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Why Are Hot Springs Beneficial for Marathon Runners?
Why Are Hot Springs Beneficial for Marathon Runners?
Why Are Hot Springs Beneficial for Marathon Runners?
Participating in a marathon is a goal for numerous individuals. Seeing their perseverance, dedication and discipline pay off is just as rewarding to marathon runners as crossing the finish line. The BMW Marathon in Dallas is right around the corner. Leading up to this early December event (and year-round runs), make soaks in WorldSprings hot springs pools part of your pre-and post-marathon recovery.
5 Benefits of Hot Springs Mineral Baths for Marathon Runners
In addition to calves and hamstrings in the legs, running also gives glutes, hip flexors, quads and core muscles a workout. The BMW Dallas Marathon is a 26.2-mile stretch, which means these muscles will feel the burn as you navigate the far-reaching course through Dallas neighborhoods.
Training for numerous hours weekly is expected to build endurance and strength while curbing potential discomfort during the race. Soaking in hot springs pools helps prepare and recover from intense training sessions. In nature, the hot water dissolves minerals from the surrounding rocks. The high mineral content contributes to the health benefits of hot springs.
WorldSprings is home to over 40 mineral hot springs across an expansive open-air complex divided into adults-only and all-access regions. The waters in each region contain different mineral makeups that boast different whole-body health and wellness benefits.
1. Boosts Circulation
Your muscles require oxygenated blood to prevent your body from buckling while training and during the marathon. Running helps achieve this goal. Pounding the pavement causes your heart to beat faster. The quickened pace improves blood circulation and ensures oxygen keeps your muscles in the game. For a less strenuous way to help muscles power through intense training and the marathon, soak in hot springs mineral baths. The heat opens blood vessels for better circulation.
The baths in the South Pacific, Asiatic and Americas regions contain bicarbonate. Once absorbed into the body, the mineral boosts blood and oxygen flow while acting as a janitor. The mineral stops the burning sensation in muscles that otherwise could bring the run to a screeching halt. Carbonate pulls excess hydrogen from muscles, increasing muscle pH to curb the burning sensation so muscles can endure the strain.
2. Soothes Sore Leg Muscles & Prevents Future Discomfort
Soaking in hot water helps alleviate soreness. The water temperature in WorldSprings’ mineral hot baths ranges from the mid-80s to low 100s degrees Fahrenheit.
The heat is a lifesaver when leg muscles are sore because the high temperatures reduce muscle stiffness, restoring flexibility. The stiffness contributes to muscle tightness, soreness and an increased risk of injury. After the impact of running on hard surfaces, floating in the low-resistance water takes the strain off sore joints and muscles for relief, too.
Wading in the hot springs mineral baths before training or the marathon also benefits muscles. The heat causes blood vessels to open, which ramps up blood flow to muscles as a preemptive strike against future soreness.
3. Reduces Post-Training and Post-Marathon Inflammation
Any stress put on the body causes inflammation, so muscle inflammation while training for a marathon is par for the course. Inflammation is a good thing because the dilation of blood vessels and the porosity of surrounding tissue create an open door for immune cells to reach the achy areas. Unfortunately, this immune system response can leave the affected areas swollen, red and in pain.
Muscle soreness and inflammation are not the same. Hot mineral baths help alleviate soreness, while cold water reduces inflammation. A dip in WorldSprings’ cold plunges (kept at 55 degrees Fahrenheit) in the European, Asiatic and Americas regions is recommended for immediate post-training recovery and right after the marathon.
The cold water compresses blood vessels to reduce swelling and discomfort. Soaking in the mineral hot springs later can further reduce lingering achiness. Potassium, specifically, when absorbed into the body aids muscle and joint recovery by helping keep electrolytes in balance. Potassium flows through the waters in the South Pacific, European, Asiatic and Americas regions at WorldSprings.
4. Promotes Mental and Whole-Body Wellness
Getting the pre-marathon jitters is normal, and soaking in mineral hot springs can help restore a sense of calm to help keep your mind focused on the marathon goal. The magnesium in WorldSprings’ South Pacific, Dead Sea, Asiatic and Americas regions can help alleviate anxiety and stress. Reducing stress can lead to a better night’s sleep—which is vital for marathon runners to remain alert and energized.
