Now is the perfect time to use the sauna since the weather is still cold here in New York. But even if you are enjoying warmer temperatures, saunas are amazing for you!
A sauna is any room designed to experience dry or wet heat sessions. Recently, infrared saunas have been introduced and are gaining popularity, emitting infrared light with the same purpose. The temperature in a sauna is around 180-200 degrees Fahrenheit.
People have used saunas for centuries and all throughout the world, from Finland to Ancient Greece, Rome, Russia, Japan, Turkey, Canada, and the United States. Mainstream media now recognizes the benefits associated with saunas. Many medical professionals now embrace the whole concept of heat therapy for health, fat loss, and even rejuvenation purposes.
BENEFITS
- Detox: Sauna raises body temperature and, subsequently, sweat production, allowing the body to flush toxins out of the body.
- Fat Loss: Sauna helps accelerate fat loss efforts by speeding up your metabolism. A 20-minute session at 170 degrees Fahrenheit can help burn over 400 calories.
- Heart Health: Amazing for coronary health. It helps normalize blood pressure, reducing the chance of congestive heart failure.
- Immunity: Sauna sessions strengthen your immune system by helping produce white blood cells, which help fight disease and accelerate healing.
- Performance: Heat therapy improves performance and endurance. It increases plasma volume and blood flow to the heart, improving cardiovascular results.
- GH: The use of saunas boosts growth hormone greatly, and much more when combining it with exercise. This helps you to lose body fat, increase muscle mass, and boost energy levels.
- Recovery: It increases blood flow to muscle tissue and removes lactic acid, helping to accelerate recovery.
- Heat Shock Proteins: Regular hyperthermic (high temperature) treatments boost the expression of heat shock proteins, which are related to immunity and muscle building.
- Blood Sugar: Sauna use reduces insulin resistance and blood glucose levels, stabilizing sugar levels.
- Healthy Hair: It activates the sebaceous gland in your scalp, which helps to condition and moisturize your hair.
- Anti-aging: Sauna sessions help you to look young by improving blood flow to your skin. This aids in the removal of dead cells, the growth of new skin cells, and the natural production of oils, moisturizers, and antibiotics.
- Relaxation: The sauna’s quiet and dark atmosphere makes it a great place to relax and even meditate.
CAUTION
Always best to check with a medical professional before using the sauna.
Do not use after consuming alcohol. Be cautious to use the sauna after exercising if you have not been properly hydrated.
Contraindications to sauna use include recent myocardial infarction, unstable angina pectoris, and severe aortic stenosis.
To a Healthier Leaner You,
The Fitness Wellness Mentor
