The bath as a source of fitness

New possibilities for relaxation are increasingly being sought in the home area. A trend to which the manufacturers have reacted by developing products which transform the bathroom into a fitness oasis: enriched by the perfume of essential oils and with music in the background, pulsating whirlpools, bubbling airpools and vibrating soundpools turn bathing into a special experience. Fitness shower, steam bath, steam shower, fitness island – modern showers have not only new names but also more and more new functions to offer: side-mounted jets massage the body from head and neck right down to the foot reflex zones. Tense muscles loosen up, the circulation is stimulated, the body is toughened up. The manufacturers’ credo has it that steam, fragrance and music – here again – result in a conscious experiencing of water and its strengths. New finishes Cleaning the bathroom is one of the least favourite household chores. But manufacturers have new developments here too: easy-clean finishes for wash- basins, toilets, bidets, urinals, bathtubs and shower enclosures in imitation of the lotus effect. Modern finishes make use of an example provided by nature. It has been possible to copy the self-cleansing effect of the lotus flower, with an unexpected result: surfaces which are not extra smooth but microscopically roughened permit the water to run off quickly in droplets – without leaving a deposit, and taking the dirt with them. Light-coloured woods are trendy for bathroom furnitureAlthough gentle cleansers are recommended for easy-care surfaces, they should also withstand the occasional use of scouring agents without coming to any harm and retain their dirt-repelling qualities for many years despite such treatment. When all is said and done, the industrial application of the lotus effect to baths and toilets is, unlike the natural example, not without its price. But consumers may well find the prospect of sparing themselves many hours of cleaning sufficient to make up for the higher purchase price. Bathroom and toilet furnishings Bathroom furniture has finally shed its conservative image, now presenting itself in luxurious and high-quality form setting original and fashionable accents. Trends in the style of living are picked up and pursued here. The final effect is not one to be overlooked: bathroom furnishings upgrade the room, contribute to its comfort and create a choice of storage solutions. Complete systems and exclusive individual items are easy to install…