Until now, taking a bath has been associated with a delicious bubble of relaxation, perfect for unwinding after a hard day’s work. What if taking it easy in a bath could also help us eliminate calories? Dr Steve Faulkner, researcher at Loughborough University, in England is adamant: basking in a hot bath would be as beneficial as a 30-minute walk in terms of Energetic cost.
This suggestion, which should delight non-athletes, is taken from an experiment conducted with a small panel of 14 people. They were invited to stay for an hour in a bath with a temperature of 40 degrees. Calories expended were measured. Then the participants rode a bicycle and had to pedal for an hour. Here too the energy expenditure was raised. Blood glucose (blood sugar level) was also recorded 24 hours after each experiment.
Verdict: if the energy expenditure was significantly higher after a cycling training, the hot bath allowed participants to burn as much energy as after a 30-minute walk.
Benefits similar to exercise
“The overall blood sugar level was similar in both tests, however, after eating it was about 10% lower when participants took a hot bath rather than when they cycled,” says Steve Faulkner. to The Conversation website.
Interesting results but still too light to trade the union minimum to devote to physical activity (30 minutes per day) with a hot bath. Because the sport remains a most effective and powerful tool to improve your physical condition, health and well-being.
Also read: How to completely relax in your bath?
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