Benefits of Hot Tub Yoga Therapy

Everyone knows the benefits of hydrotherapy and soaking in a hot tub, but did you know you can get even more benefits from practicing yoga in your hot tub? If you are already doing yoga, then taking your practice to the hot tub should be no problem for you, but if you have never done yoga before, learn what the benefits are and how you can get started here. Think a hot tub is only good for soaking? Think again. Give these hot tub yoga tips a try. Click To Tweet

Yoga in the Hot Tub: What are the Benefits?

When you combine yoga and hydrotherapy, the benefits are amplified. Not only do you get the good stretches yoga provides, but when you do these in hot water, the buoyancy reduces pressure on stiff joints, massaging you and leaving you feeling even more relaxed. There are numerous benefits of practicing yoga in your hot tub, and here are just a few: 

• Weight loss
• Improved balance
• Increased flexibility
• Strengthened and toned muscles
• Improved cardiovascular health
• Improved range of motion
• Better sleep
• Reduced stress
• Boosted self-confidence
• Happier mood
• More focus
• Reduced anxiety

Who Benefits from Hot Tub Yoga?

People from all backgrounds and lifestyles can benefit from hot tub yoga. You don’t have to be an athlete or know yoga to get started, just a willingness to try something new. You can practice hot tub yoga by yourself, or with a friend or family member. Here are just a few groups of people who will see benefits from starting a hot tub yoga program:

Athletes: Athletes and active people who are looking to incorporate more strenuous activities with simpler ones, or who want to treat sore muscles and joints after exercise.

Older Adults: Older adults who are experiencing stiffness or other limitations due to age. The warm water helps support the body, helping to lessen the risk of falling, all while building up their strength and balance.

Pro-Tip: Older adults have improved flexibility and buoyancy in water, making a hot tub the perfect place to stretch out.

Too Much Stress: People who are stressed out or dealing with anxiety will greatly benefit from hot tub yoga.

Injured and In Pain: People who are dealing with injuries or chronic pain can also find relief from hot tub yoga. Be sure to talk to your doctor before beginning any new form of exercise.

Top Hot Tub Yoga Poses

The addition of hot water in your yoga poses allows your muscles to relax fully and helps aid in flexibility. Here are a few of the top hot tub yoga poses that you can get started with.

• Spinal Twists: Sit straight and tall on the seat. Wrap your arms around yourself putting your hands on opposite shoulders and slowly twist to one side. Then, flow to the other side and come back center. Repeat this a few times.
• Half Moon Pose: Standing in the water with flat feet, arms stretching to the sky, clasp your hands above your head. Gently stretch to one side, pressing your hips in the opposite direction of your arms. Hold for a few breaths and then repeat on the other side.
• Tree Pose: Another standing pose to build strength and balance is tree pose. Stand and lift one foot. Let it rest on the calf of your standing leg and slowly raise both arms to the sky like branches of a tree. Hold for 10 to 25 seconds on each side.
• Seated Staff Pose: Sit with your legs stretched out in a 90-degree angle. Slowly fold forward at the hips to get a good hamstring stretch. Hold for 15-30 seconds and repeat on the other side.
• Boat Pose: Like the seated staff pose, sit with legs at 90-degree angle. Instead of folding forward, plant your hands firmly and slowly raise both legs, balancing on your rear-end. Hold the pose for three to five breath cycles and release. Repeat this three times to build core strength.

Get Started with Hot Tub Yoga

No matter what your age or athletic ability, you can benefit from practicing hot tub yoga. Take your time and breath in and out through your nose. You will see the best results if you practice a little every day, and soon you will feel more flexible and certainly less stressed.

Contact us to learn more benefits and how to get started with hot tub yoga.