laps you are completing each day, you can increase the resistance of the water that you are swimming against.

Aqua Jogging

There are many different running exercises that you can consider for your swim spa regime, but most of them probably don’t offer the same comfort that the swim spa does with all of the same benefits! Jogging in water is low-impact, which means less wear and tear on your joints and muscles.

Rowing

Being able to complete some rowing exercises in a top-quality swim spa like the AquaTrainer iX by Hydropool is something that will scale up your exercise efforts. This form of exercise really allows you to give yourself a good workout. Again, the water will help you to avoid straining your muscles.

Treading or Wading

You may think that remaining stationary in the water is not going to do much as a workout, but being consistent with this exercise comes with many benefits. You may want to use a floatation device and work against it to increase the intensity of your workout. It is a great form of cardio as well.

Buoyancy and Resistance

You can plan to include this in your exercise regime according to what muscles you want to work on. For example, doing squats in the water is quite a bit different than doing it on land. Alternatively, jumping in the water can be great for your legs, and not to mention fun!

While you will find that planning and following through with a swim spa exercise regime to be fun and rewarding, like any form of exercise you need to include a warm up and cool down segment. You also need to build your endurance so don’t overdo it as you progress through your different levels of work outs. Get creative and try some of your own exercises in the water – you may enjoy it so much that you’ll want every workout to be in the swim spa!

Choosing Seating for Your New Sauna

Posted on 27 January 2015 - 00:00 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

Often, people want to know if there is anything special that they need to consider when choosing what they want in the interior of their sauna.

Some of the highlights of the interior include different kinds of wood, design and decor, and seating options. Let’s take a look at some of your choices.

Woods

Alder

Alder has become a good choice for saunas because of its durability. It has the ability to remain stable when wet, which makes in an ideal choice for saunas. Another great feature is that it doesn’t conduct heat.

Red Cedar

Red cedar has rot resistant capabilities and stands up nicely to moisture, and has a nice woody fragrance to it that isn’t overpowering. It is also said to be naturally bacteria-resistant.

Aspen

Many woods come with the flaw of emitting their resins, however, Aspen does not. For this reason it makes it a good choice for the interior of saunas.

Hemlock

Hemlock has become the choice of people who have allergies to specific types of woods, as they feel that it is less likely to cause an allergic reaction.

Ayous

Ayous is another type of wood that lends itself well to saunas because it doesn’t hold heat well and doesn’t bend or warp easily. It has a beautiful smooth surface which makes it ideal for sauna seating.

Most quality saunas are going to have seating that is made of one of these quality woods. Make your choice based on how much seating you are going to have and how well the appearance matches the look you’re going for. You want to make sure your sauna is serene and relaxing with your perfect decor.

The size and height of your sauna will also play a role in its seating capacity. While your original intention may be for two people, don’t forget that this is a wonderful place to spend some time entertaining and enjoying the company of friends.

If you have found a sauna model that really appeals to you but you would like to have the seating customized, you want to be sure that you are dealing with a company that can offer you various types of customization when it comes to your home sauna. Speak with a representative to choose the perfect seating for your new space!

Is a Bespoke Sauna Right for Your Business?

Posted on 27 January 2015 - 00:00 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

In most industries, there is always a lot of competition. It has become very important for the business owner to offer additional services that will put their company ahead of the rest. Anything that is going to bring comfort and relaxation to the consumer is usually well-received, and if your business is one that you could implement a sauna, then it would be well worth looking at.

There are a lot of businesses that could offer sauna treatments. They may not realize the many benefits it can bring to both the user and the business itself. Many sectors of the hospitality industry could benefit, as well as the beauty industry, and even wellness centers that include some type of exercise.

Often what holds a business owner back is failing to realize how beneficial it could be to their clients. Or maybe they aren’t sure how to market it, or they feel that they don’t have the space or the requirements needed to have one installed.

To overcome the concern about space, there are so many choices in styles and models that this most likely would not be an issue. Bespoke saunas are the ideal solution for any type of business wanting to offer the use of a sauna. In fact, these units can be totally customized to fit the exact needs of the business having them installed.

Saunas have many benefits, and as a business owner you would need to decide if these benefits would serve your clients well and blend in nicely with the services you offer. Here are some examples.

