Hot Tubs and Exercise Part 1

Part one of a three part series on hot tubs and exercise explores the importance of good nutrition before, during and after a workout.

Nutrition and Hot Tub Use

Install a hot tub as part of a healthy lifestyle |
 (480) 656-7267

Before a morning workout, it may sound counter-intuitive, but you want to load up a bit on your carbs. No, that doesn't mean pigging out on doughnuts, or eating an enormous pancake breakfast. Sounds odd, but a great way to much before you head to the gym is to eat some protein rich peanut butter and banana slices as a snack. Another cool tip is to add a few chia seeds to your water or protein drink. Chia seeds absorb huge amounts of water, which allow you to stay hydrated. They're also great for weight loss as you don't eat as much. Whatever you eat, however, you do not want to use your hot tub before you workout. While the hot water can warm up your muscles, it can do it too quickly, and make your workout potentially dangerous. You can use your hot tub after you workout, but be aware of the two T's: Timing and Temperature.

As they say in show business, timing is everything. The same holds true for your hot tub in Phoenix. It is a good idea to cool down for at least an hour after a workout before you slip into a tub. It is very important to cool down as your body temperature will be a lot higher, particularly after a strenuous workout. Cooling down also helps to lower both your heart rate and respiration. If you enter a hot tub too soon, you can get hyperthermia, literally where your body temperature is way too high. Another thing you want to do before you get into the hot tub is to refuel.

Hot Tubs and Chocolate Milk

A lot of people shell out big bucks for a protein shake at their gym without realizing that they have a perfect protein drink that is easily made at home. Chocolate milk has made several personal trainers' must have lists. If you drink it within 30 minutes of a workout's end, you can bounce back a lot quicker from a strenuous workout. So before you jump in a hot tub, drink a glass of chocolate milk. Another thing to remember after a weight training sessions is to remember the protein.

Chocolate milk has protein, as does peanut butter mentioned earlier in this article, however, right after a workout, your muscles are going to need a lot of protein and quickly. Eggs are good for protein as are high omega-3 content fish like salmon and tuna. Eat a lot of protein within an hour of your workout's end. After you get your protein in, you want to soak in a hot tub to help the circulation of blood to your muscles.

Sunset Spas of Arizona
2225 West Pecos Road #8
Chandler, AZ 85224
(480) 656-7267
(866) 601-7267
http://www.sunsetspasaz.com