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With the arrival of her new baby girl, life just got even busier for Tiana Masaniai. As an actress, model, and DIY design enthusiast, the mother of two is an expert at juggling career, family, and home demands. And, thanks to her Caldera® hot tub, she can even carve out a little quiet time for reflection or catch up with her husband, Eddie.

 

With modeling gigs in exotic places, acting roles in TV shows and commercials, and a stylish home recently featured in Allure magazine, Tiana’s Los Angeles lifestyle may sound like a dream. But in many ways, she and Eddie are no different from countless parents across the globe who work hard every day to complete tasks and activities on their to-do lists. With limited free time, Tiana depends on a regular self-care ritual that includes her hot tub to provide pockets of calm where she can dream, plan, and sometimes, breathe.

 

A Backyard Hot Tub Makes Calm & Comfort Easily Accessible

For many moms, work and family obligations expand to fill every available moment. With a newborn baby, even a few hours of uninterrupted sleep feel like a luxury, and carving out time for a much-needed break may seem nearly impossible. That’s why, when the children are asleep and mom finally has a few minutes to herself, a backyard hot tub can be the perfect escape. With a warm-water oasis just steps from the back door, stress relief and transformation are accessible and hassle-free.

 

During quiet moments, Tiana can take a timeout from phone calls and projects to immerse herself in the bubbling water of her Caldera Utopia® Series Geneva® hot tub and enjoy a comforting massage. Having a dedicated place to unplug and relax gives this working mom the chance to plan her next DIY home improvement or go over lines for an audition. 

 

And while multitasking might seem like the opposite of relaxation, for Tiana, her hot tub haven provides the perfect space for creativity and inspiration to flourish. These mindful moments in the hot tub not only make her more effective in her career on dry land but also allow her to be fully present when it comes to her family.

 

A Warm Soak Offers Recovery & Reconnection

In the evening, Tiana and Eddie enjoy time together in the hot tub. Shared acting and modeling careers require that the couple stay fit and healthy, and their evening soak relieves stiffness and soreness while allowing them to spend quality time together. As they reconnect in their roomy six-seat spa, they like to move from seat to seat, taking advantage of the Caldera Hot Tub Circuit Therapy feature that targets each muscle group individually for the ultimate total-body massage experience.

 

“I didn’t realize how many benefits would come with using a hot tub regularly,” says Tiana. “Being able to end the day with even 20 minutes in our Caldera has completely changed our ability to relax and recover.”

 

 

A Stylish DIY Retreat Provides Fun, Beauty, & Relaxation

With a beautiful Los Angeles home that’s been used for photo shoots and featured in design magazines, it’s no surprise that Tiana and Eddie have turned their hot tub haven into something unique. 

 

“Our backyard has been a place that our family loves to spend time together,” says Tiana. “But I also wanted a section specifically designated for us adults: an oasis that felt beautiful and relaxing.”

 

The couple has a talent for home improvements, having completed many stunning home and outdoor projects. The modern color scheme and sleek lines of their six-seater Geneva spa fit their design aesthetic perfectly, making it the ideal focal point for their beautiful backyard oasis. They’ve added a comfortable seating area along with lighting, a fire pit, and accessories to complete the look. For extra privacy, the couple expanded the wall dividing their home from their neighbors, which provided a canvas for an artful faux vine design to further enhance the space.

 

Life-Changing Investment In Wellness

Tiana shared with us how having a hot tub has changed her life, inspiring her and Eddie to create a backyard oasis to enjoy as a couple and family. During the day, they even turn down the temperature so their toddler can splash around with mom and dad. Tiana marvels at how it quickly heats up again for couple time under the stars. The FreshWater® Salt System gets big points from the couple for being both eco-friendly and simple to operate, providing clear, natural-feeling water without fuss.

 

With today’s busy lifestyles, it can be a struggle to find time to unplug and relax. But, for this family and countless others, a Caldera is a haven for comfort, relaxation, and rejuvenation, available whenever there’s a quiet moment!

 

“The Caldera Geneva has been a 10 out of 10 as far as meeting and exceeding our expectations of owning a hot tub,” says Tiana. “It’s increased our quality of life.”

The post Balancing Career, Family, & Self-Care With Tiana Masaniai appeared first on Hot Spring Spas of Iowa and the Twin Cities.

 

 

With the growing number of specialized classes offered at public pools, swim clubs, and fitness centers, aquatic fitness is becoming increasingly popular. Thanks to the unique properties of water, water workouts offer a safer, more enjoyable alternative to hitting the gym or braving the elements.

 

The resistance felt when moving in water makes workouts more challenging and can deliver a larger calorie burn in less time. Water’s natural buoyancy supports muscles and joints so there’s less impact and risk of injury than with land-based exercises. These low-impact benefits make aquatic exercise an attractive choice for seniors, individuals with joint issues, and those recovering from injuries.

