It’s three in the morning and you have a busy day tomorrow, but you just can’t seem to stop tossing and turning. It’s impossible to get comfortable. Sound familiar? The truth is, you’re not alone if you experience sleep-related troubles at least a couple of times a month. In fact, studies confirm that as many as one out of every four workers in the United States suffer from insomnia. That’s a lot of time spent tossing and not a lot of time spent sleeping. The good news is, you can beat insomnia and do it naturally with a fifteen minute soak in the hot tub. Here’s how:

Ease the Transition Into a Deeper Sleep - When the body falls asleep, it typically goes through different stages. The first stage is a light sleep, which leads to a deep, sound sleep, called REM sleep. The REM stage is important because this is where the body restores energy, repairs and nourishes itself. Often, even if you manage to drift off, it’s difficult to make the transition from light sleep to deep sleep. Using a hot tub is an easy way to help the body move into REM sleep. It has to do with a drop in body temperature which alerts the brain that deep sleep is coming. Soaking in a hot tub causes body temperature to rise. When you get out of the water and prepare for bed, temperature drops, easing the transition into a deep sleep.

Calm the Brain, Relax the Mind - Too often, part of the reason many of us toss and turn at night is because we simply can’t stop replaying the events of the day in our head. Whether it was an unusually difficult conversation, a missed opportunity or a high stress situation, not being able to shut the mind down causes the body to stay alert. Sitting in warm, relaxing water is soothing physically as well as mentally, creating calm and peace to slow your thoughts, and finally get the rest you need.

Relax Sore, Stiff Muscles - Sometimes it’s difficult to sleep - not because of a racing mind, but because of pain. Whether it’s arthritis, a stiff neck from stress or chronic back pain, it’s nearly impossible to get a good night’s rest when you can’t find relief. Luckily, a quick twenty-minute soak prior to going to bed is an all-natural and safe way to relax sore muscles and joints. With targeted massage, it’s easy to direct high-powered jets precisely where pain is the worst, bringing instant relief and comfort.

Insomnia isn’t rare or something most of us don’t have to worry about. Millions of people suffer from a lack of sleep, resulting in physical and emotional problems that can jeopardize performance at work and at home. Using a hot tub is a safe, natural way to induce the deep, restorative sleep that we need to look and feel our best. A twenty-minute soak before bed and drifting off to a good night’s sleep has never been easier.

Hot Tubs Hudson, Portable Spas River Falls, WI

To help people understand how hydrotherapy can help improve overall health and well-being, we will provide free hot tub test soaks in our 5 locations during the entire month. We want to encourage local consumers to check out the benefits of a relaxing soak in an energy efficient hot tub for themselves.

Consumers wanting to learn are encouraged to pick up a copy of our free buyer’s guide, “7 Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Buy a Hot Tub.” Just go to: http://www.HotSpringGreen.com

About Hot Spring Spas of Minnesota and Iowa

HotSpring Spas of Minnesota and Iowa offer a large selection of new and used hot tubs and saunas for sale and a variety of hot tub, sauna, repairs, parts, and accessories. We are Minnesota's and Iowa’s premier source for Hot Spring Spas and Hot Tubs, Saunatec and Finnleo Saunas, A & B Backyard Accessories, and proudly carry the SilkBalance for Spas water treatment system. To learn more, pick up a copy of our free buyer’s guide, “7 Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Buy a Hot Tub.” Just go to: http://www.HotSpringGreen.com

This week I spent some time researching some photos and documents of Hot Spring Spa Dealer Award Winners. As I searched, it dawned on me that we take the awards we've received for granted. We should be proud of these awards and brag about them to everyone that will listen! 

You see, Hot Spring Spas are made by Watkins Manufacturing, part of the MASCO (MAS) Corporation. It is a Fortune 500(#336) company known for such products as Weiser Locks, Delta Faucets, Behr Paints, and many other products for the home. Watkins Manufacturing builds more hot tubs every year than any other company in the world, with over 1,000,000 spas sold to date! To be honored by such a great manufacturer means we're doing things the right way.

