Hot tubs and saunas are both popular ways to relax and improve your well-being. Hot tubs can soothe sore muscles and relieve tension, while saunas can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
But should you use a hot tub or sauna first? The answer depends on your individual goals and preferences. This article explores the benefits of each and how to incorporate them into your wellness routine to help you decide.
What are the benefits of using a sauna?
Health Benefits
Saunas have some definite health benefits.
- Cardiovascular health: Using a sauna regularly may lower your risk of cardiovascular disease, improve your blood pressure, and improve how well your lungs work. A systematic review from 2018 examined existing studies and found evidence to support these claims.
- Detoxification and skin health: Saunas make you sweat, and that sweating can help you detox and improve your skin. The dry heat opens your pores and cleanses your skin.
- Muscle pain relief: The heat from a sauna can soothe sore muscles and lower inflammation.
Best Practices
If you’re going to use a sauna, it’s important to do it right.
- Session duration: Start with short sessions of 5–10 minutes, and slowly increase the time as you get used to it. Listen to your body and get out if you feel dizzy or unwell.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water before, during, and after you use the sauna.
- Safety precautions: Don’t drink alcohol or eat a heavy meal before you use a sauna. If you have high blood pressure or heart disease, talk to your doctor before using a sauna.
What are the benefits of using a hot tub?
Relaxation and Health Advantages
Hot tubs aren’t just for fun; they can actually be good for you. Here are a few of the benefits.
- Muscle Relaxation and Joint Pain Relief: The warm water in a hot tub takes pressure off your muscles and joints, improves your circulation, and eases muscle tension. Some research suggests that spa therapy could help people with chronic lower back pain and fibromyalgia.
- Stress Reduction: A hot tub’s a pretty relaxing place. It can help you destress and feel better about life.
- Improved Circulation: The heat makes your blood flow more easily.
Optimal Usage Tips
To make sure you get the most out of your hot tub experience, keep these tips in mind:
- Keep the water between 100°F and 102°F.
- Don’t stay in the hot tub for more than 15 or 20 minutes.
- Drink water to stay hydrated.
- Take a shower before you get in to wash away sweat and toxins.
Sauna or hot tub first?
It depends on what you’re hoping to get out of the experience.
Comparing the effects on your body
A sauna uses intense dry heat and is best for detox and cardiovascular health. A hot tub uses warm water immersion to take pressure off your joints and muscles, and it’s great for relaxation.
Recommendations based on your health goals
If you’re looking to relax your muscles, start with the hot tub. If you want to focus on detox and cardiovascular health, go with the sauna first.
Alternating between the sauna and the hot tub can give you a combination of benefits. You might consider ending with a cold plunge or shower to help your circulation.
Expert Tips for Safe and Effective Use
Whether you choose the hot tub or sauna first, keep these tips in mind:
Safety First
- Listen to your body. If you start to feel dizzy or unwell, get out.
- Never use a sauna or hot tub if you’ve been drinking alcohol or taking drugs.
- Talk to your doctor before using a sauna or hot tub if you have any underlying health conditions.
Maximizing the Benefits
- Try a cold plunge or shower after your sauna or hot tub session to invigorate your body.
- Add essential oils to the sauna for aromatherapy.
- Practice deep breathing or meditation to relax even more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to sauna before or after spa treatment?
Generally, it’s recommended to use a sauna before a spa treatment. The heat from the sauna can help to relax your muscles, open your pores, and prepare your skin to better absorb the benefits of the treatment. However, always check with your spa therapist for their specific recommendations based on the type of treatment you’re receiving.
Should I spa or sauna first?
This question is a bit ambiguous, as “spa” can refer to various treatments. If “spa” refers to a hot tub or whirlpool, it’s generally better to use the sauna before the hot tub. The sauna’s dry heat can prepare your body for the moist heat of the hot tub, potentially enhancing relaxation. If “spa” refers to a massage or other treatment, see the answer to the first question.
Should you go in the sauna before or after the hot tub?
The consensus is that you should use the sauna before the hot tub. This allows the sauna to cleanse and prepare your body for the hot tub experience, potentially amplifying the benefits of both. Think of the sauna as prepping your muscles and skin for the subsequent relaxation of the hot tub.
Can I go in the hot tub after the sauna?
Yes, absolutely! Going in the hot tub after the sauna is a common and often recommended practice. The sauna helps to open your pores and relax your muscles, while the hot tub can further soothe sore muscles and promote relaxation. Remember to hydrate well and take breaks as needed when using both.
Putting it all together
Both saunas and hot tubs are great for relaxation, muscle recovery, and overall well-being. A sauna can help you sweat out toxins, while a hot tub can ease achy joints.
When deciding whether to use a hot tub or a sauna first, think about your individual health goals and what you enjoy most. There’s no right or wrong answer.
Whatever you choose, remember to listen to your body, stay hydrated, and check with your doctor if you have any health concerns. Be safe, be mindful, and enjoy!