June 23rd, 2021 – Now that life is getting somewhat back to normal, I’ve finally gotten back to working out with a trainer. Here’s my embarrassing confession: I hate it. But I’m not getting any younger, and I need to do what I can to keep myself going!

Wouldn’t it be great to find out that a hot tub can do good for your blood pressure much the same way moderate exercise can? The good news is that may actually be the case.

Researchers have been looking at studies that compared the physiological responses between time spent in a hot tub alongside an equal amount of time doing moderate cycling. In looking at results from 50 studies—some with a large number of participants as well as ones with a smaller lab group—the findings were encouraging.

Because of your body’s reaction to immersion in hot water, after a few minutes you not only relax, but you also get your heart pumping. When that happens, your heart rate escalates and your pores open. This not only helps rid your body of toxins, but your body temp also increases, and you start to sweat—the same way your body would react if you were walking, jogging, or cycling.

Regular soaks also are excellent to ward off depression, releasing your body’s feel-good endorphins. You can also spend time in the tub with friends or family to help with human connection, also shown to help counter depression.

Now, I’m not saying you can ditch regular exercise (I wish!). In fact, if you incorporate exercise in with regular hot tubbing, you’ll appreciate greater overall health. Doesn’t that sound like a smart way to live?