Using a Sauna to Get the Most out of Your Workout

Every one of us is familiar with the discomfort of Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS), that “can’t-hardly-get-out-of-bed” pain that sets in a day or two after a tough workout. But did you know that using a sauna can help you avoid pain from DOMS? And that’s not the only way sauna bathing helps you get the most out of your workout regime. Here are three of the major ways that using a sauna will help improve your fitness. 

Head off DOMS

You’d think that after pushing yourself through a really hard workout, the pain would set in quickly. But actually, it’s about 24-48 hours before your body really starts to feel it. That’s because DOMS is caused by tiny injuries, literally micro-tears, in your muscles that happen when you push them into an activity they’re not used to. Those tears are inevitable and necessary if you want to grow muscle and get stronger. However, there is a way to recover from DOMS faster: with your sauna! 

While you relax in your sauna, your heart rate and circulation increase, sending oxygen-rich blood through your body. Blood flow is the body’s natural way of healing those micro-tears, so when the warmth of your sauna speeds the process up, DOMS goes away faster. 

Besides that, warmth relaxes muscles which will also help with some of the pain you may be feeling. 

Avoid Injury and Become More Flexible

You know that warming up and stretching before you jump into intense exercise is important. Cold muscles and joints are much more prone to injury. So, at the very least make sure to always start out with a gentle warm-up at the beginning of your workout. But, if you want to level-up, hit the sauna first! The heat will get your blood pumping, your body sweating, and your muscles and joints all warmed up. Then, when you start stretching or working out, you’ll be less likely to get a strain or injury. You can even stretch while you’re using your sauna! As your muscles get warm, you’ll notice you can achieve deeper stretches than you usually do, adding strength and flexibility to your body. 

Boost Weight Loss

Now don’t weigh yourself after using a sauna and get excited about any weight loss you see. That’s just water loss from sweating and will come back as you rehydrate. But, using your sauna can help you with your weight loss journey. As you relax in your sauna, your body is actually getting some light cardio in. You see, the heat increases your heart rate and circulation. Studies have shown that sauna bathing increases the heart rate in a way similar to aerobic exercise, with the heart rate averaging between 120 – 150 beats per minute. Sauna bathing alone isn’t enough to lose weight. But, as part of your healthy diet and exercise routine, it can give you the boost you need to help you achieve your goals!

Even more importantly, using a sauna consistently improves your heart health and cardiovascular performance. Over time, it can help your arteries become healthier and reduce hypertension. If you’d like to incorporate sauna bathing into your weight loss routine, be sure to get your doctor’s advice. 

Are you ready to start using a sauna and get the most out of your workouts? Thanks to Finnleo®, it’s never been easier! With options small enough to fit in a closet all the way up to standalone outdoor sauna rooms, there’s definitely a Finnleo sauna to fit your home and budget. How much will you love being able to sauna bathe every day, without having to leave home?! Do you have questions about owning or using a sauna? Contact us. We’d love to help!