This is what you should do in the bathtub to burn more calories than in the gym
It is not about turning your bathroom into a training room, much less practicing sex. It is something much simpler that will make you lose weight without doing practically nothing
There is a trick to burn calories while you bathe. And no, it’s not what you’re thinking, dirty mind. Nor is it about doing squats while one is under the tap. It is something much simpler and easier to do: control the temperature. If cold showers don’t suit you, let alone the temperature contrast, you can choose to take hot water baths : you’ll speed up your metabolism and consume a lot of calories, as your body tries to maintain its body temperature.
A study carried out by Loughborough University showed that those who took a bath at 40 degrees burned an average of 140 calories, the equivalent of a half hour walk. And not only that: they had also improved control of blood sugar levels.
Dr. Steve Faulkner , director of the research, commented with surprise on the results of the study: “We discovered that the participants, when they bathed, had their maximum glucose levels 10% lower than when they exercised,” he explained to ‘The Daily Mail’ .
Hot water baths enhance the burning of calories, dilate blood vessels and relax muscles, releasing accumulated tension.
The reasons for these two beneficial effects are, says Faulkner, that “bathing can promote the release of heat shock proteins , and this in turn can help keep blood sugar levels stable by improving the glucose uptake.
Beware of passing
In addition to the aforementioned researchers, keeping the water below 40 degrees is also advised by the medical sector. But be careful, you have to be careful and not wait to burn, because “you run the risk of damaging the health of your skin,” explains New York dermatologist Sejal Shah in ‘Women’s Health’ .
“Hot water causes skin to lose its natural oils, dry out, itch, and eventually eczema and discolor,” says Shah, who cautions that showers should never be too long, regardless of the temperature. as they dry out the skin.
Also, you have to be careful, since very hot water can cause problems under the skin . As the temperature rises, blood circulation accelerates and causes the cells to swell and the itching or dryness of the skin becomes unbearable. In addition, extreme heat also causes a drop in blood pressure, which can lead to dizziness.
Ideal for falling asleep
The relaxation we feel after taking a hot shower or bath is due to a slight decrease in our body temperature , key for the brain to fall asleep and be ready to rest. That is why it is a good idea for those who suffer from insomnia.
A 1985 study showed that people who took a hot bath before bed not only fell asleep faster but also had “quality sleep . “
A study showed that those who took a bath at 40 degrees burned about 140 calories, the equivalent of half an hour of walking
In order for the bath to relax us and help us sleep, we must watch the degrees of the water, and this must be half a degree below normal. Because? When we fall asleep, the brain sends messages to the blood vessels to release heat, so it is important that our body is less hot than normal so that the brain can regulate the temperature smoothly. In other words, if the bathroom is too hot, it is most likely that we will achieve the opposite effect and we will not be able to sleep a wink all night.
The contrast, another alternative
The benefits of hot and cold water applied separately are obvious, but experts say that the best results are obtained by combining both . This technique, known as contrast water therapy, involves taking a shower for about 20 minutes, using hot water for three to four minutes before suddenly switching to cold for one minute and then back again.
This process creates a “pumping” mechanism, where oxygen-rich blood flows to the muscles and tissues near the skin; meanwhile, deoxygenated blood passes through the veins to the lungs, to pick up more oxygen.
With hot water we will be able to dilate the blood vessels and relax the muscles, releasing accumulated tension and relieving rheumatic pain. In addition, steam favors respiratory pathologies, especially if its effect is enhanced with natural herbs, oils or minerals.
On the other hand, cold water contracts blood vessels and stimulates circulation, being highly effective in eliminating physical and mental fatigue, fluid retention and its unsightly effects on the skin. Likewise, the cold activates the metabolic function, eliminating toxins and accumulated fat, while encouraging the production of white blood cells, reinforcing the immune system against colds , flu and asthma.
You can read more about How to Lose 8 Pounds in 2 Weeks: A Comprehensive Guide
