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The Importance of Muscle Recovery During Active Vacations

For you, vacations are much more than lounging on the beach — they’re an opportunity to seek thrills, find adventure, and enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you spend your days off biking, hiking, skiing, or kayaking, you always get your workouts in.

But even the most active travelers need time to rest. While planning your daily activities, it’s smart to pencil in muscle recovery days. Giving your body a chance to recuperate will ensure you have the energy to enjoy your trip to the fullest.

Why You Should Incorporate Rest Days Into Your Active Vacation

All workouts put stress on your body. While this is essential for building strength, endurance, and overall better health, your body mostly sees the fruits of your labor after your workout — during muscle recovery. As your muscles recover from exercise, they become slightly stronger than they were before. With every workout, your body is basically adapting to the rigorous movements.

So, what helps with muscle recovery? The answer is simple: rest. You need to allow your body to heal not only to grow stronger, but to avoid potential injury. Pushing your body beyond its limits can lead to fatigue and overuse, which increases the risk of muscle sprains and strains, stress fractures, tendinitis, joint injuries, and more. Depending on your fitness level and how intense your workouts are, most experts recommend taking at least one rest day a week. After recovering, you’ll be ready for the next adventure!

5 Top Muscle Recovery Tips for Travelers

1. Try Active Recovery Activities

Recovery days don’t necessarily mean kicking back on your hotel bed and watching TV. If complete relaxation isn’t your cup of tea, you might be more suited to active recovery. That means low-intensity exercise that won’t stress your body significantly. Try going for a swim if your lodging has a pool, stretching out with gentle yoga, or taking the opportunity to lightly sightsee on foot.

2. Relax

There’s nothing wrong with resting up during your muscle recovery day. If you feel exhausted from the days’ activities, feel free to sit back, relax, and let your body do the healing. Passive recovery is an equally effective way to restore your energy and stamina.

3. Get Plenty of Nutrients

The food you eat plays a major role in the recovery process. Depending on where you travel, the restaurants around you might not meet your nutritional needs. It’s a good idea to do your research and plan ahead.

Lean proteins, healthy fats, and carbohydrates are the best nutrients for muscle recovery after workouts. Look for restaurants with nutritious options and pack healthy snacks like blueberries, low-fat string cheese, whole grain crackers with peanut butter, nuts, or Greek yogurt. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated every day.

4. Build the Ideal Sleep Environment

Even if you’re eager to explore your destination day and night, sleep should be a priority. Much of your body’s physical and mental recovery occurs as you sleep. That’s why you should try to get at least 7 hours of quality sleep each night.

While you can’t control everything about your amenities and surroundings, there are ways you can be prepared for a better night’s sleep. For example, you can block out noisy late-night guests at hotels with ear plugs or a white noise machine. Other tips include taking a warm bath or shower before bed, packing a sleep mask, avoiding heavy meals late at night, and bringing your own pillow.

5. Visit a Mineral Springs

WorldSprings is the perfect place for muscle recovery after workouts. This outdoor mineral springs retreat offers a refreshing, restorative experience with over 40 globally inspired pools. Our waters provide a variety of benefits, with varying temperatures and mineral balances to suit your wellness goals.

We’ve crafted an expert-endorsed Mineral Method wellness circuit which focuses on soothing overworked muscles and enhancing muscle repair. First, you’ll soak in a warm pool in Yarrangobilly, Australia of the South Pacific Region at 100°F or less for 15-20 minutes. Next, you’ll take a cold plunge. We recommend repeating this circuit 2-3 times for the most targeted benefits, including relaxed muscles, improved sleep, and reduced inflammation.

The Mineral Method is an exclusive wellness circuit that aims to provide guests with the most effective and targeted full-body wellness.

The Benefits of Hot Mineral Waters and Cold Plunges for Muscle Recovery

Hot springs, especially mineral waters, have long been thought to possess healing properties. While their medicinal uses have changed over time, there’s little doubt today that thermal waters can benefit sore bodies and overworked muscles.

The warm hot springs waters can help improve blood flow throughout the body, delivering essential oxygen and nutrients to cells. It can decrease swelling and inflammation, and the buoyancy of the water itself eases the pressure on tense joints. The minerals may help alleviate muscle pain while promoting relaxation.

