LIFESTYLE
Why Are Long Hot Baths So Exhausting? The Thermodynamics of My Favorite Workout
Have you ever emerged from a steaming hot bath feeling more drained than after a rigorous gym session? It turns out there’s a scientific basis behind this seemingly paradoxical phenomenon, making your bathtub the unsung hero (or villain, depending on how you look at it) of your fitness regime.
At first glance, lounging in hot water with a glass of wine in hand might not seem akin to breaking a sweat on the treadmill. However, the internal workings of your body tell a different story. When you submerge yourself in a hot bath, your body’s thermoregulatory system kicks into high gear, working tirelessly to maintain a stable internal temperature. This process involves a significant increase in heart rate, mirroring the cardiovascular exertion experienced during a physical workout.
Research has shed light on the intriguing parallels between hot baths and exercise. A study from the National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine at Loughborough University found that an hour-long hot bath can burn as many calories as a 30-minute walk. This is attributed to the process known as passive heating, where the body’s effort to cool down increases energy expenditure, akin to the calorie burn associated with physical exercise.
But what about the role of alcohol in this peculiar workout? Introducing alcohol into the mix, such as savoring a glass of wine while you soak, adds another layer to the experience. Alcohol can amplify the dehydrating effect of the hot bath, potentially increasing the sense of exhaustion. Moreover, it can affect your heart rate and blood pressure, further intensifying the body’s response to the hot environment.
Given the exertion your body undergoes in a hot bath, it’s wise to allow yourself a recovery period akin to what you would after a traditional workout. Just as you would cool down after a run, consider resting for a minute for every minute you’ve spent in the bath. Draping yourself in a cozy bathrobe and indulging in a power nap can be an excellent way to recharge, allowing your body to normalize after the thermal stress.
So next time you draw a hot bath and are tempted to dub it your ‘lazy day,’ remember that your body is engaging in a workout of its own. While it might not replace your gym routine, it highlights the complex and fascinating ways our bodies respond to different environments. And if you’re enjoying that glass of wine while you soak, remember you’re essentially mixing pleasure with your unique version of a workout — cheers to multitasking!