5. Alleviates Foot Discomfort
While wearing comfortable running shoes, feet will still take most of the force during an intense, long-distance run. At WorldSprings, you can soak your feet in cold water to ease swelling caused by inflammation and warm water to combat soreness and achiness in your feet and ankles. The hot water also opens blood vessels to increase flow in the lower half of the body.
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Things to Do in Dallas and the DFW Area This Summer
on May 1, 2025 | 4 minutes
Things to Do in Dallas and the DFW Area This Summer The Texas sun shines big and bright, and the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area is full of memorable summer experiences for both visitors and locals. Whether you're in the heart of Dallas or exploring nearby cities across the Metroplex, you'll find plenty to do — from outdoor adventures and amusement parks to indoor escapes — when the heat kicks in. Here is our guide to things to do in the DFW in the summer. Outdoor Summer Activities Summer is a wonderful season to explore nature in the DFW. Add a picnic to your DFW summer activities checklist. There’s no need to pack a lunch for your open-air meal (unless you want to), as numerous venues around town offer alfresco options. Grab food onsite at one of the cafés or kiosks in the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden and savor your selections on the sprawling lawn. Want to dine outside among wildlife? The Dallas Zoo lets you bring your own food or pick up a meal at Bantu Barbecue or Prime Meridian Café. Dedicated picnic tables mean you don’t have to sit on the ground. Volleyball enthusiasts, both players and spectators, should visit The Sports Garden in Coppell, a suburb north of Dallas. The venue has 24 sand courts, trivia and poker nights, and a full menu of light and hearty fare. In the evening, drive over to Ennis (a suburb south of Dallas) to catch a new release at the seven-screen Galaxy Drive-in. Load up on concession stand favorites to munch as you watch a family film with the brood or an action flick with pals. Indoor Summer Activities Prefer to stay inside? Experience unique Dallas culture in the city’s Arts District and see who’s on the AT&T Performing Arts Center’s event calendar. The center operates multiple venues throughout Dallas. From viewing over 25,000 works of art to attending informative lectures, there’s no shortage of things to do at the Dallas Museum of Art for kids and adults. History buffs will want to spend a few hours exploring the poignant and powerful Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, located within the former Texas School Book Depository building. The main exhibit commemorates the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963 and celebrates his life and legacy. Programs, events, and special exhibits explore the Kennedy presidency and assassination. Ready to let loose at Malibu Jacks? Located in North Richland Hills, the largest indoor amusement park in North Texas features go-karts, laser tag, miniature golf, arcade games, and numerous rides for thrill seekers. Speaking of an adrenaline rush, Fritz’s Adventure in The Colony, just north of Dallas, is an indoor and outdoor amusement park featuring ziplines, climbing walls, underground tunnels, and other activities categorized as beginner, intermediate, or advanced. Keeping Cool on a Hot Summer Day The DFW area sizzles in summer. Luckily, there are things to do on a hot summer day to cool off. Rent kayaks (single or tandem) or paddleboards at White Rock Lake, located in northeast Dallas, to feel the cool breeze on the water. For an icy energy boost, spend a few seconds in a cold plunge pool at WorldSprings, located in The Colony. The sprawling facilities in the Dallas suburb includes all the makings for a memorable vacation for out-of-towners and a staycation for DFW locals. Beyond cold plunges, the wellness destination features globally inspired mineral hot springs, each with distinct therapeutic benefits1 — from muscle recovery to joint support. Book a spa treatment, such as a prenatal massage or LED light therapy, and enjoy a complimentary three-hour soak. Book a full day soak for unlimited access to all water attractions, saunas, lounge areas, and fire pits. Upgrade to a full day retreat for a complimentary robe rental and mineral bath salts to bring home — a great way to keep the relaxation going. Although you can experience WorldSprings solo, group outings are encouraged to help friends and family reconnect. This, in turn, can enhance social wellness — that positive feeling you get when you spend quality time with friends and loved ones. Ready to feel your best for the rest of the summer? Book your visit to WorldSprings today. Sources: 1. (23 July 2021). Health Benefits of Mineral Baths. Rochester Regional Health. Retrieved July 22, 2025, from https://www.rochesterregional.org/hub/health-benefits-of-mineral-baths
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What Is Balneotherapy?
