Category Archives: Swim Spa

Many people are increasingly beginning to appreciate the benefits of cold water swimming during the autumn and winter months. From the boost that this can provide to the immune system to the mental and physical sense of wellbeing that can result from a chilly dip, there are many good reasons why you might want to consider venturing into the water in the colder months. If you’re going to do that then these are our top tips for making sure you get the most from the experience.

• Don’t stop swimming – just reduce time and distance. It’s not feasible to swim the same distances, or to stay in the water for the same length of time, once October has ended. But you can still enjoy a swim, just for shorter times and distances.
• Cold water acclimatisation is simple. All you need to do is take regular dips in cold water, starting off with a very short period of time and then building up as your body allows. A water temperature of less than 10 degrees C will feel cold and as it drops by each 1C after that the reduction in temperature will be more noticeable. Remember to factor in the outside environment and wind temperature when deciding how long to stay in.
• You don’t need to get a wetsuit. In fact, most cold water swimmers don’t wear a wetsuit just conventional swimming attire. If you think you’re likely to suffer from the cold then you might want to consider investing in neoprene socks and gloves for the hands and feet.
• Safety is essential. That means ensuring that you can get in and out of the water easily and that there are facilities within easy reach where you can warm up afterwards.
• Cold water swimmers have each other’s backs. So, if possible, it’s a good idea to go swimming with a group.
• Make sure you can be seen. It’s important to ensure that you can be seen by boats and other vehicles, as those driving them may not expect anyone to be in the water swimming during the colder months. Brightly coloured swim hats or tow floats can be a good idea to make sure you’re visible.
• Learn your limits. It can be useful to take a thermometer into the water with you and to keep a log of all your swims so that you have a record of how each one felt. This will enable you to understand your body’s limits and safely build up resistance.
• Warm up quickly when you get out. Get dressed as soon as you can and make sure that you have a warm drink on hand to help bring your temperature back up once you’re out of the water. Avoid a sudden increase in temperature, such as a hot shower, and opt for gradually adding layers and drinking something hot instead.

Swimming in colder months offers a lot of benefits and you don’t have to have a lot of kit to enjoy them.

From adding a bit of luxury into your life to creating more space for health and fitness, a spa can make a big difference to your lifestyle. Spas can be somewhere that all the family can engage with each other and also provide an ideal space in which you can relax alone and have some precious quiet time. There is a therapy aspect to spa use too, helping to calm frayed nerves and make it easier to wind down after a hard day. And, in addition to all of that, there are also a number of great health benefits that can result from using a spa.

Helping with stress management

Consider the impact of a massage on the areas of the body that tend to carry a lot of tension, such as the neck and shoulders. And then add in the feel of warm water. That’s the experience you’ll get with a hot tub spa thanks to the combination of hydrotherapy and the soothing impact of the massage jets. The hydrotherapy jets in a spa can be used to target a number of specific areas where tension is likely to build, including neck, shoulder, mid-back, lower back, thighs and feet. Just 20 minutes is very effective at helping to relieve muscular pain and curb the consequences of stress, such as tension headaches and high blood pressure.

Healing health benefits

What many people don’t realise is that a spa does feel like a luxurious experience but it also has a lot to offer in helping to manage various conditions. For example:

• Arthritis. Soaking in a spa can deliver relief from the pain and restricted movement of arthritis. The muscles relax in the warmth of the water so that moving becomes easier and less painful.
• Type 2 diabetes. The heat from a spa dilates the blood vessels in the body, increasing blood flow and enabling the body to better use its insulin. One study found that regular soaking helped patients to reduce blood sugar levels by up to 13%.
• Healing from injuries. From inflamed joints to strains and sprains, the impact of soaking in a spa can have a very positive effect. Increased circulation carries more oxygen around the body helping to promote healing where it is needed the most.

Sleep and skin

The stress relieving impact of a hot tub can help improve sleep, as well as the way that the body heats up in a spa and then cools once you get out. In fact spending half an hour in a spa 90 minutes before you want to sleep can promote better, higher quality sleep.  A spa will also encourage your body to sweat, opening up pores and activating the natural systems of detoxification that help to give skin a cleaner, bright finish and keep it healthy.

Regular spa use has a lot to offer everyone, young or older, both in terms of lifestyle benefits and helping you to better manage and optimise your health.

