Should you eat first or go to the spa?

Author: Stephan Smith  |  Last update: Wednesday, August 27, 2025

It is generally recommended to eat a light meal or snack about 1 to 2 hours before your massage session. This allows enough time for your body to digest the food and ensures that you have enough energy during the massage. Opt for easily digestible foods like fruits, vegetables, or a small portion of lean protein.

Is it better to eat before or after the spa?

If you have any sort of weird sensation or digestive issues, play it safe and don't eat before hot tubbing. If you prefer to play things safe from the beginning, you can wait for twenty minutes or so after eating before hopping in.

Is it better to eat before or after a massage?

Eating Before Your Massage

Massage can trigger your digestive system and make it work better and harder. If you have a big meal before a massage, it might make you feel bloated and gross. Eat some fruits and veggies a couple hours before your massage to allow time for you to digest them.

What order should you do a spa in?

Follow the correct procedure for your best wellness & Spa experience. Use the services in the following order: First, use the pool, then the whirlpool, then the saunas, and finally enjoy a massage. Never change this procedure! After the massage, just let all its benefits end in the resting room or your hotel room.

Should you eat before hot tub?

For best results, wait an hour after eating before enjoying your hot tub. It may seem fun to lounge in your hot tub with a cold adult beverage. OK, we admit, it IS fun. Just remember the heat in the hot tub can cause you to sweat, and you can lose fluids while in the water.

Eat your food in the RIGHT ORDER: 75% healthier with this small trick | Episode 6 of 18

Can I go in a hot tub right after eating?

#1 Follow the old “one hour” adage

If you eat before you hop into either, you'll have blood flow competing. Either your food won't properly digest or you won't get the full circulatory benefits of the hot tub/sauna. For best results, wait at least an hour or two after eating before enjoying your recreational equipment.

What I wish I knew before getting a hot tub?

7 Things to Consider Before You Buy a Hot Tub | Backyard Oasis
  • Create a Budget.
  • Ask Yourself these Questions When Buying A Hot Tub.
  • A Hot Tub Cover is Important.
  • Consider an Energy-Efficient Hot Tub.
  • You'll Need to Maintain the Water.
  • Your Hot Tub will Need More than Chemicals to Maintain it.

What not to do before a spa?

Avoid Heavy Meals and Alcohol Eating a heavy meal or consuming alcohol before a visit can make you feel uncomfortable and less able to enjoy your treatment. Opt for a light snack and stay hydrated with water or herbal tea. Refrain from Loud Conversations Spas are designed to be quiet and serene.

Are you supposed to breathe through your nose in a sauna?

In a sauna, it's better to breathe through your nose than your mouth. This cools the air as it enters your body. Your nose is a good yardstick: If the air feels too hot, move to a lower seating level.

Do you wear a bra to the spa?

It's up to you. Women usually remove their bras to allow the massage therapist to work on the back and shoulder area without getting massage oil or lotion on the bra. If your problem area is your low back, hips, buttocks, or groin, tight-fitting or large underwear can sometimes get in the way of massage work.

Is it okay to get a massage on an empty stomach?

It is generally recommended to eat something light & nutritious approximately 1-2 hours before a massage. You don't want to go in on an empty stomach, but on the other hand anything too heavy can leave you feeling stuffed. Good options are fresh fruits & veggies, nuts, smoothies and soup.

How much should I tip a massage therapist?

Standard Tip Percentage Guidelines for a Massage

A good rule of thumb for tipping in the massage industry is between 15% and 20% of the total service cost, which is the standard practice in the broader service industry.

Is it better to shower before or after a massage?

A warm shower after a massage can be wonderfully soothing. Since massage oils and lotions are meant to do most of their work during the massage, not after it, you don't have to skip the shower for fear of washing away skin-friendly oils.

Should you shower after a spa?

Whether you spend time in a pool, swim spa or hot tub, taking the time to rinse off or shower afterwards can benefit your skin, whether you find that it's being aggravated or not.

Is it okay to eat before or after massage?

Our therapists recommend eating a light meal or coming in on an empty stomach prior to your massage. Eating too much too close to your service can leave you feeling too bloated on the table. It's also best to avoid drinking alcohol or limiting the amount of alcohol you consume prior to your appointment.

Should you eat or take a bath first?

The sudden change in body temperature such as taking a hot shower and then eating, can impact blood circulation and digestion too. That is why, it is best to allow body temperature to regulate naturally after a meal, before jumping into a hot shower.

Is it better to sit or lay down in a sauna?

A short, powerful stimulus is better processed by the body than a longer, moderate stimulus. When lying down, the temperature development is the most uniform, because the entire body is in one temperature zone. When sitting, the temperature difference between feet and head is very large (possibly 30 °C difference).

Does a sauna clear sinuses?

Aside from this, the hot air in saunas allows your airways to open up, combatting that unpleasant sinus congestion that is characteristic of cold and flu. This benefit can be accentuated by adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil to the steam – it smells wonderful and is even more invigorating for your airways.

Is sauna OK for lungs?

Traditional saunas, with their dry heat, can offer respiratory benefits such as opening airways and promoting mucus clearance, which may alleviate certain respiratory symptoms. However, these benefits come with a caveat: prolonged exposure to high temperatures without proper hydration can lead to lung irritation.

Is it better to eat before or after spa?

It's a good idea to wait at least 30 minutes before eating a larger meal to allow your body to fully absorb the benefits of the massage. During this time, hydrate yourself with water to replenish fluids and aid in flushing out toxins.

What is the etiquette for spas?

Spa Etiquette: Everything You Need to Know
  • Arrive on time. It is important to arrive on time for your appointment to avoid inconveniencing other clients. ...
  • Book in advance. ...
  • Dress appropriately. ...
  • Shower before your appointment. ...
  • Communicate your needs. ...
  • Turn off your phone. ...
  • Respect others' privacy. ...
  • Tip appropriately.

Do you wear undergarments at a spa?

Many spas will give you the choice between wearing your own underwear, paper knickers, or nothing. Your therapist will tell you what's expected. The important thing to remember, though, is that you don't have to expose any bit of you that you're not comfortable exposing.

What is hot tub etiquette?

Be a good guest by simply wiping the exposed parts of the hot tub down with your towel after you dry off. The hot tub's owner will be very impressed with your thoughtfulness and effort to keep their hot tub looking clean! Don't bring glass into the tub. If you BYOB, it's best not to bring glass bottles.

What is the difference between a hot tub and a spa?

Both hot tubs and spas are hydrotherapeutic, using heat and water jets to create relaxing, pleasurable experiences. The biggest difference between a spa and a hot tub is in their construction: spas are built on site, whereas hot tubs are bought as prefabricated units.

What age should not go in a hot tub?

The Centres for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and other medical professionals and safety bodies have generally recommended that children under the age of 5 years old should NOT use a hot tub or be subjected to extremely warm baths due to potential risks of overheating, heat stroke, dehydration, and bacterial ...

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