Key Takeaways -
- Hydrotherapy is an innovative form of physical therapy that integrates water to enhance circulation, reduce swelling and tenderness, as well as induce relaxation.
- Studies have revealed that engaging in this activity can assist with weight loss by burning fat and reducing levels of stress, thus enhancing overall physical and mental well-being.
- Hydrotherapy can be effortlessly enjoyed in any aquatic setting – whether it's a pool, hot tub, or even your own bathtub.
If you're looking for a new and refreshing way to support your weight loss journey, hydrotherapy might just be the answer you've been searching for.
Not only is it a relaxing and enjoyable experience, but hydrotherapy can also help increase blood circulation, boost metabolism, promote detoxification, and provide low-impact exercise – all of which can contribute to burning fat.
In this article, we'll explore the different types of hydrotherapy, the scientific studies on its effectiveness, the exercises you can do in the water, and the other benefits that come with this therapeutic practice.
So, sit back, relax, and let's dive into the world of hydrotherapy and weight loss together.
What Is Hydrotherapy?
Hydrotherapy is an age-old form of healing that utilizes warm water to treat BOTH physical and mental conditions.
This practice dates back centuries, when steam baths, spas, and hot springs were used to PROMOTE health and wellness. Even now, the soothing power of water can be a powerful treatment tool.
Hydrotherapy is a phenomenal way to IMPROVE circulation and relaxes the body while relieving muscle tension and inflammation [1]. Plus, this low-impact form of exercise helps with weight gain.
How Hydrotherapy Can Help with Weight Loss
Hydrotherapy is no new concept - it has been around for centuries, aiding individuals in optimizing their health. It may not as a PRIMARY method to reduce fat tissue, but it can certainly be an advantageous asset on your mission to lose weight.
Here are several of the associated health benefits:
Increases blood circulation
Hydrotherapy is a great way to lose weight, as it helps ENHANCE blood circulation [2]. As you soak in the water's hydrodynamic pressure, your veins and arteries are pushed with more fluidity which leads to an improved flow of oxygen-enriched nutrients throughout your muscles.
This triggers a HIGHER metabolic rate that allows for increased fat-burning capabilities.
Pro Tip: High blood pressure and heart rate can be dangerous for those with certain medical conditions.
Boosts metabolism
Having a fast metabolism effectively is key to helping lose weight. Hydrotherapy can aid you in this endeavour as your body must work HARDER to stay warm while immersed in water - leading to an increased metabolic rate and, subsequently, more excess weight burned.
Pro Tip: A more efficient digestive system is essential for healthy weight loss [3].
Promotes detoxification
Submerge yourself in water and watch your body become a detoxification powerhouse. The pressure of the water triggers your skin pores to open, resulting in TOXINS being excreted from your body.
Furthermore, it encourages the lymphatic system to work at its peak – eliminating waste material and bolstering immunity. ENHANCE digestion and nutrient absorption by indulging in an invigorating swim for further physical benefits (including muscle strength).
Pro Tip: Be sure to drink plenty of drinking water before, during and after hydrotherapy sessions.
Low-impact exercise
Weight loss is hardly a piece of cake, but you can certainly make it EASIER on yourself with hydrotherapy exercises.
Thanks to the water's buoyancy, your body weight is SUPPORTED, and the impact on your joints and muscles remains low; these movements are an ideal way to burn calories without putting strain on them.
In addition to this effortless method of PHYSICAL activity, making hydrotherapy part of your regular exercise program will undoubtedly help you reach any weight-loss goals faster.
Types of Hydrotherapy for Fat Burning
Hydrotherapy is a useful tool for promoting weight loss. There are THREE types of hydrotherapy that are particularly effective for burning fat:
Hot water therapy: This method involves immersing the body in warm water between 40-43 degrees Celsius. It increases BLOOD FLOW, relaxes muscles, and promotes metabolism and fat burning.
Cold water therapy: This method involves immersing the body in cold water between 10-15 degrees Celsius. It increases metabolism, reduces INFLAMMATION, and supports recovery after exercise.
