Share my thoughts on exercise after using the sauna. If you are looking for the perfect portable option, check out my favorite sauna blanket. Use code FitnessISTA15 to get a 15% discount.
Hi, friends! Are you OK? I hope you enjoy it in the morning! We’re doing some adventures – I’m going to share the fun on IG Stories – I booked some customer calls later today.
Today, I want to talk about the beauty of a comfortable sauna. One thing I missed on the trip is my beloved sauna blanket and I’m so happy to use it again!
As we all know, exercise is one of the best things you can do for your health. It can strengthen your muscles, support heart health, strengthen your mood and help manage your weight. But what do you do back Exercise may be as important as exercise itself. One of the increasingly popular practices in the past few years is to exercise after the sauna.
Whether you are using a regular sauna or an infrared sauna, spending time sweating can expand your recovery and wellness. I’ll talk about some ways that a post-workout sauna can support the body, strengthen muscle recovery and help you feel amaaaaaazazing.
10 benefits of post-sauna exercise
Before we dig into the benefits, let’s quickly talk about how saunas actually work. Understanding science can help you appreciate the efficiency of a sauna.
What is a sauna
The sauna is a small heated room or enclosed space designed to increase the core temperature with dry or humid heat. There are several types of saunas, including traditional dry saunas, steam saunas and infrared saunas, which use light to heat the body directly. Check out this podcast episode, which covers the benefits of sauna.
Saunas have been used in cultures around the world for centuries to promote relaxation, detox and overall health.
How saunas work
During a sauna, your body is exposed to high temperatures (usually between 150°F and 195°F in a traditional sauna, or the lower temperatures in an infrared sauna). This heat can cause your heart rate to increase, blood vessels to dilate, which leads to increased blood flow.
You also start sweating heavily, which can help flush the toxins, support skin health and regulate internal temperature. Your body responds similarly to moderate cardiovascular exercise, which is why some benefits are with exercise.
It is important to stay hydrated and be aware of the risks of using a sauna (especially if you have a health condition with heart disease or low blood pressure). Always listen to your body and start to slow down. Of course, ask your doctor before including the sauna in your health.
What are the benefits of post-workout sauna
1. Reduce muscle soreness
Soreness after exercise may keep it consistent. Studies have shown that using a sauna after exercise can help reduce muscle soreness by increasing circulation and speeding up lactic acid accumulation.
2. Strengthen muscle recovery
When your body is warm and blood flow increases, nutrients and oxygen are delivered to your muscles more effectively. This helps accelerate muscle recovery and healing, so you can resume exercise faster.
3. Supports heart health
Increased heart rate and blood flow during sauna bathing mimics photocardiovascular exercise. Over time, regular use can support heart health, improve blood pressure and promote better circulation.
4. Improve detoxification
While your liver and kidneys can be heavy for detoxification, sweating can help your body eliminate certain heavy metals and toxins. Sauna sessions can support your natural detoxification pathway.
5. Improve skin health
The sweat that occurs in the sauna helps untie pores and can improve the appearance of the skin. I feel like my skin is more transparent and I can use the sauna regularly.
6. Reduce stress and promote relaxation
Calories help relax muscles and calm the nervous system, help relieve stress and promote a sense of well-being. A sauna after workout may become part of your mindfulness routine.
7. Enhance mood through endorphin release
Just like exercise, caloric exposure can stimulate the release of endorphins – chemicals that the body naturally feels good. This can help combat fatigue after exercise and support mental health.
8. Improve sleep quality
After exercising, 20 minutes in the sauna can help lower cortisol levels and prepare your body for rest. Many people find that they sleep deeper and feel fresher when they wake up. After using the sauna blanket, I slept like a baby!
9. Improve flexibility
The sauna warms muscles and joints, which helps improve flexibility and range of motion. If you stretch after a sauna session, you may find yourself making it easier to go deeper into the pose. Just like when you take a hot yoga class, it feels more flexible than usual.
10. Encouragement and recovery
Post-workout rituals like the sauna period help create structure and motivation. It’s easier to stay motivated and keep your regular exercise routine when you feel better and faster.
If you are not close to a traditional sauna, I highly recommend checking out this sauna blanket (Code FitnessISta15) as a family choice. I use mine regularly and love the convenience of getting benefits without leaving home.
And don’t forget: Always have a sauna session with proper hydration and one of these healthy post-workout snacks to support recovery!
As with any health practice, consistency is important. Start with just a few conversations a week and listen to your body. If you have a health condition, be sure to consult your doctor.
Friend: Are you a sauna fan? When do you usually use it in routines?