Although it takes the opposite approach, a cold plunge has similar effects. The icy water constricts your blood vessels to slow blood flow and relieve soreness and swelling. While some prefer sticking to one or the other, rotating between hot and cold water can give you the best of both worlds.

Relax Your Muscles at WorldSprings

WorldSprings hot mineral waters and cold plunges make the perfect addition to your active vacation, providing a luxurious and serene recovery experience. Whether you choose to relax at our iconic Iron Mountain Hot Springs location in Colorado or our WorldSprings Dallas pools in Texas, you’ll experience a relaxing oasis that will melt away stress. Book your visit and discover a new way to relax your muscles!

What is a Deep Tissue Massage? | What are the benefits?

on Mar 19, 2025 | 6 minutes

Youu’ve likely heard of deep tissue massage but might not know its purpose or benefits. This form of massage therapy is a common choice for athletes, people with injuries, and those dealing with chronic pain. Deep tissue massage techniques differ from other forms of massage therapy, so it’s important to determine if this is the right massage style for your needs. This guide will help you understand what a deep tissue massage is, why it’s beneficial, and how to get the most out of your session. Introduction to Deep Tissue Massage So, what is a deep tissue massage? This type of massage is often compared to Swedish massage, in which a massage therapist uses gentle kneading or circular movements to relax tight muscles. However, deep tissue massage goes further. During these sessions, massage therapists apply more pressure by using their forearms and elbows to reach deeper layers of muscle tissue, targeting muscle and tendon damage and stiffness. Deep Tissue Massage Benefits Deep tissue massage helps relax and de-stress the body and mind while providing potential benefits for various conditions. Injury Recovery Addressing an injury is a common reason people seek out deep tissue massage. This technique targets adhesions ー bands of rigid tissue that cause pain and inflammation ー that form in muscles, tendons, and ligaments after an injury. These adhesions can disrupt normal muscle movement and blood flow. Deep tissue massage breaks down these adhesions, reducing pain and potentially improving circulation and movement (1). Overall, research shows that deep tissue massage can decrease pain in various injuries and conditions when combined with other approved therapies. For example, a 2014 study found that combining deep tissue massage with a self-stretch exercise program helped reduce discomfort associated with plantar heel pain syndrome (2). Results of another study, focused on individuals with subacute or persistent neck pain, found that in the short-term deep tissue massage therapy was more effective than advice to stay active to address pain intensity (3). Tension & Stiffness Relief Individuals with chronic stiffness and tense muscles can also benefit from deep tissue massage techniques. Massage therapists can loosen tight muscles in targeted areas, such as the lower back, neck, and shoulders, with deeper, slower, and more concentrated strokes. How to Prepare for Your Session When you make an appointment for a deep tissue massage, there are a few steps you should take to be ready: 1. Stay Hydrated It’s always important to hydrate, but it is particularly beneficial for a massage. If you’re dehydrated, your muscles will be tighter and less flexible during your session. Drinking water keeps your muscles pliable and allows them to contract more readily, which makes it easier for massage therapists to break up knots and tension. 2. Consider Your Needs and Goals Before your massage begins, your therapist will ask about any problem areas. Tell them about specific injuries, pain, or areas of concern. Think carefully about what you want to get out of your session ahead of time. 3. Shower or Take a Bath It’s considered good etiquette to bathe before your massage. Doing so ensures your skin is clean and free of oils, making it easier for your therapist to administer the massage. Most people also find it more comfortable to be freshly clean during a massage. 4. Dress for Comfort It is a good idea to wear loose, comfortable clothing to your appointment. The loose fit prolongs the relaxed feeling you get post-massage. Additionally, you might feel sore afterward, so cozy clothing will make you much more comfortable. Deep Tissue Massage Aftercare Aftercare is just as important as a deep tissue massage. What you do following your session influences how long the effects will last. Here’s what to do following a deep tissue massage: 1. Keep Drinking Water For the same reasons you should hydrate before your session, drink water after the massage. Hydrating can also help with the soreness you might feel post-massage. 2. Eat Healthy You don’t want to eat a heavy meal after a massage, but eating something light and nutritious is important. Your body needs nutrients to properly recover from injuries and get the full effects of a deep tissue massage. A good meal should include lean protein, leafy greens, whole grains, and fruits. 3. Get Plenty of Sleep Your body heals during sleep. Get at least seven hours of sleep the night after your session to allow your muscles to recover from the massage. Ready for a Deep Tissue Massage at WorldSprings? WorldSprings is a wellness destination that offers something for everyone. Relax while enjoying a deep tissue massage and other spa services, soak in the therapeutic hot mineral springs, and create lasting memories with friends and family. Visit us online to book your visit. 1. Deep Tissue Massage. National University of Health Sciences. Retrieved January 24, 2025, from, https://www.nuhs.edu/patients/health-information/articles/deep-tissue-massage 2. Saban, B. et al. (April 2014). Deep massage to posterior calf muscles in combination with neural mobilization exercises as a treatment for heel pain: a pilot randomized clinical trial. Man Ther. Retrieved January 24, 2025, from, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24090993/ 3. Skillgate, E. et al. (February 2020). Effectiveness of deep tissue massage therapy, and supervised strengthening and stretching exercises for subacute or persistent disabling neck pain. The Stockholm Neck (STONE) randomized controlled trial. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice. Retrieved January 24, 2025, from, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2468781219302036