We took on Hot Spring Spas in 1984, so this will be our 30th anniversary with them! We alone have more than 20,000 customers; primarily in Iowa and Minnesota. The awards we've received vary from Regional Dealer of the Year and a Perseverance Award to our proudest accomplishment, the Locksin Thompson Award. This is given yearly to the dealer chosen as the best of the best from over 500 dealers worldwide. 

We're quite proud of these accomplishments, so let me take a moment to boast:

• 2000: Region 7 Dealer of the Year Award
• 2001: Locksin Thompson Dealer of the Year Award
• 2002: Region 7 Dealer of the Year Award
• 2003: Marketing and Promotion Award
• 2005: Region 9 Dealer of the Year Award
• 2006: Region 7 Dealer of the Year
• 2007: Region 9 Dealer of the Year Award 
• 2008: Region 9 Dealer of the Year Award
• 2009: Perseverance Award
• 2010: Region 7 Dealer of the Year
• 2011: Region No Boundaries Award
• 2012: Region 16 Dealer of the Year Award 
• 2013: ??????

Thanks for letting me get that off my chest. It takes a tremendous staff and the support of great customers for us to be in this position. We are thankful every day to have both! 

Thank You!

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Hot Spring Spas Of Minneapolis Receives 2013 Best of Minnetonka Award

Minnetonka Award Program Honors the Achievement

MINNETONKA December 4, 2013 -- Hot Spring Spas Of Minneapolis has been selected for the 2013 Best of Minnetonka Award in the Swimming Pool Contractors category by the Minnetonka Award Program.

Each year, the Minnetonka Award Program identifies companies that we believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and our community. These exceptional companies help make the Minnetonka area a great place to live, work and play.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2013 Minnetonka Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the Minnetonka Award Program and data provided by third parties.

About Minnetonka Award Program

The Minnetonka Award Program is an annual awards program honoring the achievements and accomplishments of local businesses throughout the Minnetonka area. Recognition is given to those companies that have shown the ability to use their best practices and implemented programs to generate competitive advantages and long-term value.

The Minnetonka Award Program was established to recognize the best of local businesses in our community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to recognize the small business community's contributions to the U.S. economy.

SOURCE: Minnetonka Award Program

CONTACT:

Minnetonka Award Program

Email: PublicRelations@awardredemption.org

URL: http://www.awardredemption.org

Get Heart Healthy: Cardiovascular Benefits - You might be surprised to learn that fifteen minutes in a sauna can actually be great for the heart. And there is plenty of evidence to support the idea that using one daily can result in significant cardiovascular benefits.

Heat stimulates the body in much the same way as light cardiovascular exercise. As core body temperature rises, capillaries dilate, which increases blood flow, giving the heart a mild workout. In fact, using a sauna can positively impact a number of cardiac conditions by decreasing blood pressure and improving oxygen intake.

Weight Control - These days, who isn’t looking to enhance a workout for optimized weight loss? Sitting in a sauna promotes sweat and is a simple strategy that adds tremendous value to weight loss effort. After a tough workout, why not add a little more. After all, there’s a reason why professional athletes in training use saunas to “cut weight” - expelling salt and excess water from the body.

It may just be the answer to losing those final five pounds. While you may not be gearing up for a heavy weight champion of the world title match, you could probably benefit from a few less pounds here or there - and hitting that target has never been easier.

Increased Metabolism - Most of us remember from grade school the purpose of the metabolism - it burns calories and turns food into energy. But as many of us know, with age, metabolic rate decreases, making it increasingly more difficult to maintain a healthy body weight while continuing to eat the foods we enjoy.

In fact, once you reach age 40, it’s almost impossible not to pack on the pounds without changing anything at all. While you can’t stop the aging process, you can use a sauna to jump start your metabolism, helping you more effectively burn calories and maintain the physique you’ve worked hard to get. A healthy, revved up metabolism is the key to burning calories quickly, staying fit and trim and feeling great.

A sauna is a terrific way to detox, eliminating harmful bacteria and other contaminants from the body for improved performance and overall health. But don’t discount the other health benefits that can come from fifteen relaxing minutes. Improve cardiovascular health, enhance a weight loss strategy and rev up that metabolism for optimized fitness and a svelte physique.

