Post-workout sauna benefits
If you are a keen gym-goer or a general wellness enthusiast, you will know the importance of a good post-workout routine for your overall fitness and maximising results.
If you are looking to change up your post-workout routine, or are looking for new ways to maximise your fitness goals, adding a session in a sauna post-workout might be something for you!
There are many health benefits to using a sauna but there are lots of post-workout sauna benefits too! Let’s take a look at some of them
Contents:
What are the types of saunas?
Before we look into the benefits of a post-workout sauna, let’s look at the different types of saunas:
Traditional Saunas: These are heated to high temperatures, creating a hot, dry environment. Humidity can be increased by pouring water over hot rocks, generating steam.
Infrared Saunas: These saunas use infrared panels to heat the body directly, as opposed to heating the air. They function at lower temperatures than conventional saunas but can reach deeper into the skin, offering a different range of benefits.
Post-workout sauna benefits
Here are some main benefits of including a sauna session in your post-workout routine:
Muscle recovery
After a tough workout, your muscles will need enough blood flow to help deliver nutrients and oxygen to recover. The heat from saunas helps to widen the blood vessels which increases blood flow to help with muscle recovery.
The heat in the sauna can help to relax muscle tension and reduce delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) as well, so you can recover faster to get back in the gym sooner!
Relaxation
The relaxing heat of a sauna helps to lower cortisol levels which are a primary stress hormone. Spending time in a sauna after a workout can emulate the effects of meditation offering a sense of well-being and relaxation.
Improved sleep
We all know the importance of rest days between workouts, and sleep is the best form of recovery. The drop in body temperature after you use a sauna can help to induce a deeper, restful sleep.
Boosts your immune system
The heat experienced in a sauna can increase the production of white blood cells which helps the body to fight off infections.
Improves cardiovascular health
Saunas can have a positive impact on heart health as the heat causes the heart rate to increase, similar to moderate exercise, which can improve cardiovascular health and improve high blood pressure.
Things to consider when using a sauna
If you are new to using a sauna, here are some simple rules to follow before you enjoy a sauna:
Stay hydrated
A sauna session will make you sweat, a lot, so make sure you drink enough water before and after your session to prevent dehydration.
It’s not for everyone
It’s important to note that although saunas can bring many benefits, but if you have underlying health conditions, you should be careful when using them or speak to your GP before sauna bathing.
Duration
Spending too much time in a sauna can lead to overheating and heat exhaustion. If you are a beginner, you should start with shorter sessions (5-10 minutes) and increase the duration as your body adapts.
Listen to Your Body
If you are a regular gym-goer, you know how important it is to listen to your body. And spending time in a sauna is no exception. If you feel light-headed, dizzy, or uncomfortable at any time, it’s important to exit the sauna and cool down. If needed, take regular breaks to cool down and hydrate.