 

Also, the temperature-controlled environment of a swimming pool or hot tub makes exercise more comfortable in a variety of weather conditions.

 

Ready to make a splash with your fitness routine? Let’s dive in!

 

 

What Is Aquatic Exercise?

Aquatic exercise is any type of workout you do in water, usually waist-deep or chest-deep. This could include cardio, strength training, or stretching. These low-impact activities allow almost anyone – regardless of fitness level, age, or swimming ability – to stay active and improve their health, strength, and mobility. 

 

Popular exercises include:

• Water aerobics, 
• Aquatic yoga, 
• Water jogging, and 
• Resistance training.

 

Essential Equipment 

Many strength-building water exercises only depend on resistance. Yet, fitness accessories help enhance aquatic workouts and target specific muscle groups, including water dumbbells, kickboards, resistance bands, and pool noodles. These tools are designed to boost your exercise by adding resistance to make muscles work harder without adding stress on the joints.

 

Choosing The Right Space 

When deciding on the type of aquatic exercise, consider the size of the hot tub or pool you have access to. A large swimming pool in a gym or community center usually has ample space for water jogging and large group exercises. Smaller home pools are well suited for walking in place, kickboard workouts, and strength training with water weights and resistance bands.

 

The Hot Tub Advantage

Buying a hot tub for your home is a great way to make aquatic fitness more accessible. While the smaller size limits the range of exercises, its warm water and molded seats are perfectly suited for resistance workouts, gentle stretching, and yoga poses. Plus, the hydrotherapy benefits of a hot tub could aid muscle recovery, making it easier to stick to your active routine.

 

 

Top Benefits Of Aquatic Exercise

Regardless of fitness levels or goals, good reasons to give water-based exercise a try include:

• Waist- to chest-deep water provides low-impact resistance, so you’ll burn more calories in less time while fully engaging your muscles.
• Aquatic exercise is efficient, providing a cardio workout that also boosts strength, endurance, and flexibility.
• Extreme temperatures won’t get in the way of your fitness ritual. Your pool will keep you cool in the summer and can be heated to keep you comfortably warm in winter. Even some hot tub models offer a cool water mode that can be used for exercising or cool water soaking.
• The buoyancy of water supports the body, so you can work out harder with less impact and risk of injury than traditional land exercises.
• You have plenty of options to choose from. Look for an aqua fitness class at your local gym or community center, work out in your pool with water weights and resistance bands, or have fun working on flexibility with hot tub yoga moves and stretches.
• Aquatic exercise is refreshing and fun – you’ll feel like a kid again while you work toward achieving your fitness goals.

 

Enhance Heart Health

Certain studies have stated that aquatic exercise may be helpful for patients who are suffering from coronary artery disease. Regular aerobic exercise can lower blood pressure and improve markers of cardiovascular health such as exercise capacity, vascular function, and heart rate variability. The buoyancy of water provides a gentle, low-stress environment for this type of activity, aiding relaxation and helping reduce blood pressure. 

 

Additionally, aquatic workouts burn calories, contributing to weight loss and decreased fat mass, which also supports lower blood pressure. This combination of benefits makes aquatic exercise an excellent choice for maintaining heart health.

 

Stretching In Water Keeps You Fit & Flexible

Regular stretching is an important part of any fitness routine because it enhances flexibility, improves range of motion, and reduces the risk of injuries. As we age, it’s important to keep joints and muscles flexible and healthy. Without regular stretching, muscles can shorten and become tight, with limited range of motion. This can impair the ability to participate in sports and other activities and could increase the risk of joint pain, strains, and muscle soreness.

 

To stay flexible and mobile, it’s best to commit to more than the occasional stretch. Dedicating a few minutes each day to water stretching exercises in a hot tub is an easy and effective way to see consistent results.

 

 

Begin & End A Session With A Stretch

During aquatic exercise, your muscles are cushioned by the water, so you won’t feel the impact in the same way as if running or exercising on land. The muscles are still working as hard against the water’s resistance – why it’s important to stretch before and after water-based activities. 

 

Perform dynamic (moving) stretches before a session to warm up and prepare the muscles for exercises. Static stretching (where you hold the stretch) after a workout does wonders to flush out lactic acid and soothe tight muscles. And, if there’s a hot tub available, a rejuvenating hydrotherapy massage feels great while loosening joints and aiding muscle recovery.

 

 

Explore Popular Group Fitness Programs

For a workout that blends fitness with fun, check out one of the trending water-based fitness classes at a local gym or community pool. Popular aquatic fitness programs combine the low-impact resistance benefits of aquatic fitness with the social aspect of exercising with friends.

