Quality Spas Becomes BETA Wellness: Embracing a Legacy for a Bright Future

We live in an age where many people feel that there is not enough time. Time pressure has become a common expression, describing a situation where one tries to accomplish more than time allows. Many therefore see the need to create their own private oasis in their home to relax and gain new strength. Others simply want to spend more of their free time outdoors. Many therefore equip their homes with verandas, patios and large terraces where they can create their own little oasis right outside the door. Traditionally, outdoor environments in Norway have been used mainly in the warm season, but this has gradually changed in recent years. Many have gradually expanded their outdoor areas with things such as infrared patio heaters, heated patio floors, pavilions, barbecue huts and, not least, outdoor baths in the form of heated swimming pools, counter-current pools and outdoor massage baths. The Dalen family, who founded and runs the Quality Spas massage bath company, experienced it this way themselves when they lived in California in the 1980s. "We had both a swimming pool and a massage bath in the garden. The massage bath was heated to 39-40C and was used 3-5 days a week, almost every evening at times. We used it a lot ourselves with the family, but also with friends who came to visit. Yes, this comfortable and social gathering place is fresh in our memory even now after more than 30 years. It became our little personal oasis," says Dalen of Quality Spas. The experiences from that time were what resulted in Quality Spas starting to import hot tubs from the USA to Norway in 1995, as one of the first and largest suppliers in Norway. In the mid-nineties, outdoor hot tubs were a fairly unknown product in our country, but gradually the product and its application have become widely known. Today, many people have acquired a hot tub, and more and more are planning to acquire one in the short or long term. It often begins as a wishful thinking, a dream of having your own little oasis in your own home.  HYDROTHERAPY Many people experience their private hot tub as a welcome place for recreation and quality time with family and friends. Some find the greatest experience is enjoying the warm water and the silence in the hot tub, without any pumps running. Perhaps while talking to each other, or enjoying soft music. However, the massage itself is also important, even if it is only for shorter periods that you run an intense massage with the pumps on full blast. This is called hydromassage. Hydromassage in a hot tub is a form of massage that is based on the therapeutic use of hot water. Hydrothermal therapy utilizes the body's reaction to hot water combined with massage to treat pain, tension and stress. The hot water increases blood flow because the body temperature increases and the blood vessels open. Increased blood circulation releases more waste products in the cells, adds new ones, and the body releases endorphins, which in turn make us feel more alert. On top of this, the hot tub provides a stress-relieving experience in everyday life, for example, after a workout or after a tiring day at work. "Few things are better than a stay in the massage bath after a physical activity. It provides a fantastic sense of well-being and restores the body by dissolving muscle tension, stiff joints, as well as removing waste products and bringing new energy to the cells in our body," says Dalen of Quality Spas, who has had his own outdoor massage bath for 19 years in Norway.  FOCUS ON YOUR OWN HEALTH Today, massage baths are often called "Spa". Historically, the word "Spa" has roots in the Latin language and is an acronym for "Salute Per Aqua", which translated into Norwegian means "Health from water". Spa is also the name of a Belgian village where Roman soldiers discovered hot springs with mineral water several thousand years ago. The soldiers used the springs to treat sore muscles and wounds from battles they participated in. In our time, the use of massage baths and hydrotherapy is included as a form of treatment for a wide variety of ailments, including rheumatism, skin infections, eczema, psoriasis and to stimulate the immune system and blood circulation. Spas or massage baths are also used by many as a place for relaxation and to spend quality time with family and friends.  Some of the massage baths that Quality Spas supplies are equipped with a so-called therapy seat. This is a seat with 14 nozzles that can be set to seven different programs to provide pulsating hydromassage to the entire back. This form of massage, with alternating pressure on and off, stimulates the tissue under the skin and is one of the best forms of massage according to massage experts. It is also suitable for those who, for health reasons, need a massage in heated water. In recent years, there has been a growing trend in traveling on so-called southern trips in the winter. Many people experience improvements in their bodies after such a southern trip. Unfortunately, the improvement is often temporary as much of the effect disappears when they return home to the cold and everyday life.Those who have installed their own private hot tub, on the other hand, can bathe as often as they want, all year round. They can thus preserve the "Southern Effect" throughout the year. They can rest and gain new strength from their private oasis in their own home.  