I can imagine it is relaxing but I struggle to see if would have true benefits. As for recovery, typically ice baths are recommended so wouldn’t this be quite the opposite, thereby delaying recovery? I’m also a bit sceptical about ‘releasing toxins’. Which toxins and why didn’t they get released during the workout itself?
Here’s what I understand (which may be flawed) about the differences between ice and heat. Ice should be applied to injured areas immediately following injury to reduce inflammation. Anything longer than an hour or so removed from the injury and the coldness doesn’t do anything at best, and delays recovery at worst. If the core temperature is elevated and struggling to regulate itself, then an ice bath may be beneficial to reduce core temps. Once that is achieved, the ice bath doesn’t do too much further.
Heat can be beneficial by increasing blood flow. Same concept as compression. However, this- I believe- is limited in effectiveness.
As far as other benefits, the Wife uses the hot tub and sauna as a reward for her workout. It makes her feel good and gives her some motivation. I’d say that’s as good a reason as any to get into the heat