Health spas, fitness centres and whirlpools

Visiting day spas, fitness centres, and holiday spa resorts are a very popular way for many people in modern society to relax and unwind.  Spas have a long history in western society, going back into pre-historic times and well known as a big part of both the ancient Greek and Roman cultures.  Health spas have a connection with balneotherapy, or the treatment of disease by bathing, although spas are visited more today to treat stress than any specific physical ailments.  There is still a connection with the medical establishment however, with lots of spa baths and whirlpools used as a way to treat people with arthritis, skin conditions, and also as a method of rehabilitation for people who have had physical accidents and injuries.  Much of the modern interest in health spas is due to an overall increase in fitness and health related activities among the general population.

Archaeological research and investigations near the hot springs of France and the Czech Republic have revealed evidence of Bronze Age technology, and are one of the earliest known examples of ancient health spas.  There is, however, evidence from many cultures around the world relating to the ritual use of bathing in particular places as a way to achieve physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual healing and purification.  Ritual purification through spiritually charged water can still be found in the religious ceremonies of all the five major world religious groups: Jews, Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, and Hindus.  While modern day health spas, their sauna rooms and massage services, may seem a long way from ancient religious and spiritual practices, the relationship that humanity has with water endures - even if it has changed for many people.

Modern people are generally more interested in improving their physical condition than their spiritual wellbeing, and health spas and fitness centres are a great way to achieve body health and awareness.  By the start of the 19th century the European attitude to spas and the bathing regimens that occurred in them consisted of a number of traditions which had accumulated throughout the centuries.  The bathing routine that took place during these times included bathing in hot water, drinking water, steaming in a vapor room, and relaxing in a cooling room.  Modern health spas and resorts are not very different to those operating in these times, with Outdoor whirlpool (Außenwhirlpool) baths being one of the major advances which has occurred due to modern technology.

Visiting gyms, fitness centres, and health spas has become a regular part of modern living for many people.  As people spend more of their working lives on computers, alienated from the physical activity of their working ancestors, they are more likely to dedicate separate parts of their lives to pursuing physical and health related activities.  Health spas and fitness centres are only likely to become more popular in the future, as are the sales of whirlpools, spa baths, and fitness equipment for use in people's homes.