‘Power output’ is, in fact, ‘markedly better’ using heat
Some gyms and many training facilities have traditionally included ice baths as a way to help professional athletes build up muscles after exercising. This is also true for many “recreational” athletes who use cold baths at home, says a recent New York Times article.
Best Treatment After Exercising
But. Are ice baths the way to go? The New York Times article detailed a recent study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology which would suggest otherwise. In the study, a group of men’s muscular strength was tested after some in the group took cold baths after every workout. And the ice water soakers showed slower recovery and “less growth” than the tissues of the other men.
“If a person doesn’t want to build muscle,” the test group doctor said, “then icy baths after lifting might be worthwhile. But for anyone hoping to grow both stronger and more muscular with gym workouts,” he says, “based on our study and previous research, using “cold-water” immersion following weight training is not recommended.”
So what About Hot Water Immersion?
EW profile news
Conversely, the benefits of hydrotherapy (hot water immersion) have been well known for thousands of years. And a separate recent study in therapeutic treatments strongly suggests that any debate between benefits of hot water therapy verses cold is finally very clear – with the consensus in behalf of hot water therapy.
We don’t know, for example, if former British football star David Beckham, opted for ice or hot baths when he was an international star. But recent entertainment news about his upcoming appearance — along with Courteney Cox — in a hot tub, in the final season of “Modern Family” got us thinking. Those who want to ‘bend it like Beckham’ (no groans, you know we had to), will find increased muscle flexibility by choosing warm water immersion (i.e., hot tubs) over ice baths.
For details on what experts have been finding, we recommend a blog published by Aqua Magazine last December. It covers information originally published earlier in The New York Times. One thing that was conclusive: tests showed “that all of those tested regained muscle strength and endurance far more quickly using heat rather than cold, reporting that “power output” was “markedly better.”
Bullfrog Spas with JetPak hydrotherapy
Best Hot Tubs is particularly happy to specialize in Bullfrog Spas. One key reason is because of Bullfrog’s patented JetPak therapy system — which makes each spa completely customizable and upgradeable.
Offering snap in and snap out JetPaks fitted with differently positioned jet massages, each JetPak offers a unique hydro-massage sensation.
With 16 different massage jets to choose from, if you are seeking a spa for its hot water therapy to help you after exercising — or just when you want to relax — our Bullfrog Spas therapeutic spas help stiff muscles and reduce soreness. Soaking also increases blood flow to the muscles and aid in healing injuries and recovery after intense workouts.
