The next-level recovery bath

Date

04.27.18 More info+

Soak away soreness with bath bombs, oils, and salts.

While immersing yourself in cold water has become the trendiest way to soothe aching muscles, experts say soaking in warm water can also speed regeneration after a workout. “When you take a warm bath, you allow for the blood flow to increase and oxygen to get carried through the bloodstream to aid in recovery,” says Sarah Garland, national senior manager of planning for the spa at Equinox.Most people don’t think of taking hot baths in the summer, says Garland, but it’s a surprisingly effective therapy for overheated skin. Moreover, a regular bathing ritual can help detoxify and hydrate the skin because the heat opens your pores, letting in any moisturizing oils and muscle-soothing salts you’ve added.

To get the most out of your soak, Garland recommends keeping the water warm, not scalding (use a thermometer and get in when it reaches roughly 100 degrees), and to get out after 10 minutes (or whenever your fingers get pruny). Seal it all in and promote softer skin with a moisturizing body lotion.

Maximize your benefits by stretching or foam rolling after getting out of the tub, while muscles are still warm and pliable and make sure to drink plenty of water to help the body absorb nutrients and flush out any toxins.

Try one of the new essentials below in your bath tonight.

Elemis aching muscle super soak

This foaming product creates deep heat in the body and is a favorite among athletes like David Beckham. A blend of juniper, birch, clove, lavender, thyme, chamomile, and sea salt works to warm and help loosen your muscles. You can buy a bottle at the Spa at Equinox.

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Voya lazy days seaweed bath

Drop this net-encased combo of hand-harvested seaweed and Dead Sea salt into your tub and allow 15 minutes to give the hot water enough time to release the plant's moisturizing properties. “Seaweed also brings nutrients into the water such as salt, which athletes lose during hard workouts,” says Garland.

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Jane inc. muscle ache formula bath cube

These handmade bath bombs are effervescent and have a fresh herbal scent. As the cubes fizz, they release anti-inflammatory Epsom and sea salt, baking soda, moisturizing spirulina, green tea, cardamom, cinnamon, and clove.

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Pursoma after the class bath

Equinox Flatiron members in New York City have been reserving spots in The Class by Taryn Toomey POP-UP series. Afterwards, regenerate with Toomey’s hand-harvested French grey sea salt, which purports to replenish electrolytes and eliminate toxins. It’s also made with magnesium to help soothe tired muscles.

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Cannabis beauty defined anti-aging soak

Cannabidiol (CBD)—the non-hallucinatory ingredient in pot and hemp that has anti-inflammatory effects—can be helpful for athletes. It alleviates low-level pain from exercise and also speeds recovery. Pro tip: Use it in a foot bath and don’t rinse off afterwards; by patting the skin dry, your feet will continue to reap the moisturizing and pain-relieving benefits.