SUITABLE FOR THE NORWEGIAN CLIMATE The Nordic climate, with its long and dark autumn and winter evenings, is the time of year when many people use hot tubs the most. The experience of sitting in warm water outside, when the air is cold and fresh, has a very special effect. Some also choose to light up their lives with the hot tub's LED lights in different colors, which creates an extra atmosphere and enhances the feeling of well-being. "A widespread belief is that it is expensive to operate a hot tub, because the winters in Norway are so long and cold. Many people believe that, but fortunately it is not so. At least not if you choose a hot tub from Quality Spas," says Dalen. Why not? Unlike most other hot tubs on the market, all new hot tubs from Quality Spas are delivered with three layers of insulation, a result of long experience, research and development over 35 years. The first layer of insulation is Polyurethane, the same material used in refrigerators. Then comes an insulating layer of foam that prevents heat loss, prevents vibrations and thus also water leaks. In addition, the foam acts as a stiffener and makes the bath particularly robust. As if that were not enough, there is also a third layer of Thermo insulation to ensure maximum insulation, which is based on technology and research in aerospace technology. Hot tubs supplied by Quality Spas for the Nordic climate must withstand temperatures down to -50℃. These are always supplied with maximum insulation, that is, all three layers. For customers of Quality Spas, this provides security, because then the bath is adapted to the Nordic climate and ensures the lowest possible electricity costs. "This means that any concerns related to high electricity costs are put to rest," concludes Dalen.   Frode Dalen and Birger DalenFebruary 28, 2014

Whether your family is large or small, whether you have young children or grown children, being able to spend  quality time together as a family is a good investment.  A common gathering point in an otherwise active  everyday life can of course be difficult to achieve in practice. There are many demands in today's society that  eat away at the family's time and attention. But it is possible to achieve. Often all it takes is a creative  reason to bring the family together. If you're a grandparent, you probably know what a challenge it can be to keep your grandchildren engaged. Portable digital devices and social media, designed to make communication easier, often get in the way of personal interaction and good conversations. How can a hot tub change this situation and become a positive element that improves communication within the family? Did you know that hot tubs can also provide you with health benefits? Here are 10 good reasons why you should get a hot tub: 1. Strengthens family ties A hot tub can be a source of new inspiration for the whole family. Yes, a trip to the hot tub together can provide a positive counterbalance to the stress and hustle of life. Many families have so many different activities going on that they don't prioritize quality time together. However, a trip to the hot tub with the family can be a cure to turn this situation around. Luckily, smartphones, tablets, and laptops don't mix well with water. So you have the perfect excuse to put those gadgets away and focus on human connection. There's nothing like a hot tub to help you be present in the moment. The warm water brings everyone into the here and now. 2. Reduces pain Hydrotherapy, or treatment with water, has been used for centuries and has roots all the way  back to ancient times. History shows that water baths in various forms were already popular in the Roman Empire more than 2,000 years ago. Studies show that hydrotherapy increases the release of endorphins in the body, which act as a natural pain reliever and reduce soreness in joints or muscles. The warm water also dampens the sensitivity of the central nervous system, as the body focuses on the increase in body temperature. This can provide a feeling of temporary pain relief. Such a neurological effect can be achieved by various methods of increasing or decreasing body temperature, but sitting in warm water is a very comfortable method compared to many of the alternatives. 3. Strengthens the immune system How can hydrotherapy strengthen your immune system? Hydrotherapy stimulates white blood cells to efficiently transport lymph through the body, thereby strengthening the immune system. Lymph is a tissue fluid in the body that, among other things, ensures that cells both receive the necessary nutrients and get rid of their waste products. The lymphatic system supplements blood circulation, prevents excess fluid from accumulating, captures larger particles that do not return to the blood, and plays a central role in the immune system. Hydrotherapy can thus strengthen the immune system, so that you can, for example, experience a noticeable difference in the way the body fights colds or other illnesses. 