I use a hot tub after workout if available. If one is available at a meet I'll get in for a short time after warm-up. In the late 60s they did a study of swimmers at a meet. They had half do their regular warm-up and half take a long hot shower. Although the shower group reported feeling weak before they raced,they none the less did better on average.
Former Member
I do, both before and after. I have to carefully stretch my neck and shoulders before and after swimming, and I find that doing them in warm water helps the stretching along.
Former Member
Well, I don't have access to a hot tub, our island here is a complete hot tub being in the Western Caribbean.
But the few times I did have access to one in the past, I would use it after I worked out, not before, because hot water, any hot water fatigues me. And after a workout, it really soothed my entire body; made sleeping so much easier.
Donna
Former Member
From my personal experience and advice from professionals, it’s best to use a spa (hot tub) only after swimming as the hot water acts as a muscle relaxant.
There’s also that well known problem of not wanting to get out of that nice cozy warm tub and into the cool/cold water of the pool.
Even after taking a warm shower at home several hours before swimming, there’s still the “Yikes Effect” when you plunge into the pool.
Happy Swimming :D
Dolphin 2
I use a hot tub after workout if available. If one is available at a meet I'll get in for a short time after warm-up. In the late 60s they did a study of swimmers at a meet. They had half do their regular warm-up and half take a long hot shower. Although the shower group reported feeling weak before they raced,they none the less did better on average.
I'm willing to hit the hot tub almost anytime. I particularly like it after practice. But, Allen, this study you refer to sounds like a great excuse to skip warm up. Maybe my next meet I'll just shower and :coffee: .
Former Member
I got to experience that cold water shock over the last two days. We are in our rainy season here and it has been in the low 60s (unheard of). I went to my friend Pam's pool (100 feet long) and worked out. The temp was 68 degrees but after 3 minutes, I was fine with it and I found I can sprint a lot longer in cold water!!!
Donna
