Tips for ‘Low-Impact’ Hot Tub Exercising
Many are finding today that the gentle bubbles of a hot tub add to the effectiveness of certain types of exercise.
Recently, Long Island Hot Tub interviewed a fitness guru on the subject of low-impact hot tub exercising: Cailean Johnson, owner of Trilogy Fitness in Seattle. Cailean has received a good deal of positive publicity of late for his expertise as a personal trainer.
Q: Why is exercising in a hot tub a good idea?
A: When your muscles are relaxed, you experience less pain and you can move your body in a greater range of motion. Also, when in a hot tub, there is less of an intense sensation due to movement.
It is important, however, to do any exercising in a hot tub in a slow, full-range motion so you get the full effect of exercise. To achieve the slow, full-range motion, make sure to extend your muscles and flex completely; this enables muscles to get the full effect of exercise.
Q: Can you give our readers some simple exercises they could try safely?
A: Sure.
I. Here’s one I enjoy doing for my shoulders -- a simple front side lat (lateral) raise: Holding a weight, simply raise your arms, one at a time, straight up, slightly above water, and drop it right back down to your side. Then raise the arm out to the sides of your body - out above water - and back to your side again. Then repeat with the other arm. Note, when raising arms, don’t bend your elbows, keep them straight, and work from your shoulder.
II. When sitting in the hot tub, work your core (from chest down to below the hip, including your abs), by moving your hips side to side. This will exercise your obliques abdominal muscles (side muscles of your abdominal wall).
For more workout ideas on low impact hot tub exercising, see our full blog on this subject.
Recently, Long Island Hot Tub interviewed a fitness guru on the subject of low-impact hot tub exercising: Cailean Johnson, owner of Trilogy Fitness in Seattle. Cailean has received a good deal of positive publicity of late for his expertise as a personal trainer.
Q: Why is exercising in a hot tub a good idea?
A: When your muscles are relaxed, you experience less pain and you can move your body in a greater range of motion. Also, when in a hot tub, there is less of an intense sensation due to movement.
It is important, however, to do any exercising in a hot tub in a slow, full-range motion so you get the full effect of exercise. To achieve the slow, full-range motion, make sure to extend your muscles and flex completely; this enables muscles to get the full effect of exercise.
Q: Can you give our readers some simple exercises they could try safely?
A: Sure.
I. Here’s one I enjoy doing for my shoulders -- a simple front side lat (lateral) raise: Holding a weight, simply raise your arms, one at a time, straight up, slightly above water, and drop it right back down to your side. Then raise the arm out to the sides of your body - out above water - and back to your side again. Then repeat with the other arm. Note, when raising arms, don’t bend your elbows, keep them straight, and work from your shoulder.
II. When sitting in the hot tub, work your core (from chest down to below the hip, including your abs), by moving your hips side to side. This will exercise your obliques abdominal muscles (side muscles of your abdominal wall).
For more workout ideas on low impact hot tub exercising, see our full blog on this subject.
Hot Tub Setting
Just like using spaces indoors, you will exercise in your hot tub more often if it has a nice setting. We surrounded this Bullfrog Spa with natural stone, moss rock, and plantings to give a “set in garden” effect. Natural stone steps lead into the hot tub.
Hot Tub Patio
The new Techo-Bloc patio, designed to accommodate the hot tub, is just outside the home’s back door. This guarantees that the owners will use the hot tub more for exercising and relaxation because of its convenience.
Hot Tub Deck
When building the new deck, a platform was made to hold the hot tub at a height conducive to regular use. When dining or lounging, the inviting hot tub is just steps away: ready and waiting.
Hot Tub Exercising
Outdoor enthusiasts, these homeowners not only have a tennis court for exercise, but a hot tub for more low-impact exercising.
Crystal Clear Hot Tub Water
The warm, soothing clean waters of a hot tub invite you to step in and exercise. This hot tub was set to be convenient from the back door as well as the garden.
Frequently asked questions
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