on Aug 14, 2025 | 5 minutes
What Is Balneotherapy? Despite the clinical-sounding name, balneotherapy is far from a passing trend or complicated treatment. In fact, the practice of bathing in mineral waters for their therapeutic qualities is one of the oldest wellness traditions on Earth. The term stems from the Latin balneum, meaning “bath,” which points to its long and rich history spanning centuries. Long before modern medicine, ancient civilizations in Greece, Rome, India, and Egypt used natural hot springs and thermal baths to treat everything from joint pain and poor circulation to skin conditions and fatigue1. Each civilization turned to healing waters for different reasons: the Greeks and Hindus believed in the purifying energy of sacred springs. Meanwhile, the Egyptians used mineral-rich water to boost beauty and vitality, and the Romans built ornate public bathhouses that blended healing, hygiene, and community. Bathing practices have withstood the test of time, moving beyond tradition as they were passed down through generations and adapted across cultures. In countries like Germany, France, Hungary, and the Czech Republic, balneotherapy is still considered a medical treatment and fully integrated into national healthcare systems, with doctors incorporating it into various treatment plans at specialized medical spas2. Today, mineral spring soaks are prized because they can help alleviate joint and muscle pain, a variety of skin conditions, and the effects of stress, including anxiety and insomnia. How Does Balneotherapy Work? The key to balneotherapy’s power is what’s in the water. While hydrotherapy focuses on soaks at certain temperatures to facilitate physical movement and heat or cool the body, balneotherapy is all about the chemical composition of the water itself. Natural minerals—like magnesium, sulfur, calcium, lithium, and bicarbonate—are believed to be absorbed through the skin or inhaled in steam, helping reduce inflammation, relax muscles, improve circulation, regulate the nervous system, and even improve immunity. Balneotherapy Benefits Many scientific studies back these claims. For example, a 2023 review of 17 studies performed on adults with osteoarthritis found that all instances showed improvements on pain and quality of life after balneotherapy, attributing this to the physical and chemical properties of thermal mineral water3. A 2024 review involving a total of 765 participants showed a significant short-term reduction in cortisol levels in healthy individuals and those under high levels of stress, as well as reduced inflammatory mediators and improved quality of life in patients with rheumatic conditions4. Another 2022 assessment found that 16 out of 21 evaluated studies revealed improvements in self-perceived sleep quality5. Overall, these and various other sources support the time-tested belief that balneotherapy can relieve pain and stiffness, lower stress, and support better sleep and mental wellness. How to Get the Most Out of Balneotherapy But how should you practice it to get these results? Most studies and spas suggest sitting in mineral-rich water that's comfortably warm for 20 to 30 minutes. Doing this regularly, ideally for a few weeks at a time and coupled with a holistic routine involving exercise and hydration, can lead to noticeable effects like reduced joint pain, better sleep, improved circulation, and lower stress levels. The warmth and buoyancy of the water play a major role, too. Being immersed in water reduces pressure on the joints, lessening the load the body carries and supporting pain relief. Heat then stimulates thermal receptors and mechanoreceptors in the skin, which can block pain signals and relax tight muscles. Increased blood flow also helps carry away pain-inducing chemicals in the body, allowing the muscles to soften and repair more easily6. And don't underestimate the psychological and emotional effects of your treatment. Being in a peaceful spa environment surrounded by nature or soothing designs has a calming effect that supports relaxation, contributing to these balneotherapy benefits. The WorldSprings Mineral Method Since the properties of the water you soak in have been shown to impact your results, we created the Mineral Method at WorldSprings. Instead of choosing a pool at random, guests follow thoughtfully curated wellness circuits through our globally inspired regions. These circuits are designed to target Sleep, Stress, Recovery, or Detox. Each one lasts 30+ minutes, combining various temperatures that stimulate the body's natural healing processes and different mineral compositions, such as magnesium for relaxation (Japan & Korea) and bicarbonate for circulation (Australia & Bali). As science shows, repetition is essential to the effectiveness of balneotherapy. While