Top Benefits of a Post-Workout Sauna Session
Whether you decide to use the sauna after a cardio workout or high-intensity interval training (HIIT), here are some benefits you can expect:
- Accelerate muscle recovery: The heat stress from the sauna can stimulate the production of heat shock proteins (HSPs). HSPs can help repair damaged proteins in cells while protecting against oxidative stress induced by exercise.
- Boost cardiovascular health: A workout paired with a sauna session offers significant benefits for your heart. Sitting in the sauna after your workout has been shown to improve blood pressure and total cholesterol.
- Support detoxification and circulation: Another benefit of the sauna after a workout is its support for detoxification and circulation. Exercise produces metabolic waste, which can lead to muscle stiffness. Sweating during your sauna session can help eliminate toxins, salts, and metabolic byproducts, helping to remove impurities from your system. The heat from the sauna can also support blood flow, helping muscles and tissues get the nutrients and oxygen they need.
How to Build Your Sauna Fitness Routine
A complete sauna fitness routine includes these essential steps:
- The cooldown: Allow your heart rate to return to normal after your exercise before entering the sauna room. You can incorporate a five to 10-minute cooldown session, such as stretching, to gradually bring your heart rate down before entering the sauna.
- Sauna session: We recommend staying in the sauna for a minimum of 10 minutes and a maximum of 30. However, if you are a beginner, you can cut the time to five minutes and build up as your body gets accustomed to it. The benefit of our infrared saunas is that they are fully customizable, allowing you to choose temperature levels and programs based on your experience or fitness goals.
- Hydrate: Be sure to drink enough water before and after a sauna session to help you stay hydrated.
