Are you tired of feeling like a sweaty mess when the heat hits? Well, fear not my friends because the solution might be as simple as taking a dip in a hot tub. That’s right, according to Andrew Greenfield, a researcher at California Baptist University, slipping into some hot water can “remove barriers” to acclimation. In case you didn’t know, acclimation is a fancy word for getting used to the heat. And it turns out that getting hot and bothered in a hot tub is kind of like exercise. It raises your core temperature, heart rate, and sweating. So, why not kill two birds with one stone and sweat it out in a hot tub?

Believe it or not, scientists actually put this theory to the test in a 2015 study with some brave volunteers who ran on treadmills and then sat in hot water for up to 40 minutes. And you know what they found? After just six days of soaking, these guys had all the signs of being heat-acclimated. They sweated earlier, felt less hot, and could run farther and faster. The moral of the story? A hot tub dip might be just what the doctor ordered for beating the heat.

But don’t just take our word for it. In a 2021 study, even older folks and young guys who only soaked in hot water for short periods had signs of heat acclimation after just a few days. Of course, we should probably mention that hanging out in hot water for too long might not be the safest way to acclimate. As Greenfield notes, hot water is way more intense than hot air, and many of his study participants could barely stand 40 minutes in the tub. So, maybe start with shorter dips, like 20 minutes, and work your way up from there.

If you do decide to take the plunge, make sure you’re immersing as much of your body as you can tolerate. And, for best results, researchers recommend exercising before you start soaking. It’ll get your body nice and toasty before you hit the tub. And if you stick with it, you should feel acclimated in no time. Just be careful when working out in the heat and drink plenty of water. And, let’s be real, there’s no shame in taking a break in the shade or opting for a morning workout when the temps are a bit lower. Stay chill, my friends.

Serious News: washingtonpost