Are Hot Tubs Bad for Runners? Post-Recovery

A hot tub is a great way to relax after a long stressful day. It's easy to forget how stressful it really is outside of the hot tub. We've all heard how exercise and relaxation are important in managing stress and improving our general mental health but there are some things that we should not do if we want to stay healthy, fit and happy.

The benefit of hot tubs for runners is that they help your muscles relax, increase blood flow and get rid of lactic acid. The heat in a hot tub loosens your tight, sore muscles while getting rid of lactic acid to allow for quick recovery after a long-distance run.

When you run, your body produces lactic acid which is what causes the pain from running. By removing or decreasing lactic acid your body is able to function at a higher capacity. Your legs and your muscles will not feel fatigued as they did before while running because of the lactic acid build up in your muscles.

Are Hot Tubs Bad for Runners?

You'll have more energy when running, better recovery time and less chance for injury. Hot tubs can provide another benefit for runners if they're used correctly: rehabilitation after an injury.

Hot tubs similar to a hot bath can help rehabilitation after an injury by allowing for a reduced amount of pain due to the low impact in the hot tub.

Hot tubs are also used by runners who suffer from overuse injuries, muscle soreness and even stiff muscles. Hot tubs work like a hot bath or Hot Yoga and can help strengthen your legs, as well as help with recovery time and pain management if you're suffering from an overuse injury.

If you have weak muscles then you'll need to focus on strengthening them alongside running in your regular routine so that they won't be responsible for causing injury during running events or races.

It's also a good idea to stay hydrated when you are in a hot tub. Medical doctors now recommend that people drink 8-16 glasses of water per day.

But, most people don't always follow this daily requirement. Your body can lose as much as 10% of its total fluid content during your run and while sitting in the hot tub to relax and recover from your workout.

Lean back and stretch your arms out behind you with palms up or down for about two minutes before entering the hot tub to reduce any dizziness.

The reason why is because a hot tub can cause rapid blood pressure changes which will leave you feeling faint until your body adjusts it's blood pressure to the change in temperature that came with getting into the hot tub.

By stretching your arms back and holding them there while leaning back you will feel more comfortable when the time comes for you to get in.

Sometimes new users don't know how long to stay in the water. The general rule is to stay for about 20 minutes, but this applies more to people who have been in hot tubs before and are used to them because you may feel dizzy if you stay in the water too long or not long enough.

If you want a really good massage then it's best to ask your friends or someone who has experience using hot tubs how they do it since everyone has different preferences on what makes their body feel better after a hard run or race.

Pros - Hot Tubs Are Good for Runners - Why a runner should use a hot tub to relax after a run

A hot tub will make your sore body feel better after a long run. After just 20 minutes in a hot tub, most runners start to feel more relaxed and their muscles get less sore than before they jumped into the water.

A runner or any athletes should use a hot tub for recovery after every race or hard workout whether it is short distance or long distance running since there are no limits on how far you may want to run except for what the human body can handle each day and still recover quickly afterward too.

Another benefit of using a hot spa is that they help stimulate circulation of blood cells as well as increase serotonin levels which helps with relaxation and muscle recovery. 

Hot tubs boost your endorphin levels too which gives you a feeling of happiness and euphoria so that it may help you forget about the long run for at least 20 minutes.

A hot tub also provides a great place to talk with friends before or after your run by relaxing in the water and having fun together.

It is really hard when you are exhausted from running to get enough energy to have an awesome conversation, but if you relax in a hot tub with some peers then there will be no problem since talking is easier as long as your muscles relax.

Cons - Why a runner should not use a hot tub to relax after a run

There are not many cons of using a hot tub after running, but if you have never used one before. Sometimes runners can experience dizziness when they get in and feel sick while relaxing in the water.

This could be from the chemicals in the water since some people might not like what is inside or it could happen because the runner doesn't know how long to stay in for before feeling dizzy. A person also needs to eat before jumping into a hot tub otherwise they will feel nauseous while sitting inside of one too.

Summary- Are hot tubs bad for runners?

Hot tubs aren't really bad for you unless you have special needs like skin damage, breathing problems, or a medical condition that may worsen while in the water.

If your body can handle it then go ahead and jump into the hot tub after running because it will help with sore muscles and make you feel better too.

Also, there are some precautions to take if you decide to use a hot tub such as wear goggles or glasses so that they don't get foggy from being in the water too long which can cause severe vision problems while driving afterward.

There are also other things runners should watch for when using a hot tub like sharp edges or objects inside of one that you could hurt yourself on or by someone pushing you down underwater while sitting so close together with no room between each.

Overall they are safe for runners as it helps with the recovery process, loosens tight muscles, improves overall blood flow and relaxes muscle fibers.