Hot tubs are great for relaxation and connecting with those you care about, but did you realize that it can double as your at-home gym? There are a variety of easy exercises that you can do in your hot tub that can improve your health, while helping you to avoid the soreness and inflammation commonly associated with a “land-based” workout.

Strength Training in Your Hot Tub

Strength training is motion with the addition of an increased load. This is commonly associated with weights in a gym, but adding water resistance can also be extremely effective at strength training, with a decreased risk of injury. With a pair of water resistance weights in hand (lighter than weights at the gym, but specially designed for water strength training), try this water push up:

• Sit in the hot tub with water just below your chin and your back firmly against the side or seat
• Hold your arms shoulder height, straight out in front of you
• Bring the weights into your chest, and then back out again for a “push-up”
• Increase speed for more resistance

Cardio Workout in Your Hot Tub

You don’t need all the bells, whistles and extra equipment to get a good cardio workout in your hot tub. As long as it raises your heart rate and increases your breathing, you’re doing just fine. Scissor kicks is a great cardio workout that you can do from the comfort of your jetting hot tub seat:

• Have a seat and extend your legs out in front of you
• brace yourself with your arms either behind you on the sides of the hot tub, or next to your thighs/backside on the seat
• Kick your feet up and down quickly with a full range of motion without bending your knees

Yoga in Your Hot Tub

Yes, “hot tub yoga” is definitely a thing! Yoga is great for increasing flexibility, as well as circulation, balance, and mobility — and so is the warm hydrotherapy of a hot tub! It’s a great partnership! If you’re already a yogi, then doing your poses in the hot tub will add an extra challenge for you. If you’re new to the practice, we recommend you take at least one class to learn the poses safely and correctly before moving to the hot tub.

As a disclaimer, you should always talk to your doctor before implementing a new exercise routine, especially if you’re going to integrate the hot tub. And if you’re in need of a hot tub for your “at home gym,” give us a call and we’ll help you find Hot tubs!