No, this isn’t a hoax – it’s a reality that is too dreamy to truly wrap our heads around. A new study has found that soaking is just as good as exercising. And no, you didn’t read that wrong, it’s true! By having a hot soak for one hour, you can burn up to 140 calories.
“Only recently has science began to understand how passive heating (as opposed to getting hot and sweaty from exercise) improves health” – Steve Faulkner
As Harper’s Bazaar and Sporteluxe discussed early this week, a study was conducted on 14 men who were told to either have a hot bath for an hour or do an hour of exercise (I know which one I would have chosen). Following the task at hand, their caloric expenditure and blood sugar levels were measured – now this is where it gets interesting. Although the men who chose to workout did in fact burn more calories, the individuals who had a soak instead burned around 140 calories. That’s about a 30 minute walk or 15 minutes of high intensity training!
“Many cultures swear by the benefits of a hot bath” – Steve Faulkner
Steve Faulkner who helped conduct this study discussed the different effects that can occur when you soak on The Conversation. Passive heating can reduce blood pressure, decrease the risk of having a heart attack or stroke and lead to better control of our blood sugars plus the added benefit of weight loss!
Now we’ve all been there, the endless battle in our minds between working out and have a rest day. Although having a soak does burn some fat, cancelling your exercise regime probably isn’t the best idea.
In saying that, on those days when you’re just not feeling it, having a soak is a great alternative. When that motivation is pumping through you and you do get out there and do your thing, a soak after exercise is a great way to reduce muscle pain and inflammation. Adding one of our soaks to the mix means that you’re on to a winner thanks to the Epsom salts and essential oils sure to aid in recovery time and assist the process of burning extra calories!