 

Aqua Zumba, a popular class for all levels, combines Zumba dance moves with water resistance, creating an energetic workout that’s easy on the joints. For a more advanced option, Hydro Power focuses on high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in the water, incorporating sprints, jumps, and resistance training to build strength and endurance. These programs appeal to many people, from those seeking a guided, low-impact environment for rehabilitation to exercise enthusiasts looking for a challenging alternative to a regular routine.

 

Water-Based Fitness For Everyone

Children and young adults will enjoy exploring new ways to stay fit and have fun in the water. For older adults, the water’s buoyancy reduces strain on joints and lowers the risk of injury, making it a safe choice for those suffering from arthritis or osteoporosis, or recovering from surgery.

 

People with mobility issues find exercising in water more comfortable and less intimidating because it supports the body and reduces the risk of muscle or joint pain. Water exercise is a safe, effective, and enjoyable way for everyone to keep fit and healthy.

 

 

Aquatic Exercise & Stretching: Getting Started

Finding Your Starting Point

If you’re ready to experience the benefits of aquatic fitness and water stretching exercises, there are several ways to get started, from private pools and hot tubs to community centers and gyms. While a backyard pool is a bigger investment, hot tubs can be more approachable in terms of price and space. 

 

Essential Gear & Attire

Check YouTube for online tutorials or start with a few of the exercises outlined below. Wear a comfortable swimsuit that you can move in, some lightweight water shoes to avoid slipping, and don’t forget to slather on waterproof sunscreen.

 

Leveling Up A Workout

Once you’ve tried some simple exercises using the water for resistance, add basic equipment like water dumbbells or resistance bands to enhance workouts. Don’t forget to modify the exercises as needed to suit your fitness level and goals.

 

Joining A Class

If you prefer the comradery and structure of an exercise class to working out solo, a group water aerobics class might be the best choice. Check with a local community center, gym, or YMCA for available sessions.

 

Senior-Specific Resources

If you’re a senior seeking to try water aerobics or an aquatic group exercise class, contact a gym or senior center for information. Or explore the options on the SilverSneakers website, which is a program that provides free access to gyms and fitness classes for eligible adults aged 65 and up.

 

 

Five Simple Water Exercises To Do In A Pool*

Water Walking or Jogging 

Walk or jog across the shallow end of the pool, with the water no higher than mid-chest level, keeping your back straight and using your arms to help with balance. This exercise will get the heart pumping and enhance core and leg strength.

 

Leg Lifts

Position yourself in front of and facing the pool wall, holding on the edge for support, and lift one leg to the side, then bring it back down. Repeat for a set of 10-15 reps and switch legs. This is an effective way to target hips and thighs.

 

Arm Curls

Holding water dumbbells, stand in the water with arms at your sides. While pinning your elbows to your body, curl your arms up to the shoulders and then lower them back down. This simple exercise will work the biceps and triceps.

 

Flutter Kicks

Hold onto the edge of the pool or use a kickboard and extend your legs behind you. Perform quick, small kicks to work the core and leg muscles.

 

Water Bicycle

In the shallow end, lean your back against the pool wall, extend your arms along the sides for support, and pedal your legs as if riding a bicycle for a simple leg/cardio workout.

 

 

Stretching Exercises For Hot Tubbers

Stretching in a warm hot tub does more than feel good. Warm water hydrotherapy can enhance the effects of stretching and improve flexibility and mobility.

 

For the best results, hold each stretch for at least 15-30 seconds per side.

 

Neck Stretch

1. Sit comfortably with your back straight and hands resting on thighs.
2. Gently tilt your head to one side, bringing your ear towards your shoulder.
3. Repeat, leaning your head to the other shoulder.

 

Shoulder Stretch

1. Sit or stand with shoulders relaxed.
2. Reach one arm across your chest and use the opposite hand to gently press the arm towards your chest.
3. Repeat with the opposite arm.

 

Torso Twist

1. Sit comfortably with your feet flat on the floor of the hot tub.
2. Place one hand on the opposite knee and gently twist your torso, looking over your shoulder.
3. Repeat, looking over the opposite shoulder.

 

Quadriceps Stretch

1. Stand in the hot tub and hold onto the edge for balance.
2. Bend one knee and bring your heel up behind you until you can touch it.
3. Use your hand to hold your ankle and gently pull it towards you.
4. Repeat with the opposite leg.

 

Calf Stretch

1. Stand facing the wall of the hot tub and place both hands on it for support.
2. Step one foot back, keeping it flat on the floor and your leg straight.
3. Bend your front knee and lean forward slightly to stretch the calf of the back leg.
4. Repeat with the opposite leg.

 

These stretches can help improve flexibility, reduce muscle tension, and enhance overall relaxation. Always move gently and listen to your body to avoid overstretching.

 

*Consult your physician before starting any sort of exercise routine.

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