In fitness, saunas are a hidden gem. Originating from Finland, they’ve been used for health and relaxation for centuries and now gain recognition for their benefits in recovery and well-being.
A sauna is a heated room designed for dry or wet heat sessions, typically ranging from 100°F to 170°F, inducing a deep sweat that drives its health benefits. But what is it about sweat that equals benefits? Let’s analyze sweat’s role in enhancing our bodies.
SAUNA USE AND FITNESS
The heat from saunas dilates blood vessels, enhancing bodily circulation. Improved blood flow delivers more oxygen and nutrients to muscles, aiding their repair and recovery after intense workouts.
Sweating in a sauna also helps flush out metabolic waste like lactic acid, reducing muscle soreness and fatigue, and promoting quicker recovery. The heat from a sauna relaxes muscles and reduces stiffness, mitigating the soreness from a challenging workout.
The increased circulation may also lend itself to speeding up the recovery of injuries – damaged tissues, strained muscles and joints, and tendons may reap the benefits of heat therapy and revitalize your body for its next training session.
ADDITIONAL HEALTH BENEFITS
While it’s not cardio, regular sauna use can improve cardiovascular health by increasing heart rate, similar to moderate exercise like weightlifting, which enhances heart health and reduces cardiovascular disease risk.
The mildly-raised body temperature one can enjoy in the sauna boosts immune function, too. Higher body temperatures for a short period increase antibody response, helping prevent minor sickness and illnesses. Regular users often report fewer colds and cases of the flu.
Saunas are also a tranquil space for relaxation and introspection where one can meditate and calm the mind, reduce stress, and promote mental well-being.
Sweating in a sauna cleanses pores and rejuvenates the skin, improving skin texture and tone.
INCORPORATING SAUNA INTO YOUR FITNESS ROUTINE
A 15-20 minute sauna session post-workout aids muscle recovery, relaxation, and detoxification. It’s important to consume plenty of water and stay hydrated before and after a sauna session.
It can also work as a supplemental recovery technique alongside massage, cupping, or cold therapy, and cryotherapy.
Incorporating sauna sessions can enhance recovery and aspects of health. While sweating is a part of any regular exercise, the accelerated sweating that takes place in a sauna can be achieved in half the time of a strength training workout with additional skin benefits.
More advanced sauna-goers can aim for as many as two to four sauna sessions a week to amplify their recovery and improve their mental and physical health holistically.
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