New year, new you
If the idea of pumping iron or pounding the streets is too much to bear - even when you are in 'New Year, New Me' mode, then investing in a hot tub could be the answer for you - and the whole family.
A hot tub in your own home offers the ideal antidote to the stresses and strains of modern living, says the British and Irish Spa and Hot Tub Association (BISHTA).
It can also reduce blood pressure and improve circulation. There is even research that claims the massaging waters can help reduce cellulite...
The hot water increases blood flow and stimulates the production of endorphins - the body's natural opiate and pain-killer - giving a natural feeling of well-being. It also helps ease joint pain, which is often experienced more acutely during the cold, damp classic British winter weather, says BISHTA.
The combination of warmth and buoyancy also makes the hot tub an ideal form of hydrotherapy for people suffering from conditions such as arthritis or those recovering from orthopaedic surgeries, such as hip and knee replacements.
Research suggests that soaking in a hot tub before bed can ease the transition into a deeper sleep - and a recent American report claims a daily spa session can be significantly beneficial for people with Type 2 diabetes.
Hot tubs needn't cost the earth, says BISHTA, and they provide fun, relaxation and 'quality time' for the whole family.
Typical portable spa and hot tub prices can now start as low as £3,000. Tubs are very economical to run; a four-person spa, for instance, costs around 75p a day to cover heating and chemicals.
BISHTA is the UK industry watchdog for professional spa care. But be sure you buy from a BISHTA supplier-registered stockist, who is guaranteed to have been trained in basic water hygiene principles and daily test and care routines.
For a list of BISHTA-registered hot tub suppliers in your area, contact BISHTA on 01264 356210, or log on to www.bishta.co.uk.
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BISHTA (The British and Irish Spa and Hot Tub Association) is the UK industry watchdog for professional spa care.
Media enquiries: Sue Hayton - The Waterland Group, Tel: 01353 666663, email: sue@thewaterlandgroup.com
9th December 2007