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.