When you hear the word “spa,” what images come to mind? Many people might picture a luxury spa with plush white towels, a trickling stone fountain, and a gentle massage after a long, stressful day. Others may think of the various membership services and perks that come with joining a racquet and tennis club or other fitness center. If you thought of both of these images, you would be correct. In fact, many types of spa treatments are available at sport and health clubs, and they go hand-in-hand with a regular workout routine.
If you’re wondering how a spa treatment could actually aid your workout, check out these three popular types of spa treatments that athletes, fitness junkies, and light-to-moderate exercise fans can all benefit from:
Massage
For many people, there’s no treatment like getting a massage. For those with a regular fitness routine, massage has even more benefits than simply feeling relaxed. A 2011 study revealed that massage can help people who are in pain feel and function better than those who didn’t receive massage therapy.
Massage techniques vary greatly and can include lighter more relaxing touch all the way to deep tissue massages for aches and pains. Some massage therapists will use accessories such as hot stones, oils, and aromatherapy fragrances to enhance the quality of the massage. For athletes who have a tournament or game coming up, having a massage therapist perform reflexology and gentle stretching techniques on the body can aid in preventing injury after strenuous exercise.
Jacuzzi
Using a Jacuzzi (sometimes referred to as a hot tub) before and after a workout can help the muscles and other parts of the body. Soaking in a Jacuzzi after a workout can help improve blood flow to sore muscles and joints, which can greatly reduce pain of any kind. However, for safety reasons, a Jacuzzi soak should last no more than 10 or 15 minutes after a workout in order to gain the maximum benefits.
Sauna
Finally, one of the most common types of spa treatments found in a health club is the sauna. A sauna is a room or small booth heated to usually around 100 degrees Fahrenheit with 100% humidity (or close to it). In addition to using a sauna after a workout, you can also use one before in order to help warm up the muscles. This practice can also help ease the strain of your workout on your heart by thinning the blood and warming up the body.
Have you used these spa treatments or others to aid you before or after your workout? Tell us about how these treatments have been advantageous for you in the comments section.
