Spa treatments for recovery and fitness

Spa Treatments for Every Body

Reward your body and yourself for the hard work you do to stay fit with rest, recovery, and frequent trips to the local spa
By David L'Heureux fitbie
 

Hot Tub, Steam Room, and Sauna

A typical training room for any professional sports team has a sauna, whirlpool tubs, ice baths, and a steam room, and it's not because the players are spoiled. Most pro athletes use these kinds of treatments to help with everything from routine bumps and bruises to major setbacks and injuries.

"I'm in the whirlpool every day just to get my legs loose," says Chris Pontius, a forward for D.C. United. "Later in the week as my legs get tired, I usually do a contrast bath [cold tub for 3 minutes, followed by the hot tub for 2 minutes], which makes my legs less heavy the next day." Fellow Major League Soccer player Jimmy Conrad, of Chivas USA, is also a proponent of the contrast technique. The 13-year veteran gets in the hot tub prior to practice and games to warm up his muscles, then takes an ice bath afterward to reduce inflammation in muscles and joints. "We put our bodies through so much stress, both mentally and physically, why wouldn't we want to commit an hour or more a week to give it some tender loving care?" asks Conrad.

TIP: Pay a little more each month for a gym that has a hot tub, steam room, sauna, or pool in addition to the regular exercise equipment. Before you join, ask these 10 questions to make sure you are getting the most bang for your buck.

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