Lay-Z-Spa Health Benefits Proven By Science

There is nothing quite like the feeling of relaxing in a hot tub. Even just a short time spent in a Lay-Z-Spa can leave you feeling revitalised. The healing effects of water stretch back centuries and hot water immersion or hot water healing is practiced for spiritual, mindful and health reasons all over the world.

Even though it is fairly common knowledge that using a hot tub has many benefits to health & wellbeing, it isn’t directly supported with much scientific evidence, until now. Independent research conducted by Coventry University’s Research Centre for Sport, Exercise and Life Sciences found that using a Lay-Z-Spa for 30 minutes is scientifically proven to:

  • Reduce blood pressure
  • Elevate heart rate equivalent to that when brisk walking
  • Increase blood flow
  • Reduce stress hormones
  • Reduce anxiety

Scientific Testing Conditions

Scientific research into Lay-Z-Spa health benefits was carried out using a Majorca HydroJet Pro under strict lab conditions on 20 healthy participants: 16 male, 4 female with an average age of 37.

Each participant had three 30 minute sessions on separate days, but at the same time for each person, sat with arms submerged in water. Researchers measured heart rate, blood pressure, blood flow, anxiety, salivary cortisol, mood, thermal perception and follow-up with a questionnaire. After the tests concluded, 13 of the 20 participants agreed they would happily use a Lay-Z-Spa at home multiple times a week.

Stress and Anxiety Reduction

The testing demonstrated that one of the best Lay-Z-Spa health benefits is reduced anxiety. Results on the participants showed a 10.3% reduction. Most notably, a 22% decrease in salivary cortisol which is a steroid hormone the body produces and is affiliated with stress.

There are two elements to anxiety and stress relief from using a Lay-Z-Spa. The scientific results are based on the body's response to submersion in heated water. The other is a psychological response. Taking time out from busy lives and simply relaxing peacefully and quietly in a calm environment with the soothing bubbles of the massage system allows to simply disconnect and feel at ease.

Lay-Z-Spa Cardiovascular Benefits

Increased Heart Rate

Heart rates increased by 31 BPM on average during the sessions, which is equivalent to a 30 minute brisk walk.

This shows that using a Lay-Z-Spa offers cardiovascular benefits to anyone less mobile and unable to exercise.

Lower Blood Pressure

Results demonstrated a significant reduction in blood pressure after spending 30 minutes in the Lay-Z-Spa.

Lowering blood pressure is highly beneficial to anyone but especially to those with existing heart disease as it is associated with fewer heart attacks or strokes.

Increased Blood Flow

Tests indicated a significant increase immediately after the sessions. Blow flow to the legs increased by 345% on average, which is similar to a 30 minute jog.

Good blood flow is essential for all your organs and overall bodily function.

Using a Lay-Z-Spa Is Good For You

The above tests were conducted on 20 healthy participants aged 26-60 in limited lab conditions. Researchers from Coventry University indicated that the results may have been even more positive should participants have suffered with stress, depression and high blood pressure. And, frequent longer-term usage of a Lay-Z-Spa would more than likely have a very positive impact on those conditions.

Whichever way you look at it, using a Lay-Z-Spa is good for you. Whether you realise it or not, it poses excellent benefits to both physical and mental health.

In modern society, people are often highly stressed and physically inactive, which can lead to poor health outcomes and increase the likelihood of cardiovascular disease. I am interested in researching ways to improve people’s lives through lifestyle modifications. Many of the normal lifestyle modifications such as exercise, dieting and smoking cessation are difficult for many people to maintain for a variety of reasons. Lay-Z-Spa offers an excellent way of providing a lifestyle modification that has many health benefits, but crucially, is something which people enjoy doing.

Dr Tom Cullen
Assistant Professor
Centre for Sport, Exercise and Life Sciences
Coventry University

Research work credited to: Dr Tom Cullen & Dr Doug Thake Occupational and Environmental Physiology Research Group of Coventry University’s Research Centre for Sport, Exercise and Life Sciences.