The researchers had 14 men in this study and had them perform a one-hour bicycle ride followed by a one hour bath in water that was approximately 40C. While the one-hour bike ride burned more calories, the researchers found that the relaxing bath could burn as many as 130 calories due to the increase in body temperature. The goal of this experiment was to raise the body temperature by one-degree Celsius over an hour.

According to The Conversation, the researchers at Loughborough University wanted to see the effects of a hot bath on blood sugar control which is an integral part of the metabolism of the human body. Thus, the researchers examined the study participant’s blood sugar levels 24 hours after each experiment.

They found that the overall blood sugar response was extremely similar between men who just cycled and men who cycled and then took a hot bath. However, peak blood sugar was about 10 percent lower when the men took a hot bath for an hour after they exercised.