Most of the people that regularly visit saunas do so to relax, but what most don’t know is that saunas actually have a multitude of health benefits! So, while you’re relaxing in the heat, your body’s endurance levels are increasing and your muscles are healing! There are many studies being conducted to expand our understanding of how heat improves the body’s functions and increases our quality of life. So, kick start your weekly health goals and spend some time in the sauna!
The infrared sauna benefits are not lost in the athletic community who frequently attend sauna sessions after intense workouts. A recent study revealed that athletes who hit the sauna three times a week improved their athletic endurance by around 25% during their usual training period. Sauna sessions can improve your heat tolerance and in turn your athletic performance.
Research from Mayo Clinic Proceedings explains that “sauna bathing” is a better way to chill while sweating and it even delivers the same sauna health benefits as exercise would. That means that while relaxing in a sauna, you will be able to manage the natural development of your body temperature that would come with continued physical efforts and susceptibility to heat while competing or performing.
There is considerable research conducted about the sauna benefits of heat therapy or “diathermy” which has resulted in an increase in the production of “heat shock proteins.” This therapy can repair damaged proteins in our bodies and can also protect us against oxidative damage. It can help reduce muscle breakdown and increase muscle building. Heat is said to increase the blood volume – and with it, the blood plasma – which facilitates the activity of the heart and increases water reserves within the body, improving its overall function.
It was also discovered that men who frequented the sauna saw far infrared sauna benefits such as reduced risk of sudden cardiac death, fatal coronary heart disease, lethal cardiovascular disease, and all-cause mortality. Research has correlated this decrease in risk of health issues to the increased heart rate we experience while in the sauna, which coincides with performing exercise of low to moderate intensity.
Reports state that the use of sauna therapy has no serious adverse side effects. But it is advised that if you’re new to the sauna, take it slow, especially for young children and seniors who are prone to heat exhaustion and dehydration. Talk to your doctor about any health conditions you may have before trying out an infrared sauna treatment.
According to many studies, infrared sauna benefits effects on exercise performance and post-exercise recovery. It is worth finding a sauna near your home or work and let the heat do its magic!
Think about it! There’s no reason not to love saunas. Get into the heat, relax, and enhance your performance all at once.