Accommodation Services

For those in the Hotel, Motel and Bed and Breakfast industries, offering your clients the use of a sauna can certainly give you an edge over your competitors. Weary travellers can really benefit from a sauna session, and it’s also great to make use of before they set out on their journey when leaving your establishment.

Spas

If you are in the beauty industry and are offering treatments, then including a sauna as part of this can provide many benefits to your clients. Not only are saunas good for many physical ailments and for promoting relaxation, but they can also be excellent for skin health and appearance.

Gyms and Wellness Centers

Most of these businesses will have some area of their program that addresses weight loss. Incorporating the use of a sauna within that type of program can have some real benefits. There have been some indications that this type of treatment can help to burn calories.

For business owners who are thinking of including the use of a sauna as part of their offering, it doesn’t have to be an expensive investment. What is important is that you purchase a high-quality sauna that’s flexible in size and installation, has lots of customizable features, and of course, looks attractive and inviting!

How Energy Efficient is Your Hot Tub?

Posted on 20 January 2015 - 00:00 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

There are a lot of features and benefits that you are going to want in your hot tub, and one of these should be efficiency. If you have an older model, then it may not possess all of the qualities that the newer ones on the market do.

If you are just setting out to buy a hot tub, then be sure to spend some time checking out its efficiency.

There are different components that can affect the way the hot tub uses energy. One very important factor is insulation. The insulation should be continuous, meaning that there are no gaps in it.

Modern technology has allowed some quality hot tub manufacturers to capitalize on what is often called wasted heat. Heat is generated from the water, shell, plumbing components, and motor. Rather than waste this extra heat, Hydropool hot tubs utilize it through a unique system called the hydrowise thermoshield system. This means less energy is needed to heat your hot tub, and that can mean savings for you. Those that have old hot tubs will often have to use spray-on foam insulation to fill the gaps in their current insulation.

It is well known that heat rises, and this is what happens to the heat that is being created for the water in your hot tub. It simply rises and escapes into the air. You can prevent this by using a good quality cover for the unit when not in use. Some people choose to use floating insulator covers, but many find that a rigid insulation cover is more efficient. If you have been using the same cover on your existing hot tub for a long period of time, you may be noticing that it is getting heavy. This is because it has absorbed moisture and itâ€™s time for a new one.

Maintaining a consistent temperature for the water is also a good energy saver. Ideally, keeping it at 100^oF will provide you all the comfort you are looking for, and will keep the operating costs of the unit down.

When you are shopping for a hot tub, be sure to ask the representative to fully explain the features of the hot tubs youâ€™re interested in. This way, you’ll have a wealth of information and be able to make a great choice for your new hot tub!

How Can Saunas Strengthen Your Immune System?

Posted on 20 January 2015 - 00:00 by Christina Mantoura-Gough

Many people who own a sauna can’t stop telling their friends about the amazing health benefits. Those that are health conscious are finding that saunas can be excellent for strengthening the immune system.

Our immune system is our best defence against many different ailments. Our body can build up toxins in our fat cells, and the kidneys have the job of trying to detoxify our system. Some sauna users have found that the sweating that takes place during a sauna session really helps to relieve the body of some of these toxins, helping the kidneys with their responsibilities.

There have been studies that show that there are different types of toxins that can accumulate in the body, which include residue from pharmaceuticals, heavy metals, as well as chemicals and solvents from products we use or the environment. These studies have gone on to show that saunas may be beneficial in helping the body to remove these harmful toxins.

The sauna can do even more to help by strengthening the immune system. There are indications that the white blood cells in your body can increase as a result of the heat in a sauna. White cells are very important for fighting off infections that are trying to bring harm to the body.

There are also other changes that are taking place in your body as you sit and enjoy the warmth and comfort in a sauna. These changes are in respect to your T cells and antibodies. Some people say that even when they are suffering from a cold they find some time in the sauna helps to improve their condition. This is thought to be because microbes causing the ailment don’t like the heat and tend to die off at higher temperatures.

Aside from the great potential benefits the sauna can offer the immune system, not many will deny that the feel-good benefits are valuable as well. This is because the high temperatures increase the secretion of endorphins, which make you feel happy.

There are many different ailments that people suffer from where they have been able to get some relief from pain and discomfort as a result of having a good quality sauna in their home to rely on. Anything from aches and pains to a chest cold can potentially benefit from a good sauna session!

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