Soaking in a hot tub is just as beneficial to your health as a 30-minute walk. That's the conclusion of a new British study comparing bathing to exercise.
Researchers at the U.K.'s Loughborough University measured study participants' blood sugar levels and calories burned when taking an hour-long hot bath or biking for an hour.
They discovered that while taking a bath did not burn as many calories as a bike ride, bathing did burn the same number of calories as a 30-minute walk.
Researchers said they discovered something else, too. Hot baths deliver other potential health benefits, as well, including a boost to the immune system by reducing chronic inflammation and reducing blood sugar spikes after meals.
The study was published last month in the journal Taylor & Francis Group.
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