Does a Hot Tub Burn Calories?

Hot tubs provide many wonderful benefits such as hydrotherapy and a way to relax and unwind, but they can also help you burn calories as well. Some people may be surprised to learn that by sitting in the heated water of a hot tub helps to increase blood flow and release toxins from your body. This creates the perfect environment to perform simple, low impact movements to add to your overall fitness routine and help you burn more calories. There are a wide range of exercises that can be performed in a hot tub which can promote weight loss, heart health, tone muscles, increase flexibility and assist in injury recovery. Below are just a few of the exercises that you can easily perform while in your hot tub.

Core Workout

While sitting or holding on to the wall of the hot tub with both hands, face inwards toward the centre of your hot tub. Bring both knees towards your chest and in a quick, controlled motion, fully extend your legs together. This movement is an excellent workout for your core and make sure to keep proper form by keeping your back straight and shoulders back. Do three sets of 30 reps each.

Shoulder Rolls

Standing in the middle of your hot tub, begin to roll your shoulders forward and back. The combination of water resistance and heat can help improve joint mobility and increase the circulation in your shoulders, torso, and neck. Do three sets of 30 reps.

Hand Claps

While in a standing position, place your arms underwater and extend them out from your side and bring back together to touch your palms like in a slow clapping motion while keeping your shoulders relaxed. This movement works your shoulders, triceps, biceps, and chest. Do three sets of 20 reps.

Heel Raise

While sitting, extend your legs towards the middle of the hot tub and rotate your legs in a motion like pedaling a bicycle. This is an excellent workout for your hip flexors and to increase the difficulty, you can straighten, lower and lift your legs to create more resistance. Do three sets of 30 pedals each.

Torso Twist

In a standing position, cross your arms over your chest and contract your abdominal muscles. Twist slowly from side to side (left to right) exhaling as you twist and inhaling as you return to your starting position. Keep your shoulders relaxed and strive to increase your range of motion as you become more comfortable with the movement. Torso twists are excellent for your oblique muscles. Do three sets of 20 reps each.

Heel Raise

Stand in the centre of your hot tub with your feet flat on the floor. Rise slowly from your heels to your toes and if you need help with balance, place one hand on the wall for support. This movement helps to slim and tone your calf muscles. Do three sets of 30 reps each.

As with any exercise, it is important to stretch when you have finished your workout.

Now that you know that hot tubs are a great way to burn calories in addition to being a perfect outlet for relaxation, download a hot tub buyers guide to learn more about the models and features we have available.