hot tub

healthy living

Weigh In: Are You a Hot Tubbin' Lady?

Ignorance is bliss, or at least it is when it comes to hot tubs.


Ignorance is bliss, or at least it is when it comes to hot tubs. I used to get giddy when I saw "hot tub" listed under amenities of spas or hotels, but now it makes me cringe. After hearing fungal horror stories and going through my own traumatic experience, I wouldn't dare to dip my pinky toe in a warm bubbly pool, save my own.

Some folks like to get their groove on in the steamy waters but that's just asking for trouble, or at least bacteria. While it may be a relaxing and thoroughly enjoyable place to sip a toddy aprés ski, I'm not sure it's worth the aftermath of folliculitis, also known as the "hot tub rash." But hey, that's just me. If you fancy the swirling tubs for their therapeutic powers, just make sure it's a clean and trusted spot before you take the plunge.

So tell me, would I find you in the hot tub or sitting on the sidelines?

Poll

Do You Have a Hot Tub?

Something about hot tubs has always screamed "Spring Break" to me.

Something about hot tubs has always screamed "Spring Break" to me. But this hot tub, built into a beautiful teak floor in a fenced-in area, designed by Katie Leede, looks sophisticated and has made me reconsider them. If I could create a beautiful outdoor space such as this, I'd buy one in a second. Do you have one?

Sex

Sex in Water — Is It Safe?

Having sex in water sounds so sensual, doesn't it?

Having sex in water sounds so sensual, doesn't it? When you're swimming in a pool or lake, you're practically naked already, so why not slip off your bathing suit and get it on? But, wait: Is it safe to have sex in water?

Not exactly. Lake, river, ocean, and pond water contains bacteria. Having sex can introduce that bacteria into your vagina, which could put you at risk for infections that you don't want up there. Pool water, on the other hand, contains chemicals that could irritate your lady business.

Aside from health risks, the logistics just aren't with you on this one. Since lubrication is key when it comes to sex that feels good, you don't want to end up all washed out (literally). The water dissipates your natural moisture, so you're left with friction-filled sex that won't last long. What's worse is that if you're using a condom, the friction could cause a tear, and you won't be protected from pregnancy or STIs if the condom breaks.

What about sex while taking a bath or shower together? To find out read more

fertility

Hot Tubs and Sperm: What's the Connection?

I'm sure you've heard that men shouldn't hang out in hot tubs because it can affect their sperm.

I'm sure you've heard that men shouldn't hang out in hot tubs because it can affect their sperm. Is this true or a myth?

Earlier this year, a team of urologists at the University of California conducted a study to test this speculation.

The study observed a group of men who were regularly exposed to hot water temps from hot tubs or hot baths, for at least 30 minutes a week. All the men showed signs of infertility.

What they also found out is that this could quickly be reversed. After these men ditched their hot water excursions, their sperm counts had an increase of 491% after three to six months.

So here's the deal. If a guy is trying to have a baby, he shouldn't be spending time soaking in hot water. If he's not at all thinking about babies, he can love up the hot tub as much as he wants.

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Heart Rate

Sauna as Post Workout Treat: Keep the Summer Heat in Mind

Recently I posted about ways to reward yourself for a workout well done, and one of those (and my favorite) is taking a sauna.

Recently I posted about ways to reward yourself for a workout well done, and one of those (and my favorite) is taking a sauna. I don't need to tell you about how great it feels. What I do need to tell you is you to hold off on jumping into the sauna, hot tub or steam room immediately after finishing your workout.

The heat from outdoors combined with the heat of the sauna can have a detrimental effect on your body. After working out, you already have elevated temperatures and your blood vessels are dilated. The heat needs to dissipate in order to bring your heart rate back to your resting zone and to bring blood back to your vital organs - cool downs are not just about finding time to stretch. So instead of rushing into more heat that can cause lightheadedness, dizziness, fatigue, nausea or worse, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and heart attacks, try a cool shower instead. Basically you need to allow your heart rate to return to resting levels before treating yourself to some relaxing heat at the end of your workout.

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