Saunas Fairmont, IA - Sauna Sale Worthington, IA

To help people understand how hydrotherapy can help improve overall health and well-being, we will provide free hot tub test soaks in our 5 locations during the entire month. We want to encourage local consumers to check out the benefits of a relaxing soak in an energy efficient hot tub for themselves.

Consumers wanting to learn more about saunas and how they can help improve overall health and well-being are encouraged to pick up a copy of our free report “Sauna Buying Made Easy: What You Need to Know Before You Buy.” Just visit the company website for more information http://www.HotSpringGreen.com

About Hot Spring Spas of Minnesota and Iowa

HotSpring Spas of Minnesota and Iowa offer a large selection of new and used hot tubs and saunas for sale and a variety of hot tub, sauna, repairs, parts, and accessories. We are Minnesota's and Iowa’s premier source for Hot Spring Spas and Hot Tubs, Saunatec and Finnleo Saunas, A & B Backyard Accessories, and proudly carry the SilkBalance for Spas water treatment system. To learn more, pick up a copy of our free report “To learn more, pick up a copy of our free report “Sauna Buying Made Easy”. Just give us a call at 515-270-8702 or go to http://www.HotSpringGreen.com

Beautiful skin is the fountain of youth. A rosy glow and a clear, clean complexion is simply ageless. However, despite our best efforts to maintain our body’s biggest organ, toxins and other stresses in the environment can diminish that youthful appearance we work so hard to keep.

The fact is, toxins are everywhere, from the food we eat to the water we drink, even in the air we breathe. While there is no way to completely avoid the harmful influences that make their way into our daily lives, using a sauna a few times a week can restore a youthful, healthy glow.

Sweat it Out - It may not be very glamorous, but sweating is the body’s natural defense. Basically, it cools you down when you’re overheated, gets rid of waste and keeps your skin clean and clear. Whether we like it or not, a good sweat is a healthy way to ensure glowing skin, pushing dead cells and bacteria out through the pores. But unless you plan on exercising day and night, it’s tough to break a sweat. Luckily, it’s easy to maximize the body’s greatest natural detoxification method with fifteen minutes in the sauna.

Intense heat promotes a good, heavy sweat, which helps the body more efficiently eliminate chemicals, bacteria and other harmful substances. Most of us sweat throughout the course of the day, but relax in the sauna, and the entire day’s effort can be accomplished in just 15 minutes.

Relax the Body, De-Stress the Skin - There’s no denying when you feel anxious and stressed it shows on your skin. The face is the first place to show signs of tension and pressure as crow’s feet and forehead wrinkles deepen, smile lines become more pronounced and the rosy glow fades to yellow. Sitting in the sauna for 15 minutes calms and relaxes the body, which loosens muscles, weakens lines and adds life to a sallow, overstressed appearance. The perfect way to unwind, a relaxing few minutes in the sauna and you’ll emerge tension-free and ready to face the challenges that lie ahead.

Increase Blood Circulation to the Skin - The skin is the largest organ in the human body and it needs fresh oxygen and blood to stay healthy, supple and strong. When you use a sauna, the intense heat dilates capillaries, which increases blood flow. As a result, it’s much easier for nutrient rich oxygen to be delivered to the skin. The outcome? A fresh, revitalized appearance that looks healthy, vibrant and young.

Great skin doesn’t have to come only from genetics. It’s easy to have a youthful and revitalized appearance simply by spending 15 minutes relaxing in the warmth of a sauna. For anytime rejuvenation and an instant glow, let the sauna maximize your body’s natural detoxification process with a good old-fashioned sweat.

Saunas Fairmont, IA - Sauna Sale Worthington, IA

To help people understand how hydrotherapy can help improve overall health and well-being, we will provide free hot tub test soaks in our 5 locations during the entire month. We want to encourage local consumers to check out the benefits of a relaxing soak in an energy efficient hot tub for themselves.