Swimming is often underestimated when it comes to fitness. It’s one of those activities where you may not be able to see the sweat rolling down your face but there is a lot happening to support improved mobility and increased fitness in a supported environment. Whether you’re training with injuries or you’re just looking to expand your abilities, swimming has a lot of benefits when it comes to improving the level of your fitness.

It’s fun

If you’re of the “no pain no gain” school of thought then you may have dismissed swimming in fitness terms. However, this is still an incredibly effective form of exercise, one that can be even more productive because you enjoy it as you’re doing it. Swimming can be sociable too – you can chat as you train and get a good workout while catching up with a friend at the same time.

The ultimate full body workout

Swimming uses all the major muscles in the body, which means that you’re getting a fantastic workout every time you get into the water. You don’t have to commit to the harder strokes, like front crawl or butterfly, to see the benefits either. Regular breaststroke sessions can be just as effective at helping you to tone up, get fit and lose weight.

Go for the burn

If it’s burning calories that you’re keen to do when you’re exercising, swimming is a great choice. The volume of calories you’ll burn per session will vary depending on your height and weight but, on average, you can burn around 200 calories in just 30 minutes. That’s twice what you would burn by going for a walk, which makes swimming a very effective part of any diet and exercise plan.

A supported training environment

The buoyancy of the water means that swimming is accessible to just about anyone. Whether you have joint issues, or you’re recovering from injury, you’ll still be able to reap the benefits of a training session in the pool without doing any damage. As water supports up to 90% of the weight of the human body this is a great way to keep momentum going even if you’re suffering from injuries or you’re just feeling a bit tired.

A healthier mind and body

Swimming not only feels great but can also have a very positive impact when it comes to helping to protect the body against certain diseases. For example, regular sessions in the pool can help to avoid issues with heart disease and strokes, as well as Type 2 diabetes. It’s also a great way to help lower stress levels and to cope with the daily anxieties of life – regular swimming sessions can be an effective tool in handling anxiety and depression, for example, as well as improving related issues such as insomnia.

No matter what your current level of fitness, swimming regularly can help to improve it. Whether you’re suffering from an injury or struggling to commit to an exercise routine, swimming can help you get on track to improvement.

Swim spas can be incredibly relaxing, a blissful way to chill out after a hard day at work. However, they should not be confused with hot tubs, which are purely for spa activities. A swim spa offers all the benefits of the hot tub but also provides a strong current against which to swim. It’s not only possible to get a great swimming session with a swim spa at home, there are also a number of other ways that you can work out in one too.

Swimming in a swim spa

If you don’t have the space at home for a full sized pool but you’re looking for an active water workout a swim spa is the ideal solution. In fact, for continuous swimming, many people find that a swim spa is a better workout option. In any normal pool – unless you have space for an Olympic pool at home – you’re going to have to keep turning each time you reach the end. But in a swim spa you’re swimming against a current continuously and there is no need to turn. This allows for a wide range of training, from practising strokes to covering some serious distance.

Working out in a swim spa

In addition to swimming, a swim spa also accommodates a range of other fitness activities. For example, you can use the swim spa for jogging, whether on the spot against the current or on an aquatic treadmill. The resistance of the water can make this an incredibly tough workout but it’s also supported. Whereas a regular jog might be hard on joints as a result of gravity, in a swim spa the buoyancy of the water ensures you get all the benefits of the workout without the painful pressure on your body. The water resistance can also support other activities, from water weight training to aqua aerobics.

Swim spa as hot tub

Once you’ve finished working out the swim spa easily becomes a hot tub where you can enjoy all the benefits of hydrotherapy after your session. Hot tubs are fantastic for recovery, whether you’re just feeling a few muscle aches or training hard. The water boosts circulation in the body and works to lower blood pressure, helping your body to recover more quickly from a workout. Plus, the soothing effect of hydrotherapy can help with stress relief and bringing your body back to a calm place. If you suffer regularly from joint pain or from issues like insomnia you may also find that using your swim spa can help provide relief.

Doing everything in your own back yard

Many people struggle to keep to a regular workout schedule if they have to travel to do it. Having a swim spa at home is a major advantage, as you can workout, cool down and enjoy all the benefits of hydrotherapy without having to leave your property.

A swim spa is a great way to get an effective workout, no matter what your fitness goals.

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.

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.

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.

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.