Do Hot Tubs Burn Calories? The Surprising Truth

Yes, hot tubs do burn calories, but not enough to justify ditching your gym shoes! Whether you’re lounging in Acrylic Hot Tubs, Rotomoulded Hot Tubs, or charming Wooden Hot Tubs, the heat and water resistance sparks mild metabolic reactions. But how much difference does it make? Let’s dive into what science says, and why your soak might still be worth it.

Understanding Calories and How We Burn Them

Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) Explained

Your body burns calories around the clock, even while you sleep. This base level, called your Basal Metabolic Rate, fuels essential functions like breathing, digestion, and keeping your heart beating.

Calories Burned Through Physical Activity

When you move, whether it’s walking, lifting weights, or dancing in your kitchen, you burn additional calories on top of your BMR. The more intense the activity, the more your body demands fuel.

Thermogenesis: Burning Calories Through Heat Production

Thermogenesis is your body’s way of regulating temperature. When exposed to heat, your system works to cool down, boosting calorie expenditure slightly, even while you’re just sitting still.

The Hot Tub Effect: Does Heat Increase Calorie Burn?

Passive Heating and Metabolic Rate: What Studies Suggest

Research suggests that passive heating, like sitting in a hot tub, can slightly elevate your heart rate and stimulate your metabolism. Your body works harder to stay cool, increasing calorie burn, just a bit.

How Many Calories Might You Actually Burn? (Minimal Estimates)

Studies show you might burn 60–130 calories per hour in a hot tub, depending on your body size and how hot the water is. That’s about the same as a brisk 15-minute walk, or two digestive biscuits.

Comparing Hot Tub Use to Active Exercise (No Contest)

Let’s be honest: hot tubs aren’t gym substitutes. Unlike a workout, they don’t build muscle, elevate heart rate consistently, or increase endurance. Think of them as passive helpers, not calorie-burning machines.

Debunking the Hot Tub Weight Loss Myth

Why Sitting in Hot Water Isn't a Weight Loss Strategy

Sitting in hot water might make you sweat, but it doesn’t magically melt fat. Weight loss requires a calorie deficit, and hot tubs don’t burn nearly enough to tip the scale.

Distinguishing Water Loss (Sweat) from Fat Loss

That post-hot tub weight dip? It’s just water weight from sweating, not real fat loss. Once you rehydrate, the pounds come right back. Don’t be fooled by the scales!

Potential Indirect Ways Hot Tubs Might Support Weight Management

Stress Reduction and Cortisol Levels

Soaking in a hot tub helps lower stress, which in turn reduces cortisol, a hormone linked to weight gain, especially belly fat. Less stress = better choices and fewer emotional snacks.

Improved Sleep Quality and Metabolism

Regular hot tub sessions may improve sleep quality, and better sleep means a healthier metabolism. When you're well-rested, you're less likely to crave high-calorie junk and more likely to stay active.

Soothing Muscles for Better Exercise Recovery

Hot tubs can help ease sore muscles and speed up recovery, which may encourage you to stick to your workouts. No one likes leg day pain lasting all week!

Realistic Expectations: What Hot Tubs Can Do

Relaxation and Stress Relief

If you’re looking for stress relief, hot tubs are gold. The warm water calms your nervous system, helping you unwind mentally and physically.

Muscle Soothing and Pain Relief

Tense shoulders? Achy back? Hot tubs offer natural pain relief by boosting circulation and loosening tight muscles. It's like a warm hug from the inside out.

Promoting Better Sleep

The temperature drop after a soak helps signal to your body it's time for bed. Add a hot tub to your evening routine and watch your sleep improve, no sheep-counting required.

Conclusion: Hot Tubs Burn Very Few Calories – Focus on True Benefits

While hot tubs burn a few extra calories, they won’t replace your workout routine. But that doesn’t mean they’re not useful. With benefits like stress relief, better sleep, and soothing recovery, Acrylic Hot Tubs, Rotomoulded Hot Tubs, and Wooden Hot Tubs still play a valuable role in a balanced wellness routine. So go ahead, enjoy the bubbles, just don’t expect a six-pack from soaking!