Consumers wanting to learn more about saunas and how they can help improve overall health and well-being are encouraged to pick up a copy of our free report “Sauna Buying Made Easy: What You Need to Know Before You Buy.” Just visit the company website for more information http://www.HotSpringGreen.com

About Hot Spring Spas of Minnesota and Iowa

HotSpring Spas of Minnesota and Iowa offer a large selection of new and used hot tubs and saunas for sale and a variety of hot tub, sauna, repairs, parts, and accessories. We are Minnesota's and Iowa’s premier source for Hot Spring Spas and Hot Tubs, Saunatec and Finnleo Saunas, A & B Backyard Accessories, and proudly carry the SilkBalance for Spas water treatment system. To learn more, pick up a copy of our free report “Sauna Buying Made Easy”. Just give us a call at 515-270-8702 or go to http://www.HotSpringGreen.com

Thanks to all of our customers that have supported our Minnetonka showroom over the years. We will be closing the doors at that location for good on November 27th. We will be moving to a new, larger location in the area with a planned opening set for January 15th, 2014! Our new location will be more convenient and much larger. We'll be able to show a larger variety of products including many of our pre-owned spas, which are very popular! 

We appreciate your patience with us during our transition. We will still be offering sales and service from our LAke Elmo location without interruption. If you're in need of supplies, we'll be able to ship them directly to your home. We will have discounts on all supplies at both Twin Cities locations through the 27th, so it's a great time to stock up for the winter!

We will keep you posted on our website and Facebook when we can announce our new location. If you'd like to be included in our email club, please let us know! 

Thanks for your patience!

The health benefits of using a sauna are well known. From easing aches and pains to reducing stress, even helping to induce a better night’s sleep, the advantages of sitting and relaxing in a sauna are undisputed. 

However, how about for skin care? Can the heat and steam from a sauna actually restore vitality and improve the condition of the skin? Here are three ways using a sauna can encourage beautiful, clear skin.

Open the Pores For a Deep Clean - Most of us know how important it is to keep our skin clean and clear. Yet despite our best efforts, just living every day adds a significant amount of dirt and debris to a freshly washed face and body. Toxins collect underneath the skin causing pimples, blackheads and other issues, leaving us forever searching for stronger cleansers and antibacterial solutions. Luckily, using a sauna is an easy way to get that deep cleansing you need to keep the skin clean and vibrant. A few minutes is all it takes for the body’s pores to open, releasing harmful bacteria and contaminants that would normally be trapped under the skin. Sweating is an all natural and completely healthy way to deep clean without harsh cleansers or astringents.

Promote New Cell Growth…Naturally - One of the ways we stay looking young and fresh is by producing new skin cells. The skin naturally replaces its cells every so often, but can look even better if that process is accelerated. Over-the-counter scrubs and even chemicals designed to “promote cell rejuvenation” are often harmful and can damage new cell growth, resulting in the exact opposite of a fresh, vibrant complexion. A sauna is an all-natural way to promote cell growth, stimulating production through intense heat and sweating. As sweating occurs, old layers of skin are removed and new cells begin to form beneath.

Provide Nutrients and Replenish Skin - To stay healthy and strong, the skin needs nutrients just like any other organ in the body, yet it’s often robbed of essential vitamins and minerals as a result of hard living. Using a sauna can restore the skin’s elasticity and suppleness by ensuring it receives the right amount of nutrients easily. As you sweat, fluid rushes to the skin, bringing along with it a nutrient rich liquid which fills the space around each cell. Essential to maintaining the collagen structure of the skin, these nutrients build up the cells, decreasing breakdown that often results in sagging or wrinkled skin.

Beautiful skin is as easy as relaxing in a sauna. Not just for easing aches and pains, sitting in the heat and warmth of a sauna is a proven method for getting the radiant skin you’ve always wanted. Open the pores and cleanse without harsh chemicals, promote new cell growth and bring the essential nutrients your skin needs to stay healthy and strong.

Saunas Spirit Lake, Sauna Sale Estherville, IA

To help people understand how hydrotherapy can help improve overall health and well-being, we will provide free hot tub test soaks in our 5 locations during the entire month. We want to encourage local consumers to check out the benefits of a relaxing soak in an energy efficient hot tub for themselves.