Exploring Chianciano Terme, Italy Waters at WorldSprings

on Mar 19, 2025 | 5 minutes

Exploring Chianciano Terme, Italy Waters at WorldSprings There are countless reasons to visit Italy, from the delectable cuisine to the centuries-old monuments, and breathtaking landscapes. This European destination is also a wonderful place to explore the many benefits associated with mineral hot springs. WorldSprings was inspired to create a similar hot springs experience in our Italy Pool, containing the same minerals found in the healing hot springs of Chianciano Terme. What makes Italy’s hot springs unique? Get to know the history and natural conditions behind one of our favorite European destinations. What Is Unique About the Waters of Italy? Soaking in Italy’s mineral hot springs has a rich history that dates to the third century BC. Romans understood the associated wellness benefits through experience soaking in the thermal pools. The water in Roman thermal baths was often sourced directly from nearby hot springs. The waters were considered holy, so bathhouses were often named for nearby temples throughout the Roman Empire. The temperature of Italy’s mineral hot springs can exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit and vary based on location. The heat prompts blood vessels to widen, which can help individuals who experience poor circulation caused by diabetes and other health conditions. Increased blood circulation also helps the heart pump blood more efficiently to manage blood pressure. Soaking in the calming pools is ideal for insomniacs and other individuals who struggle to fall asleep. The heat helps lower core body temperature, which lets your body know it’s time to rest. Chianciano Terme Mineral Hot Springs Although Italy has numerous mineral hot springs — from Bagno Vignoni in Tuscany and Bormio in Lombardy to Bullicame in Lazio and Ischia Island in Campania — today’s focus is on the tranquil waters in Chianciano Terme, the inspiration for our Italy Pool. This Tuscan destination, flanked by the Val d’Orcia countryside and Valdichiana valley, teems with Old World charm. The area features two thermal parks: Fucuoli and Acqua Santa. The waters within these parks include Acqua Santa, Acqua Fucoli, Acqua Sillene, and Acqua Santissima. Between soaking sessions, visitors take in the sights and learn more about the historic area. The Museum of the Collegiate Church of San Giovanni Battista, for instance, houses sacred furnishings and paintings spanning the 13th to 18th centuries. At the Museo Civico Archeologico delle Acque, visitors view unearthed items buried with the deceased, including ceramics and pottery from the 6th and 5th centuries B.C. What Minerals Are in Italian Hot Springs? The benefits of mineral hot springs in Italy can vary based on the mineral content. The thermal pools in Chianciano Terme (the inspiration for your WorldSprings’ experience) contain the following minerals: Sodium If you experience aches and pains, soaking in our buoyant, sodium-rich waters can alleviate the strain. The sensation of floating can help you relax while also making you feel literally lighter — taking the pressure off stiff joints for much-needed pain relief and better flexibility. Chloride The chloride in the mineral hot springs also alleviates muscle pain and could help tackle the debilitating symptoms of fibromyalgia. Sulfate If you feel stressed, the sulfate in the tranquil waters can help lower blood pressure so you can restore a sense of calm. Bicarbonate Bicarbonate will improve skin health by stopping the itchiness associated with psoriasis and eczema. You won’t feel the need to scratch, which will protect your skin from further damage. The Italian Springs Experience in Texas and Colorado Like the mineral composition of the waters of Chianciano Terme, the Italy Pool in WorldSprings’ Dallas and Colorado locations contain sodium, chloride, sulfate, and bicarbonate to enhance your mental and physical health. Visit WorldSprings for a relaxing, wellness-oriented getaway. Experience the benefits of Italian mineral spring soaks along with our other luxurious amenities, including saunas, private cabanas, and spa treatments.

