months, these molecules assist in the formation of new blood vessels and repair damaged ones. This can help lower blood pressure as well as increase oxygen and glucose delivery to the muscle, which collectively can reduce cardiovascular disease risk and improve fitness.”

At the end of the day, the authors find that both exercise and heat therapy can promote cardiovascular health by comparable amounts in improvements in fitness.

But before you cancel your gym membership and invest the savings in a hot tub, it’s important to note that regular hot water bathing isn’t a substitute for all of the benefits of exercise, such as fat loss and building muscle mass.

However, for the committed couch potato or the exercise adverse, soaking in the hot tub is scientifically better than nothing.