Saunas can be relaxing, especially after a workout. But there are a few things to keep in mind. Let’s look at reasons you might want to visit a sauna after working out, whether you’re visiting a Finnish, Russian, or Turkish sauna.
I don’t know about you, but I love a great workout. It’s a solid stress reliever, and helps you feel good. On the other hand, the deep ache in your muscles the next day isn’t so awesome, especially if you overdo it. I’ve found that a sauna after workout time is a treat worth its weight in gold.
Have you ever considered adding a sauna treatment after working out?
5 Ways Using a Sauna after Your Workout Can Help You:
1. Detox
Did you know that using a sauna can help you detox by helping remove toxins from your body? While your kidney is your biggest detoxifier, your skin helps you sweat out contaminants that are trapped in your muscle tissue.
2. Improved blood circulation
Medical News Today says,” Heart rate may increase to 100-150 beats a minute while using a sauna“. According to Harvard Medical, the increased heart rate and circulation can be a benefit to your skin and body, based on the safe use of a sauna. They recommend using it for no more than 15 or 20 minutes per session.
3. Relaxation
They help you relax. Hello, who doesn’t love the idea of a soothing experience? It’s the perfect treat for getting a good workout in. The warm, infrared heat or steam are a perfect reward after your hard work.
4. Stress Relief
I don’t know about you but reducing tension and sore muscles is a big bonus in my book. In fact, even Healthline agrees and says that sauna use, “…can help reduce tension in the joints and relieve sore muscles.”
5. Body Fitness
You’re going to love this one. According to Mayo Clinic Proceedings, “The physiological responses produced by an ordinary sauna bath correspond to those produced by moderate- or high-intensity physical activity such as walking.” A medical researcher with the US Army, Ward Dean, M.D. also said; “a moderately conditioned person can easily sweat off 500 grams in a sauna in a single session, consuming nearly 300 calories in the process.”
Cons: Risks of Using Sauna
There are a couple of details to consider. For example, if you have blood pressure issues, you should always check with your doctor before using a sauna. You should make sure you don’t have any contra-indicators based on your medications.
While using a sauna after your workout is a win in my book, not everybody loves the experience. If for example you stay in too long, it can cause dehydration issues, so be sure to follow recommended usage. Are there other things you should know? It usually has to do with common sense or pre-existing medical issues.
For example, asthma sufferers should avoid the sauna, and pregnant women should check with their doctors. Otherwise, consider the benefits of a sauna after your next workout and enjoy a relaxing experience while gaining some pretty awesome benefits.
Hey Joyfreshers, what are your thoughts? Should you use sauna after or before workout? Do you think Sauna helps with weight loss? Share your thoughts with us below.