Consumers wanting to learn more about saunas and how they can help improve overall health and well-being are encouraged to pick up a copy of our free report “Sauna Buying Made Easy: What You Need to Know Before You Buy.” Just visit the company website for more information http://www.HotSpringGreen.com

About Hot Spring Spas of Minnesota and Iowa

HotSpring Spas of Minnesota and Iowa offer a large selection of new and used hot tubs and saunas for sale and a variety of hot tub, sauna, repairs, parts, and accessories. We are Minnesota's and Iowa’s premier source for Hot Spring Spas and Hot Tubs, Saunatec and Finnleo Saunas, A & B Backyard Accessories, and proudly carry the SilkBalance for Spas water treatment system. To learn more, pick up a copy of our free report “7 Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Buy a Hot Tub”. Just give us a call at 515-270-8702 or go to http://www.HotSpringGreen.com

We get asked all the time by our customers, potential hot tub buyers, friends and even our moms:

“Are you going to be at the big Spa Expo this weekend?”

And we understand why they ask– the hot tub expo does a ton of advertising saying “Multiple Brands competing for your business.” And it would make sense that we would be at an event where there are multiple hot tub brands, right!?

Multiple Brands not present at the Hot Tub and Swim Spa Expo

But we’re not at these Spa Expos because there is actually only one brand represented.Household name-brands like Hot Spring, Caldera, Sundance, Jacuzzi, D-1, Maax Spas and Marquis aren't going to be there. The hot tub expo gets away with advertising multiple brands because the manufacturer carries a few different lines of hot tubs & spas. But they all come from the same place– and one hot tub retailer represents them all.

Besides the misrepresentation of multiple brands, here are a few things we've learned about these Hot Tub and Swim Spa Expos from customers & friends who have visited:

Because this is a one weekend only event, the convention center will be filled with hot tubs and swim spas brought in to be sold immediately.You’ll be offered a chance to sit in some of the hot tubs that are on display, but they aren't going to be filled with water (and who wants to strip down into a bathing suit in an expo center full of people anyway!?) Just like when purchasing a car, it is important to “wet-test” a hot tub before you buy. You never know how the jets are going to feel until you test it out. And if you’re on the taller or shorter end, you want to make sure the water depth is just right.

While you might be able to order the custom colors you want, more than likely the sales team will be pushing the models they have on display so that they clear our their inventory immediately.

High-Pressure Sales Reps

The sales reps at the Spa Expos are brought in specifically for the event. They are experienced show sales people, and are trained to get the sale on the spot (if they don’t close the deal that weekend, they don’t get commission) They are high-pressure and want you to make a decision immediately.

We think that it’s best to take your time when considering adding a hot tub to your home. It’s an investment that will make a great addition to your backyard or interior room & you want to be sure you’re picking the right brand. We even suggests scheduling a backyard consultation before you take delivery.

Be Informed

If you do end up going to a Spa Expo in your local area here are some good questions to ask the hot tub company:

1. Do you Operate a Showroom in my local area? And how long have you been in business?

2. Who do I call for a service or repair issue?

3. What is your cancellation policy?

And more.. Check out some great questions in our Hot Tub Buyer’s Guide before you go to the Hot Tub Expo!

Happy Hot tub Shopping! And please stop by one of our 5 Iowa and Minnesota Showrooms if you’re in our local area!

This blog post is courtesy of our friends at Spring Dance Hot Tubs in the Philadelphia area. Big thanks to Rebekah!

Getting your hot tub ready for the winter

We all know that October through March is prime hot tubbing weather. The early sunsets, cold temperatures, and snowfall adds to the hot tub experience.  Often we're asked "what do I need to do to get my hot tub ready for winter?" Today we'll take a look at a few things a hot tub owner should consider as cold weather approaches.

1)      Water condition: The last thing we want to do in January is drain and refill our hot tub. Take a look at the condition of your water. When was the last time you refilled it? If the quality is questionable and/or it's been more than 3 months since your last drain and refill you may want to consider a fresh fill. Refilling this time of year should get you through to the spring before you're due again. If you're short on time, call our service department and ask about our Spa Valet Service.

2)      Filters: The filtration system on a hot tub is the heart and soul of your spa. Filters should be rinsed monthly and thoroughly cleaned and soaked at least every six months. Soaking in a cleaning solution is an absolute must before the winter. Clean filters will keep your spa running trouble free, while dirty or clogged filters can affect the performance of the jets and may interrupt the spa's heating system. Additionally, most of our customers own a second set of filters that they can exchange in the colder months.