4. Faster recovery Raising the body's temperature reduces blood pressure by dilating blood vessels, thereby increasing blood flow, which is key to triggering the cup's built-in processes that heal damaged tissues and rehabilitate injured muscles and joints. In practice, this means that after a hard workout with heavy load, you need to get rid of some waste products. It is the blood that transports the waste products away from the muscles. Increased blood circulation thus helps the recovery process go faster. 5. Combats stress Stress is a common cause of high blood pressure in today's busy world. After a long day, there are few things that can compare to a trip to the hot tub. Immersing yourself in a hot tub helps you de-stress and has a noticeable effect after just 10 minutes. The warm water has a direct muscle-relaxing effect, as the heat from the water penetrates deep into the muscles. The warm water also has a positive effect on the happiness hormones, which contributes to a calmer state of mind. In other words, submerging yourself in a hot tub can give you a “Mental Charter” that frees you from the hustle, bustle, and worries of everyday life. In contrast, experts agree that untreated stress is destructive to the body and can lead to faster aging. 6. Better night's sleep Warm water has a calming effect and helps you relax and sleep better. Soaking in a warm massage bath about 90 minutes before bed triggers an internal thermostat that lowers your body temperature and makes it easier to fall asleep. It also facilitates the transition to deep sleep, a state where growth hormones are released and activated. This is important for the body's cells to renew or repair. The better your sleep, the better your body works at renewing your cells. In addition, sleep is very valuable for your emotional life and your immune system. During the night, the number of age-accelerating free radicals also decreases significantly. Getting enough sleep doesn't just make you more alert during the day. It actually makes you more beautiful! 7. Positive effect on the heart Sitting in warm water up to your neck simulates exercise. It increases your heart rate while lowering your blood pressure. Regular use of a hot tub therefore provides some of the same health benefits as exercise, but with less stress on the heart. Sitting immersed in a hot tub can therefore also have a positive effect for those with heart problems or who suffer from hypertension, i.e. high blood pressure. If you suffer from such problems, you should of course consult and consult your doctor in advance in relation to your current situation. 8. Positive effect for diabetes and weight loss A study conducted showed that people with diabetes who take regular hot tub baths can  reduce their blood sugar and blood glucose levels. The test group studied used hot tubs for 30 minutes a day, 6 days a week. After just 10 days, the patients required lower doses of insulin, lost weight, showed significant reductions in plasma glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin. They experienced improved nighttime sleep and an overall increase in feelings of well-being. (- New England Journal of Medicine(08-16-1999) The study also showed that taking a hot tub bath for 30 minutes, six days a week helped people lose up to four pounds in a month without making a single change to their diet or exercise. It's not the next big diet, but everyone's going for it! 9. Can improve self-esteem When you feel good, you have positive thoughts. If a hot tub can help improve your mood, the mental benefit is pretty obvious. If you take a hot tub on a day when you're feeling down or down, the bath can make you feel better. It can also make you feel better about yourself. When you feel good, you also feel more satisfied. A half-hour in the hot tub before a big event can also help you relax, give you more confidence, and help you be more mentally prepared. 10. Reduces headaches As mentioned, a hot tub relaxes you, provides warmth, and dilates your blood vessels.  A hot tub can also help reduce headaches. The dilation of blood vessels can reduce the pressure in your head, helping to relieve headaches. Both the relaxation and the warmth of the water contribute positively to this process. If you suffer from headaches, a few good trips to the hot tub can help reduce the pain. Experience it yourself Give yourself the opportunity to experience the pleasure of a hot tub. Visit BETA Wellness (Formerly Quality Spas) at Solheimveien 28 in Lørenskog to view current models or to take a test bath. If you don't want to kick off your shoes to test what a hot tub can do for you, you are free to ask questions and get a quick introduction or demonstration. All you have to do is come by and ask.