one session might leave you feeling relaxed, multiple soaks give your system time to respond and adjust. With our custom circuits, you follow a methodical routine designed to deliver balneotherapy benefits. Each circuit combines warm immersion, cold plunges, and rest to activate circulation, calm the nervous system, ease uncomfortable symptoms, and deepen the body's physical response. Whether you need to unwind after a stressful week, soothe sore muscles, or support your body's natural detox processes, the Mineral Method takes the guesswork out of wellness and leaves you feeling noticeably renewed. WorldSprings makes it easy to turn your next wellness trip into something more impactful and purposeful. If you're ready to experience balneotherapy benefits but aren't sure where to begin, take our Mineral Method quiz to discover the perfect circuit for your goals. While balneotherapy has diverse ancient roots and a solid backing from science, the experience it provides is also charmingly simple: warm water, natural minerals, gentle movement, and beautiful landscapes. At the end of the day, self-care should always feel natural, grounded, and enjoyable—and at WorldSprings, it is. Book your visit and let the minerals and Mother Nature do the rest. Sources: Gianfaldoni, S., et al. (23 July 2017). History of the Baths and Thermal Medicine. Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences. Retrieved July 12, 2025, from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5535692/ European Spas Association. Balneology in European Health Resorts. Retrieved July 12, 2025, from https://europeanspas.eu/balneology/ Protano, C., Fontana, M., De Giorgi, A., Marotta, D., Cocomello, N., Crucianelli, S., Del Cimmuto, A., & Vitali, M. (10 June 2023). Balneotherapy for Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review. Rheumatology International. Retrieved July 12, 2025, from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10348981/ Antonelli, M., Fasano, F., Veronesi, L., Donelli, D., Vitale, M., Pasquarella, C. (October 2024). Balneotherapy and Cortisol Levels: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. International Journal of Biometeorology. Retrieved July 12, 2025, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38884799/ Castelli, L., et al. (10 August 2022). Sleep and Spa Therapies: What Is the Role of Balneotherapy Associated With Exercise? A Systematic Review. Frontiers in Physiology. Retrieved July 14, 2025, from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9399348/ Verhagen, A., Cardoso, J., and Bierma-Zeinstra-S. (June 2012). Aquatic exercise & balneotherapy in musculoskeletal conditions. Best Practice & Research Clinical Rheumatology. Retrieved July 15, 2025, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1521694212000599
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on Aug 13, 2025 | 4 minutes
Post-Workout & Muscle Recovery Tips You may know it’s essential to have a multifaceted wellness routine including cardio, strength training, and stretching. But unless you’ve worked with a professional trainer, you may not realize the positive impact that cool-down and active and passive recovery can have on your body. Post-workout recovery is equally important as getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, and eating a balanced diet to reap the benefits of your hard work. In fact, you increase the risk of injury, and your performance can suffer if you don’t allow your body to rest and repair1. WorldSprings is the ideal place to practice active recovery with gentle yoga classes or a soak in our restorative waters to treat tired muscles. When it’s time to get back at it, our supportive therapies will leave you feeling rejuvenated in both body and spirit. How to Recover After a Workout Eat Mindfully Consuming a meal with both carbohydrates and at least 20–30g of lean protein within half an hour of exercise can help muscles recover and grow. Complete proteins that contain all nine essential amino acids are your best bets and include options like peanut butter on wheat bread, hummus with pita, brown rice and black beans, chicken, fish, or eggs, tofu and soybeans, and dairy like chocolate milk2. Stay Hydrated & Replenish With Electrolytes It’s no secret that dehydration causes many physical issues. If you don’t replace the fluids lost in a hard workout, you risk impairing your muscles’ ability to repair. Experts recommend at least 1.5L of water for every kg lost during exercise. Studies also show that cherry juice and electrolyte supplements can also improve recovery by reducing muscle damage, inflammation, and replenishing glycogen stores1. Incorporate Light Exercise & Stretching Adding 5–10 minutes of stretching and low-intensity cardio to the end of your workout helps lower your heart