3)      Spa Cover: Fall is the best time of year to inspect your spa cover. Having a heavy or torn cover can make your spa difficult to use and raise your energy consumption by 50%. If you cover is still in good condition take the time to condition it one last time before the cold weather hits. If your cover is torn or heavy, it's time to replace it. We only use covers from Watkins Manufacturing (Hot Spring Spas). This ensures a perfect fit every time. Also, they are made with brackets needed for all Watkins made cover lifters. Call us today to order your cover. We can also schedule an installation where we will remove your old cover for you.

Taking care of these three items will help you rest easy through the cold winter. We do offer services from a drain and refill to weekly spa check-ups. Consult our service department  to see what plan is best for you.

For many of us, weight loss is a battle we’ve been fighting for most of our adult lives. Yet, even with rigorous exercise and a healthy diet, shedding those last few pounds is nearly impossible. What gives? The truth is, it’s not unusual to hit a plateau where the body just doesn’t want to cooperate anymore and weight loss all but stalls. Are we resigned to accept the fact that this is the best we can get? Absolutely not. When the scale is giving you a hard time, fight back with three proven strategies for knocking out the final five.

Drink Water All Day Long - The body is composed of almost all water. It just makes sense that the more you drink, the easier it is to flush out toxins and contaminants that make weight loss slow or nonexistent. Particularly when you’ve almost reached a weight loss goal, keeping hydrated will prevent water retention and ensure clean, clear delivery of oxygen to the cells. Plus, keeping plenty of water on hand will make you less likely to snack and keep you full between meals.

Ramp Up Your Exercise - Regardless of what you believe, the only way to lose weight is to put out more than you take in. And that means ramping up an exercise routine. If you’ve been doing the same routine for a few months, you may need to change it up a bit to maximize fat burn. Over time, the body finds out how to compensate for exercise and the same 30 minute routine that helped you lose the first ten pounds will be less effective for the final five. Adding free weights to an aerobic activity or lengthening your workout by even fifteen minutes may be all you need to pass the weight loss plateau.

Use a Hot Tub A Few Times a Week - Yes, you read it right. Sitting and relaxing in the warm, massaging water of a hot tub can actually enhance weight loss. How is it possible? Simple. Heated water in a hot tub (much hotter than a bath) causes internal body temperature to rise as well as an increase in circulation and heart rate. As the body attempts to cool itself, it expends more energy, which increases caloric burn. And the physiological changes that occur are similar to those that take place during light cardiovascular exercise. Besides, relaxing in a hot tub is a proven way to reduce the production of cortisol, which can decrease weight loss. While you won’t lose a dress size overnight, using a hot tub to supplement a weight loss plan is a smart strategy for success.

Losing weight is never easy, but shedding the final five pounds to reach a goal can be extremely difficult. Make sure to keep a bottle of water handy at all times to maximize fat burn, change up a stale exercise routine and consider soaking in a hot tub for some quick, easy and ultra relaxing weight loss bliss.

Hot Tubs Sale Spencer, Emmetsburg, IA

To help people understand how hydrotherapy can help improve overall health and well-being, we will provide free hot tub test soaks in our 5 locations during the entire month. We want to encourage local consumers to check out the benefits of a relaxing soak in an energy efficient hot tub for themselves.

Consumers wanting to learn more about hot tubs and how they can help improve overall health and well-being are encouraged to pick up a copy of our free report “7 Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Buy a Hot Tub.” Just visit the company website for more information http://www.HotSpringGreen.com

About Hot Spring Spas of Minnesota and Iowa

HotSpring Spas of Minnesota and Iowa offer a large selection of new and used hot tubs and saunas for sale and a variety of hot tub, sauna, repairs, parts, and accessories. We are Minnesota's and Iowa’s premier source for Hot Spring Spas and Hot Tubs, Saunatec and Finnleo Saunas, A & B Backyard Accessories, and proudly carry the SilkBalance for Spas water treatment system. To learn more, pick up a copy of our free report “7 Critical Questions You Must Ask Before You Buy a Hot Tub”. Just give us a call at 515-270-8702 or go to

http://www.HotSpringGreen.com