Sitting in a spa bath can provide many health benefits. For example, did you know that the word “spa” is an acronym for the Latin “Salus Per Aquam”, which literally means “health from water”. In ancient times, spas were used by the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans for both therapy and relaxation. The Mohawk tribe in New York named their local hot spring “Sarasota”, which means the place of miraculous water in the mountains. In recent times, natural hot springs have become popular holiday destinations for many who want to treat themselves to a little extra luxury. Outdoor SPAs have evolved a lot since people in ancient times sat in natural springs with mineral water, to what we today refer to as a massage bath. But the reasons why people experience it at least as well in our time can be summarized in three simple principles that affect the body. HEAT Everyone knows that there should be warm water in a massage bath, it's obvious. But not everyone is aware of the benefits that warm water gives to the body, even if you only spend a few minutes in the hot tub. When the body absorbs heat, several different physiological processes occur. Heating the body increases blood circulation. Heating the blood causes the blood vessels to dilate. This reduces blood pressure. The warm water also has a muscle-relaxing effect, as the heat from the water penetrates deep into the muscles. Normally, the body tries to cool itself by having the blood carry the heat to the skin surface for cooling. However, when you sit in a massage bath, the temperature is often constant and higher than the body temperature. Therefore, the circulating blood is not cooled, but is returned deep into the body at a higher temperature than before. This releases therapeutic heat in a way that no other treatment can. The warm water also dampens the sensitivity of the central nervous system, because the body focuses on the body temperature increasing. This can give a feeling of temporary pain relief. Such a neurological effect can be achieved by various methods of increasing or decreasing body temperature, but sitting in warm water is a very comfortable method compared to many of the alternatives.  BUOYANCY Even the most fit among us have a lot of weight load on our joints. Think, for example, of your legs and ankles; they carry almost all of your body weight – every day, all day long. Other joints are in constant motion, such as your knees, elbows and wrists. And unfortunately, everyone has experienced some form of back pain, or at least knows someone who has back problems. When you sit in a hot tub, the natural buoyancy of the water reduces your body weight by about 90%. This reduces the load on your joints, by giving them some “time off” from the daily grind. So while you relax in the hot tub, the strain on your joints and muscles is greatly reduced.  HYDROTHERAPY Anyone who has been in a hot tub is familiar with the relaxing effect and obvious benefits that the massage jets themselves can provide. Heated water jets mixed with air provide a unique therapeutic massage. Many models have adjustment levers on the edge where you can regulate the strength of the water jets to the seat you are sitting in, as well as adjust the air mixture. Hot tubs are equipped with jets of different sizes, pressure levels and configurations. All are designed to focus on specific parts of your body. Smaller groups of jets are intended for the muscles around the neck and in the nape of the neck. Other jets will focus on certain parts of your back. Small jets can provide massage to the wrists. Other jets will focus on the calves, feet or arms. As a trained masseuse, the jets in the massage bath can relieve sore muscles when you need it most.  MEDICAL BENEFITS Owning and using a hot tub can have lasting effects on your health. Here are some examples of studies that describe some of the health benefits: BACK PAIN “This controlled clinical trial shows a positive effect of spa treatment in the short term, and a more moderate long-term effect in chronic low back pain.” Participants who used spa treatment in this study experienced increased flexibility in their back, reduced duration of pain, and reduced use of analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs than the study group who did not use spa treatments. Source– British Journal of Rheumatology 1994. WEIGHT LOSS AND DIABETES Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were studied in connection with their use of a hot tub for 30 minutes a day, 6 days a week. After just 10 days, the patients required lower doses of insulin, lost weight, showed significant reductions in plasma glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin, experienced improved nighttime sleep, and a general increase in feelings of well-being. Source– New England Journal of Medicine (08-16-1999) ARTHRITIS “People with