Hot Tub after workouts

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twodevilles

2 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

Sep 30, 2004 10:29 AM

Hot Tub after workouts

I like to soak in a hot tub (100 degrees) for about a half hour after my weekly long run (10 miles or so), the evening after a race, and other times of course. I have read articles about recovery time and ice is always mentioned. This week I saw an article that said a hot tub should be avoided for 48 hours after a race or difficult workout. Can anyone elaborate on this? Am I doing something harmful by using the hot tub during recovery???

Thanks! Sue

bjprice

1 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

1. Sep 30, 2004 10:48 AM

in response to: twodevilles

Re: Hot Tub after workouts

An ice bath after a run helps flush the lactic acid from your running muscles. The build up of lactic acid is what makes your legs feel sore.

After a long run I like to fill the tub up with cold water, sit in the tub and then dump a bag of ice in there with me. I soak for 20 minutes and it sure does make the biggest difference in how my legs feel for the rest of the day and the next day. I'm not as fatigued when I do the ice bath and recovery is faster.

My next run after a long run is usually a track workout a few days later. If I don't do the ice bath, this workout is much harder than if I do the ice bath.

Good luck with your running.

chafik

6 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

2. Sep 30, 2004 11:18 AM

in response to: twodevilles

Re: Hot Tub after workouts

although it is not scientifically known why it works most people that use ice tubs swear by it, there is two theories behind it, one suggests that exercise causes microscopic tears is the muscles therefor inflammation, ice reduces the blood flow the those areas which prevent inflammation, the second theory suggests that ice reduce the superficial blood flow so the blood flows deep into the muscle tissue and flash out lactic acid, free radicals...
the only thing i can think of is that taking a hot bath after a hard workout will increase inflammation which make it hard to recover faster.

twodevilles

2 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

3. Oct 1, 2004 5:14 AM

in response to: twodevilles

Re: Hot Tub after workouts

I will try cold baths and ice. Along with a few black toenails (got that problem solved with different shoes I think) my family is really going to think I have lost my marbles!!

Thanks for the info!!

Sue (who runs and no one makes her do it...)

MDiPaol_tntcfl

2 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

4. Nov 11, 2004 7:25 AM

in response to: twodevilles

Re: Hot Tub after workouts

I have a pool that is not heated. I found that when I soak in the pool for about 10 minutes or so after a run, I completely avoid the hip pain I normally get. There is some reduction in normal post-run muscle pain, but my biggest benefit is for my hips.

I do not take any pain relievers when I run--the cool pool water is more than sufficient for me. It also has the added benefit of accellerating how quickly my core body temperature returns to normal. If I don't wade around in the pool, I find that I am still sweating even after a fairly long cold shower.

No pool, use your tub--you won't regret it.

Marc in Melbourne FL

ap_317

3 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

5. Nov 11, 2004 11:27 AM

in response to: twodevilles

Re: Hot Tub after workouts

Dumping a bag of ice into a cold tub sounds petrifying but if it will lessen pain, I'm up for it. I typically (on non-long training days) walk for 15minutes, run for 30 and walk for 15. Assuming my temperature has had a chance to cool down by the time I get home- would you all still recommend the cold bath?
Thanks!

engril

9 posts since
Jul 9, 2007

6. Dec 1, 2004 11:01 PM

in response to: twodevilles

Re: Hot Tub after workouts

ICE, ICE and more ICE.
Posted: Dec 1, 2004 10:53 PM
Posts: 3

I'm a 43 year old 220 pound 2 time Ironman, run marathons and 2 weeks ago ran a 100km ultra marathon. I have no problems with my knees or the rest of my legs for that matter. After all my long runs (30 to 50km) I stand in a garbage can filled with ice and water up to the top of my legs. I fill it before I started my run. It is COLD. I can take about 15 minutes of it. The next day I have 0 pain in my body. I also have a hot tub, but will NEVER use it after a run. It slows your recovery down. ICE, ICE, ICE. I also fill my bath tub and lay down in it. Good luck. Roy Chen-Campbell

Sep 30, 2004 10:29 AM

Hot Tub after workouts

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