Benefits of outdoor spa hot tubs: Is weight loss one of them?

2025-06-23

Outdoor spa hot tubs are popular for their many benefits, such as relaxation, muscle pain relief, and blood circulation. Many people see it as an indispensable way to relax in daily life, especially after a busy work day, it is a great choice to eliminate stress and restore physical strength.

With the rise of health and weight loss awareness, many people are beginning to wonder: Does soaking in an outdoor spa hot tub help lose weight? The relaxing effect of a spa hot tub is obvious, but can it really help you burn calories and lose weight?


This article will delve into this question and analyze in detail the main functions of an outdoor spa hot tub, its effects on the body, and whether it can play a role in the weight loss process.

outdoor spa hot tub

What effects does an outdoor spa hot tub have on the body?

First, to understand whether an outdoor spa hot tub can help lose weight, it is necessary to understand its main functions and how it affects various systems in the body.


1. Promote blood circulation:

The outdoor spa hot tub promotes blood circulation by dilating blood vessels in the skin and muscles through the warm effect of water. Good blood circulation helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to muscles and tissues, promotes metabolic processes, and removes waste from the body. For those who have been lacking exercise for a long time, this effect of outdoor spa hot tubs can improve metabolism to a certain extent, but it does not mean that it can directly lead to weight loss.


2. Relieve muscle tension and pain:

Due to the warmth and buoyancy of the water, outdoor spa hot tubs can effectively relieve muscle tension and pain, especially after exercise or when you stay in the same position for a long time. The combination of water flow and temperature in the spa hot tub can help muscles relax, reduce joint pressure, and make people feel more comfortable.


3. De-stress and relaxation:

Another important role of outdoor spa hot tubs is to help relieve stress and anxiety. By soaking in warm water, the body releases endorphins, which are natural painkillers and happiness hormones that can help improve mood and reduce anxiety. And the reduction in stress helps to reduce the level of cortisol in the body, a hormone that is closely related to obesity, especially abdominal obesity. Therefore, from this perspective, the relaxing effect of spa hot tubs may indirectly help control weight, especially in the context of emotional eating.


4. Improved sleep quality:

Another notable benefit of an outdoor spa hot tub is that it can help improve sleep. Studies have shown that soaking in warm water before bed can increase body temperature, and the subsequent gradual decrease in body temperature helps promote a faster, deep sleep state. Good sleep quality plays an important role in weight management, as adequate sleep can regulate appetite-control hormones such as leptin and ghrelin, which in turn affect weight.

spa hot tub

What is the relationship between spa hot tubs and calorie consumption?

Outdoor spa hot tubs are most often associated with relaxation and soothing rather than burning calories. However, as mentioned earlier, the warm environment of a spa hot tub does have some effects on the body's metabolism. But does it burn enough calories to achieve weight loss?


1. Calorie consumption in a spa hot tub:

According to some studies, the calorie consumption of soaking in an outdoor spa hot tub for one hour is about the same as walking for one hour, which is about 100-200 calories. While this number sounds good, its effect is limited compared to the calories burned through aerobic exercise (such as running, swimming, etc.). Regular aerobic exercise can burn 400 to 600 calories or more in an hour. Therefore, soaking in a spa hot tub alone is not enough to help significantly lose weight.


2. The effect of water temperature on metabolism:

The temperature of the water does affect metabolism. In hot water, the body will try to maintain a normal body temperature and mobilize energy resources to cool down, so in theory some calories will be consumed. However, this energy consumption is very limited, especially for those who want to lose weight in this way, it is not enough to significantly affect weight.


Can a spa hot tub help reduce body water?

Many people feel that they have lost weight after soaking in a spa hot tub, but this is usually due to the loss of water caused by sweating in a warm environment. This short-term weight change is not true fat loss, but a change in the body's water balance. Once you rehydrate, this part of the "weight" will quickly return. Therefore, a spa hot tub does not directly help burn fat.


How can a spa hot tub be combined with exercise?

Although an outdoor spa hot tub itself does not significantly promote weight loss, it can be used as a recovery tool after certain exercises to assist weight loss and body shape management. It helps you get back to your next workout faster by relieving muscle soreness and reducing joint stress, making the recovery process smoother after exercise. Therefore, a spa hot tub can indirectly support a more active lifestyle.


1. Post-exercise recovery:

After exercise, soaking in an outdoor spa hot tub can speed up muscle recovery and reduce delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). The warm water flow and buoyancy of the water can help relieve muscle tension and joint pain caused by exercise, allowing you to return to your best condition faster and continue your high-intensity workout.


2. Assisted stretching and low-intensity activities:

The warm water flow of a spa hot tub helps muscles relax, making it easier to perform light stretches and low-intensity activities in the water. This is helpful for those who have exercise restrictions or are new to exercise, because the buoyancy of the water can reduce stress on joints and bones, providing a safer exercise environment.

outdoor spa

Psychological and emotional effects of outdoor spa hot tubs

Although a spa hot tub is not a direct tool for weight loss, its psychological and emotional effects may indirectly affect weight management. Stress and anxiety are common causes of weight gain, especially for those who tend to overeat when under stress. By relaxing and relieving stress, a spa hot tub can help reduce the production of the stress hormone cortisol, which is closely linked to abdominal fat accumulation.


1. Reduce emotional eating:

Stress is one of the main causes of emotional eating, and many people turn to high-calorie, high-sugar foods when under pressure. By regularly using an outdoor spa hot tub to relax and reduce the negative effects of stress, you can help reduce the frequency of emotional eating, which in turn supports healthier eating habits.


2. Improve mood and self-awareness:

By relaxing the body and mind, a spa hot tub can improve an individual's self-awareness and emotional state. A relaxed and comfortable state of mind can help improve overall feelings of well-being and reduce impulsive behaviors such as overeating. This sense of emotional balance can also help promote a healthy lifestyle and weight management.


General health benefits of outdoor spa hot tubs

While outdoor spa hot tubs do not directly help with weight loss, their importance in overall health management cannot be ignored. Using a spa hot tub can help:


● Improve blood circulation

● Relieve joint and muscle pain

● Promote sleep

● Reduce stress and anxiety

● Improve your body's recovery rate


In these ways, an outdoor spa hot tub can indirectly support your weight loss and health goals. The spa hot tub is even more effective if used in conjunction with a healthy diet and regular exercise.

outdoor spa hot tub

What advantages do you offer to international buyers?

International clients choosing Lovia Spa benefit from reliable manufacturer pricing, strong quality control, and full product certification. Our expert team ensures each spa meets global standards, and our factory can handle bulk purchasing as well as personalized quotes and custom projects. With efficient production in Guangzhou and fast export logistics, we can provide timely delivery and promotions on volume orders.

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