arthritis symptoms respond well to heat and have discovered many of the benefits of heat therapy.” Source– Arthritis Foundation: Arthritis – Spas & Hot Water Exercise “Regular exercise in a hot pool helps keep joints moving. It restores and maintains strength and flexibility, as well as protecting joints from further damage. Exercise can also improve a person’s coordination, endurance, and ability to perform everyday tasks, and can provide an increased sense of self-confidence and performance.” “A hot tub fills that need perfectly… it provides heat, massage, relaxation, and buoyancy that gives arthritis sufferers a sense of well-being. The buoyancy of the water supports and reduces stress on joints and encourages freer movement. Exercise in water can even act as resistance, helping to build muscle strength.” Source– Arthritis Foundation: Spas, Pools, and Arthritis. HEART AND VASCULAR DISEASE Sitting in a hot tub simulates exercise. It increases heart rate, but it does not increase blood pressure. One study found that participants who sat relaxed in a hot tub had reduced blood pressure, while participants who exercised on bicycles experienced increased blood pressure. Regular use of hot tubs and hot tubs provides some of the same health benefits as exercise, but with less stress on the heart. Source– Mayo Clinic: Mayo Clinic Ok's Spa for Heart Patients IMPROVED NIGHT'S SLEEP Some studies suggest that sitting in warm water before going to bed, such as in a hot tub or hot tub, may ease the transition to deeper sleep. – National Sleep Foundation The body can calm down to a state that provides a deep and relaxing sleep as a result of the body temperature dropping after going to bed. Sitting submerged in warm water about 90 minutes before bedtime triggers an internal thermostat that lowers body temperature, making it easier to fall asleep. Source– Associated Professional Sleep Societies Journal “Sleep"  EXPERIENCE IT FOR YOURSELF Give yourself the opportunity to experience it for yourself. Head to Quality Spas at Solheimveien 28 in Lørenskog to look at current models, or to try a bath. If you don't want to kick off your shoes to test what a massage bath can do for you, you are free to ask questions and get a quick introduction or demonstration. All you have to do is stop by and ask.   February 9, 2016 Frode Dalen

An infrared sauna is a modern alternative to traditional saunas and has become a popular choice for both home use and professional wellness areas. At BETA Wellness, we combine modern technology with thoughtful design to provide a comfortable, gentle and effective sauna experience. More comfortable temperatures In an infrared sauna, the body is heated directly by infrared rays, instead of the air first being heated. The temperature is usually between 40–60°C, which provides a deep and relaxing warmth without the intense feeling often experienced in traditional saunas of 70–90°C. BETA Wellness emphasizes balanced heat distribution, which makes sessions comfortable, even over longer periods. Deeper and more efficient sweating Infrared heat penetrates up to 4–5 cm into the body and stimulates deeper sweating. This process activates the body's internal tissues and contributes to more effective detoxification. BETA Wellness solutions are designed to provide even and stable heat, so that the body gets the maximum benefit from each session. Enhanced health benefits Regular use of an infrared sauna can contribute to better blood circulation, faster muscle recovery and relief from joint and chronic pain. Many also experience improved sleep and increased general well-being. At BETA Wellness, the focus is to create a heat experience that supports the body's natural recovery processes in a gentle way. Easier to breathe and gentle on skin and hair With lower air temperatures and minimal humidity, infrared saunas are perceived as easier to breathe in, making them well-suited for people with respiratory problems. At the same time, the heat does not dry out skin and hair. BETA Wellness’ infrared saunas are designed to provide a comfortable heat that promotes healthy skin and a natural glow. Energy-efficient and user-friendly solution An infrared sauna heats up quickly, uses less energy and is easy to install with no need for plumbing or steam. Modern BETA Wellness models are equipped with intelligent control panels that control temperature, timer, security, lighting and sound. Adjustable ventilation, temperature sensors and integrated sound systems with Bluetooth and USB provide a seamless and comfortable experience. Conclusion An infrared sauna from BETA Wellness combines comfort, health and modern technology in one well-thought-out solution. With comfortable temperatures, deep heat effect and easy operation, it is an ideal choice for those who want daily relaxation and well-being – safe, effective and adapted to a modern lifestyle.