A study at the Mayo Clinic found that since soaking in your hot tub simulates exercise, it gives you the same health benefits of exercise – with less stress to the heart! A hot tub increases the heart rate while lowering blood pressure, instead of raising it as other forms of exercise do.
A recent medical article titled “Mayo Clinic OK’s Spas for Heart Patients” indicates that hot tubs may not present a risk to heart patients as previously thought. The report stated that relaxing in a spa might actually be less stressful to your heart than working out on an exercise bicycle.
Cardio: The research, led by Dr. Thomas G. Allison, examined the body temperature and cardiovascular stress experienced by 15 patients at risk for heart disease both in hot water and on bicycles. The studies showed that exercise caused blood pressure to rise from an average of 121/73 to 170/84. By contrast, sitting in a spa made the blood pressure drop from an average of 117/77 to 106/61. The article also states that hot tub use will raise heart rates 25.7 beats per minute.
Important Note: We strongly urge anyone who is at risk for heart disease to consult with his or her physician before entering a hot tub.
