Move over kids, mummy is taking over the bath because new research has found an hour long soak can burn as many calories as a 30-minute walk! Who knew there could be an added benefit to soaking in a bath?!

Why are we only finding out now that burning calories could be so simple and relaxing?!

We all know the benefits to a hot bath –to clean oneself, relieve tension and relax your muscles and mind, but Dr. Steve Faulkner from Loughborough University wanted to see the added health benefits to having a bath. He conducted a study by comparing the effects of an hour-long soak to an hour of cycling.

The results found the cycling burned more calories than taking a bath, yet taking a bath burned 140 calories which is the same amount of calories used when going for a 30-minute walk. Blood sugar was also compared and it was found both had similar responses in both instances.

This way of calculating calories burned during a hot bath is called ‘passive heating’. It’s a fairly new field of research as studies look at how the body responds to hot and humid conditions which cause the body to release sweat and exert energy – similarly when the body is engaged in physical activity.

There may be more research needed to look into passive heating, but from what we’ve read so far, we’re pretty excited about the benefits.

So move over shower and bring on the bath bombs, wine and candles – mummy is taking over the bath.