Swim spas have long been seen as the ultimate space to unwind and relax — a place to soak, breathe deeply and let the stress of the day melt away. And while that’s still true, they can also be used for much more than the average hot tub owner has dared to explore. With the right setup, your hot tub or All-Weather Pool is a powerful tool for wellness, movement, and strength, thanks to the natural resistance of water combined with the soothing warmth of the spa. Without even stepping foot in a gym, you can get an effective workout that supports your body and provides a well-rounded health and wellness routine. Water-based workouts are known to deliver the same benefits as traditional fitness, with less impact on your joints. After all, health is wealth, so why not put your comfort and well-being first? Whether your goal is to stay active, to recover from an injury or to take better care of your body, your hot tub or swim spa can do more than help you relax.
Top Exercises for Everyday Wellness
Not sure where to start on your water fitness journey? Here are four of the most effective exercises you can do, along with the best Arctic Spas® models to enhance your workout experience.
1. Aquatic Push-Ups
Push-ups in a spa can either be done by pushing up on a wall or pushing up on the floor. In this case, thanks to the warm water, you can push up on the wall of your swim spa, such as the Ocean and angle your body behind you to maximize the effect. This exercise targets shoulders, chest and triceps, and helps build upper body strength.
Recommendation: Eagle, Mustang, Grizzly or any of our All-Weather Pools. These spas have loungers, and our All-Weather Pools provide enough depth and space for you to push up on the walls in the most comfortable and effective manner.
2. Swimming
The most underrated exercise of all is swimming, and it can be done in any swim spa large enough to accommodate. Swimming not only has mental benefits, but it also has physical benefits. It builds endurance, strengthens muscles, and improves cardiovascular health. Naturally, most hot tubs are not large enough to accommodate swimming comfortably; however, swim spas like Arctic Spas’ All-Weather Pools are designed to have ample space to entertain those closest to you, so space is not an issue.Recommendations: The Kingfisher is built for maximum swim performance. And the best part? You can use it all year round.
3. Water Jogging
You have probably heard the phrase “10,000 steps a day keeps the doctor away.”? Well, here is a new take on it, spa style. It is said that an increase in daily step count can be beneficial to your health, and what better way to challenge yourself than adding water resistance to the mix? Like a runner adds leg weights to increase muscle strength, you can jog or walk in water for extra benefits and muscle training. This also takes the pressure off your joints.Recommendations: The Ocean and Wolverine All-Weather Pools offer a spacious swim lane and powerful jet currents, perfect for resistance-based training and endurance training.
4. Water Rowing
Whether you are new to fitness or a seasoned athlete, water rowing is an effective and enjoyable way to stay active. With our Arctic Spas® fitness kit, your swim spa easily transforms into a low-impact exercise machine that’s gentle on your joints. The act of rowing against the current, in addition to the added resistance of the water, makes it an excellent way to build endurance and strength without the strain one may experience in traditional rowing.
Recommendations: The Ocean All-Weather Pool offers a spacious swim lane perfect for resistance-based training and endurance training.With Arctic Spas®, wellness begins with relaxation and ends with an improved lifestyle. Whether you are building strength, targeting improved balance or easing back into a healthy lifestyle, these exercises offer a safe and comfortable way to stay active.Ready to improve your fitness routine? Choose the right Arctic Spa for your goals and feel the difference with every soak you make today.