As cold winter temperatures urge us to hibernate, it is important to remember that there are many winter sports and activities available in the area! With ski resorts, skating rinks, hiking and snowshoeing trails, the Ottawa-Gatineau region is full of options for winter sports enthusiasts.
After spending all of that energy playing outside, what better way to recover than a spa day? The spa is the perfect place for athletes looking for recovery after an intense workout. That’s why many athletes choose the many benefits of thermotherapy.
Here’s why you should include the spa in your post-workout routine:
Physical Benefits
- The thermal experience improves athletic performance
- Mimicking the symptoms of a fever, the heat produced by the saunas stimulates the immune system
- The same heat improves blood circulation, lowering blood pressure and promoting a better heart rate
- The heat cleanses, tones and firms the skin, restoring its elasticity and firmness
- Sweating allows a deeper cleansing of the body by releasing toxins and impurities
- The thermal shock promotes slow breathing and improves breathing capacity
- In addition to relieving aches and pains and promoting muscle relaxation after training, the thermal experience also improves sleep quality
Psychological Benefits
- The feeling of relaxation activates the secretion of hormones such as endorphins—the feel-good hormones—and calms the mind
- The same hormones are known to reduce pain, stress and anxiety
- The thermal experience improves memory, eliminates fatigue, and promotes relaxation and better mental health
Spend a few hours at the spa and do at least 2 complete thermal cycles to reap all the benefits of thermotherapy:
- Hot (15 to 20 minutes)
- Cold (10 to 15 seconds)
- Rest (20 minutes)
You will immediately notice a difference!
