Soak it in How a trip to your favorite hot springs helps you recover faster BY TIONA EVERSOLE
Winter sports are a different beast. Temperatures are normally below freezing, deep snow is often present and the short days require some serious rallying for big ventures. Oftentimes, we get back to the car feeling stiff and numb, the chill of winter visible in our rosy cheeks and frozen fingertips. After a long day of traversing snowscapes and wandering through frosted woods, what better way to warm up and relax
What better way to wind down after a long day of exploring the backcountry than with a soak at the local hot springs? photo courtesy of The Springs Resort & Spa
than with a dip in the soothing waters of natural hot springs? Hot springs are an excellent option for unwinding after a day spent skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, ice climbing or any other winter sport you prefer. The warm, soothing waters emit a welcoming cloud of steam on a chilly evening, an invitation to soak our tired bodies in the healing pools. So what is it about hot springs that help improve muscle recovery and relaxation?
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A D V E N T U R E P R O . u s
BRING THE HEAT The end of another epic day finds you achy and sore, your body exhausted from your favorite winter activities. When we work our muscles to the point of exhaustion, our cells begin to run out of oxygen. This results in anaerobic respiration, which is the process responsible for producing lactic acid. Lactic acid is our body’s defense mechanism for working our muscles too hard. Our movements become slower, and our bodies stiff. Sitting in hot water increases blood flow, which helps our bodies speed up the processing of lactic acid buildup. Another valuable practice at hot springs is contrast bathing — alternating between hot and cold water. This abrupt change in temperatures causes our blood vessels to open and constrict, which assists our cardiovascular system in reducing muscle fatigue, soreness and swelling. Not to mention, the practice of contrast bathing is extremely invigorating. MAGIC IN MINERALS Hot springs are chock full of minerals, with mineral content varying based on the location of the hot spring. Thanks in part to the temperature of hot springs water, there is a high concentration of dissolved minerals. Common minerals found in hot springs include calcium, chloride, iron, magnesium, potassium, silica and sulphate.
“Specifically for our water, we’re very noticeable for our sulfur smell,” Shane Lucero, marketing director for The Resort Springs & Spa in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, said. “Whether you like (the smell) or hate it, sulfur is an anti-inflammatory, so it’s really good for people with arthritis. It’s really great for people who are training because it’s great for your joint health.” The minerals found in hot springs are also excellent for skin health. Silica is known to relieve dry, rough skin. Individuals that struggle with skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis may find relief for these conditions by soaking in hot springs. PEACE OF MIND Aside from the physical benefits of hot springs, the mental aspect is just as important. Hot springs provide a peaceful escape. As our bodies begin to relax in the soothing waters, so do our minds. “Sometimes you don’t realize how much your mind plays into it, so maybe it’s not your muscles that are sore or tired, but it’s just your brain,” Lucero said. “It’s something so simple that everybody forgets and is really necessary to body recovery.”