Contrast hydrotherapy: This method alternates between hot and cold water immersion. It can raise your body temperature, which will help to improve CIRCULATION, metabolism, and energy expenditure and reduce inflammation.
Research Studies on Hydrotherapy and Weight Loss
Research studies into the effectiveness of hydrotherapy for weight loss are relatively scarce – but the ones that do exist have provided PROMISING results.
A study conducted by researchers from the University of Michigan found that subjects who completed a 12-week hydrotherapy program lost an AVERAGE of three pounds more than those who did not [4].
Additionally, another study published in the International Journal of Obesity found that obese people who participated in hydrotherapy classes for 12 weeks lost an average of 5.5 kilograms COMPARED to those who did not (2.6kg) [5].
The verdict? Hydrotherapy is a GREAT way to help kickstart and maintain weight loss goals! So, why not take the plunge and see the results for yourself?
Hydrotherapy Exercises for Fat Burning
Hydrotherapy is an excellent way to support weight loss and promote fat burning. Here are four hydrotherapy exercises that can be particularly EFFECTIVE for burning fat:
Water Walking
Water walking is a fantastic exercise choice for those wanting to minimise the STRESS on their joints while still getting an effective workout.
It's not just great for burning calories and shedding pounds, either - water walking also builds MUSCLE and elevates metabolism due to the resistance of the water. Furthermore, this type of low-impact exercise provides cardiovascular benefits that are hard to match.
Aqua Jogging
Aqua jogging is a fantastic low-impact exercise for fat burning, as it creates RESISTANCE when you jog in place and revs up your metabolism. This strengthens your cardiovascular health while also increasing endurance - making aqua jogging the ideal dual solution to getting into shape.
Water Aerobics
Water aerobics is a dynamic, low-impact workout that can help you torch fat. It consists of movements like jumping jacks, kicks and twists which get your METABOLISM going and burn off calories efficiently.
Not only does it aid in weight loss, but it also boosts overall FITNESS as this exercise stimulates the heart rate for an intense cardio session.
Water Cycling
Water cycling can be an excellent way to burn calories, speed up your metabolism, and give a serious boost to your CARDIOVASCULAR health.
It's also beneficial for strengthening the muscles in both the core and legs - all while providing low-impact exercise that WON'T strain joints or ligaments.
Conclusion
Ultimately, hydrotherapy should be a beneficial addition to your weight loss plan alongside your healthy diet. With increased blood circulation and metabolism, detoxification effects, and low-impact exercises in the water - you can reach your desired goals while nurturing yourself with better overall health.
Why not incorporate this amazing tool into your strategy today? Reap its rewards for yourself.
Sources -
- Johnson J. Hydrotherapy: Types of treatments. Medicalnewstoday.com. Published September 30, 2020. Accessed March 1, 2023. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/hydrotherapy
- Mooventhan A, Nivethitha L. Scientific evidence-based effects of hydrotherapy on various systems of the body. North American Journal of Medical Sciences. 2014;6(5):199. doi:https://doi.org/10.4103/1947-2714.132935
- How to Improve Digestion to Increase Weight Loss. Xyngular.com. Published 2020. Accessed March 1, 2023. https://www.xyngular.com/en/blog/how-improve-digestion-increase-weight-loss/#
- Rezvani S, Taghian F, Valiani M. The effect of aquatic exercises on primary dysmenorrhoea in nonathlete girls. Iranian journal of nursing and midwifery research. 2013;18(5):378-383. Accessed March 1, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3877460/
- Mai K, Brachs M, Leupelt V, Spranger J. Effects of a combined dietary, exercise and behavioral intervention and sympathetic system on body weight... ResearchGate. Published January 19, 2018. Accessed March 1, 2023. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/322683946_Effects_of_a_combined_dietary_exercise_and_behavioral_intervention_and_sympathetic_system_on_body_weight_maintenance_after_intended_weight_loss_Results_of_a_randomized_controlled_trial
Sauna and spa expert with years of experience in the field. You can see me featured in many leading publications as well as my own published research papers. Fitness, health, home improvement and Psychology are my main interests. I’ve worked in many roles from product designer to purchaser for spa products, garden furniture and tech to a hands-on webmaster.