rate, prevents blood from pooling in your limbs, and decreases muscle tension3. Embrace Active Recovery After vigorous workout days, participate in low-impact exercise to help circulate waste products out of your system. A gentle yoga class in our wellness studio is an excellent option to prevent stiffness and support your recovery here at WorldSprings. Treat Yourself to a Massage Soft tissue therapies, like massage, reduce delayed onset muscle soreness, inflammation, and fatigue as well as help you relax and enhance immune function. Add in lymphatic drainage for even more benefits. Aim for at least 20–30 minutes for maximum support. Engage in the Healing Power of Balneotherapy There are many therapeutic benefits of soaking in mineral water. Evidence shows that water alone stimulates metabolic activity, improves circulation, regulates hormone signaling, and reduces inflammation4. Warm water dilates the blood vessels, which increases blood flow and triggers the release of mood-boosting endorphins. Water that contains minerals like calcium, magnesium, lithium, and potassium have anti-inflammatory effects, improve immune function, lead to deeper and more restful sleep, and even alleviate skin conditions like eczema due to the sulfur content5. WorldSprings offers four globally inspired areas with varying temperatures, regional inspirations, and mineral contents to support your recovery. Our Mineral Method circuits allow you to personalize your visit with therapeutic routines designed to support specific wellness goals. Give Cold Water Immersion a Try Easing into a 3–5 minute cold plunge available at three of our regions—Iceland and Italy, Japan and Korea, and Guatemala and Mexico—can help speed up your post-workout recovery by reducing pain, inflammation, and muscle tiredness1. Nourish Yourself With a Sauna Studies show adding 15–20 minutes of relaxing sauna time supports your workout by providing stress relief, boosting your heart health through better circulation and lower blood pressure, improving glucose regulation, easing muscle pain and joint stiffness, increasing collagen production and clearing the pores to give skin a healthy glow6, and possibly even aid in weight management by supporting metabolic activity and hormone regulation7. Folks with certain pre-existing conditions like low blood pressure should consult a doctor first. Everyone should remember to listen to their body; at any sign of dizziness or discomfort, discontinue the practice. Try Compression Therapy With their intermittent inflation and release, compression boots improve lymphatic drainage, alleviate muscle fatigue and stiffness, reduce swelling, increase blood oxygenation and circulation, and support overall recovery and performance8 . Now that you’ve learned a bit about what helps with muscle recovery, how WorldSprings supports you in your wellness journey, create a personalized circuit with our Mineral Method quiz and book a soak to access a world of amenities today. Sources: Yetman, D. (16 April 2024). 14 Tips to Maximize Recovery. Healthline. Retrieved June 25, 2025, from https://www.healthline.com/health/muscle-recovery Fielding, S. (4 May 2024). These 5 things may help improve recovery after a tough workout. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved June 26, 2025, from https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/nutrition-fitness/these-5-things-may-help-improve-recovery-after-a-tough-workout/ (18 May 2022). A Post-Workout Recovery Plan for Healthy Muscle Growth. Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved June 25, 2025, from https://health.clevelandclinic.org/strenuous-workouts-try-these-6-best-recovery-tips Haase, M. (21 February 2023). What is Balneotherapy, and Does It Work for Muscle Pain? Prevention. Retrieved June 26, 2025, from https://www.prevention.com/health/health-conditions/a42865088/balneology-for-muscle-pain/ (29 November 2023). The Benefits of Hot Springs After a Hike. Evolution Expeditions. Retrieved June 26, 2025, from https://www.evolutionexpeditions.com/blog/the-benefits-of-hot-springs-after-a-hike Sweeney, E. and E. Benton. (27 November 2023). 10 Benefits of a Post-Workout Sauna (and, a Few Risks). Men’s Health. Retrieved June 26, 2025, from https://www.menshealth.com/health/a38071136/sauna-benefits/ Benton, E. (5 May 2025). 10 Sauna Benefits For Your Mood, Skin, And Heart Health According to Doctors. Women’s Health. Retrieved June 26, 2025, from https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/a64653766/benefits-of-sauna/ Martens, A. (18 December 2023). Your Complete Guide to the Benefits of Compression Recovery. Prevention. Retrieved June 27, 2025, from https://www.prevention.com/fitness/fitness-tips/g45912433/benefits-of-compression-recovery/
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