Exploring the Bali Pool at WorldSprings

on Mar 13, 2025 | 5 minutes

Exploring the Bali Pool at WorldSprings Each year, the Indonesian province of Bali attracts millions of tourists. While many flock to the archipelago for its exquisite beaches and unique landmarks, some of its lesser known, yet remarkable, features lie within the region’s mineral hot springs. Whether you’re planning an island adventure or seeking a thermal pool experience a bit closer to home, here’s what you should know about the calming waters of Bali’s hot springs. What Is Unique About the Waters of Bali? The waters surrounding Bali are influenced by the Indonesian Throughflow, an oceanic current that delivers nutrient-rich waters from the Pacific to the Indian Ocean. Not only does this allow a diverse range of ecosystems to thrive, but it also creates thermal layers with varying temperatures. Furthermore, Balinese culture holds water sacred, and bodies of water, like holy springs and the ocean itself, are core components of Hindu purification rituals. As you venture to north and central Bali, you’ll also find mineral-rich hot springs that receive their warmth from the nearby active volcanoes. The most prominent is Mount Agung, the highest volcano in Bali, which is held sacred by its people. What Minerals Are in Balinese Hot Springs? Bali’s healing hot springs brim with minerals that have beneficial wellness properties. Our Bali Pool draws inspiration from the Banjar Holy Hot Springs tucked in the northeast mountains of Bali in the Singaraja region. The destination (known as Air Panas Banjar to locals) boasts a large swimming pool, with a depth of six and a half feet, plus a three-foot-deep children’s pool, and a refreshing pool shower. Like the popular Indonesian attraction, our Bali Pool contains high concentrations of sulfate and magnesium. You get these minerals through your diet, but you can also receive them via absorption. Research shows that we can absorb nutrients through our skin and that the benefits of mineral hot springs extend across a variety of health outcomes, from improving skin conditions to supporting vascular health. Specifically, magnesium is responsible for many core bodily functions, from maintaining heart health to supporting bone formation and metabolism. The nutrient has also been associated with a number of benefits, including: Reduced muscle soreness and inflammation Improved skin health Enhanced sleep Magnesium may also contribute to stress management by controlling cortisol levels throughout the body. Additionally, Bali’s calming pool is rich in sulfate, which aids detoxification, removing harmful substances (including heavy metals) to relieve muscle pain naturally — no medication required. Bali Experience in Dallas & Colorado While Bali’s mineral hot springs are certainly worth booking a flight for, you can enjoy thermal pools inspired by Bali’s waters stateside. At both our Dallas, TX, and Colorado hot springs facilities, we have a series of mineral pools with wellness properties found in waters across the globe. Our Bali pool is located within our all-ages region, meaning the whole family can enjoy a Bali-inspired soak. It’s also our only freshwater pool onsite, making it a unique experience that shouldn’t be missed. What minerals are in the hot springs found within our Bali pool? Like the actual Balinese hot springs, our waters are infused with magnesium, potassium, and bicarbonate. In fact, the Bali mineral pools at our Colorado and Dallas facilities were inspired by the Banjar Hot Springs, which is made up of high magnesium content. Enjoy many of the benefits of mineral hot springs found in Bali by visiting our Colorado and Dallas locations, including: Deep relaxation and recovery Enhanced sleep Reduced inflammation Boosted circulation Whether you choose to soak in the Bali pool or explore our other hot springs, you’ll indulge in a rejuvenating experience in a relaxing social atmosphere. Bring guests of all ages to spend time together as a family or reconnect with friends in our adults-only pools reserved for guests ages 18 and up. No matter which globally inspired pools you visit, you can expect a one-of-a-kind wellness experience that fosters enhanced communication and connection. Book your visit online and get ready to feel relaxed and transported.

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