If you’re like me, there’s nothing quite like the indulgence of bath bombs, aromatic salts, and delightful bubble bath. I find myself wandering through the skincare aisles, inhaling the scents and daydreaming about unwinding in a warm tub, candles flickering beside a glass of wine. Soon, the stresses of the day dissolve into the water, leaving behind a more tranquil version of myself—one that can tune out the chaos happening just beyond the bathroom door. And yes, I may have a piece of chocolate and a juicy magazine in hand, of course.
The challenge, however, is making it happen. Life always seems to throw a wrench in my plans, whether it’s a child needing attention, household chores beckoning, or simply being too exhausted to do anything besides collapse into bed. Sound familiar? We often make excuses for skipping out on a workout, convincing ourselves that there’s never enough time or that we’ll have more energy tomorrow to start our fitness journey or enjoy that well-deserved soak in the tub. Yet, life rarely cooperates.
For those who find themselves perpetually postponing their bubble baths and self-care routines, I’ve got some exciting news to share: According to an article featured in Travel + Leisure, a study has shown that soaking in a hot bath can burn as many calories as a 30-minute walk. That’s right—a soak in the tub counts as cardio!
Imagine this: a relaxing evening with soothing jazz playing in the background, a cozy eye mask on, and the warm embrace of a bubble bath. This is the multitasking we all crave, and it’s downright exhilarating.
The fascinating study conducted by researchers at Loughborough University involved 14 participants who completed an hour of cycling followed by an hour-long soak in a 104-degree Fahrenheit bath. While cycling burned more calories overall, the bath alone helped participants shed around 130 calories—equivalent to what you’d burn during a leisurely half-hour stroll. Yes, you read that correctly: 130 calories down the drain while you’re just enjoying a bubble bath.
So, ditch those leggings, light up a candle, and fill the tub with hot water; this workout requires no fancy gear, just a sprinkle of lavender-scented bliss.
Another intriguing finding from the study is that participants who soaked in the tub exhibited a 10% drop in peak blood sugar levels compared to when they cycled. This passive heating method, which is gaining popularity in Finland, has also been recognized for its ability to reduce inflammation, improve digestion, enhance circulation, and balance hormones.
With the revelation that a hot bath offers more benefits than mere relaxation, I suspect that bath pillows and water bills will see a surge in demand. If all it takes is to immerse yourself in a warm bath to reap these health benefits, why not indulge?
Let’s stop making excuses and embrace the ritual of soaking in the tub as part of self-care. Lock the bathroom door, let the world drift away, and take a moment to improve your health and well-being by doing absolutely nothing. I know I will. Just thinking about it makes me feel healthier already.
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Summary:
Hot baths are not just a luxury; they can burn calories similar to a 30-minute walk, offering numerous health benefits. The study highlights that soaking aids in reducing blood sugar, inflammation, and even supports digestion and circulation. So go ahead, indulge in a warm soak and make it a regular part of your self-care routine.