Regardless of whether you’re a beginner or an experienced runner, you’re not spared from the pain caused by sore muscles. Sore muscles often result from microscopic muscle fiber tears, which can then lead to muscle pain and stiffness.
As a way to improve their recovery time, runners often turn to a dip in a hot tub. On the other hand, hot tubs do more than help your muscles recover faster, as it can also help you improve your performance as a runner.
It’s important, however, to know the proper way of using a hot tub as an indispensable tool in preparing for a run. Surprisingly, you must only use your hot tub for a specific number of minutes, or risk hampering your performance.
Soaking Before a Run
Using a hot tub before running is particularly helpful in loosening up your muscles. Once your muscles are properly loosened up, you can then have an easier run. Keep in mind, though, not to stay in your hot tub for longer than five minutes, or risk dehydrating yourself and bringing fatigue to your muscles.
Once you’ve had your dip in a hot tub, remember to get hydrated at least 30 to 60 minutes before you run. Sweating, especially when you run outside in the heat, will cause quick dehydration, so make sure to take small swigs of water to keep you cool and replenish your body along the way.
Soaking After a Run
It may be tempting to jump into a hot tub immediately after a run, but it can only do more harm than good. Remember that heat can aggravate muscle inflammation and delay its recovery. Furthermore, it can contribute to dehydration, especially since your body has lost a lot of fluids while sweating during your run.
On the other hand, hot tubs are particularly great in relaxing tight muscles. To enjoy this benefit, it’s recommended that you wait at least 30 minutes after a run before you soak in hot water. This allows your body to have a cool-down period, and your muscles to have a chance to relax and stretch.
A soak in your hot tub can also help in relieving sore muscles and joints, especially if these are persistent in the following days after a run. Make sure that you position the jets to the sore parts of your body to experience relief.
With all these benefits, there are fewer reasons why you shouldn’t get your own hot tub today. Shop among a wide range of hot tubs offered by Vancouver companies, like H2O Spas, and enjoy a better performance!
Sources:
Hot Tubs Can Improve Runner Recovery Time, Swim University
Sore Muscles From Running & a Hot Tub, Live Strong