Ok, call me crazy but I LOVE to sweat! Honestly, I think I have always been a fan of sweating; and I live in a HOT Summer state so sweating sometimes is inevitable. So let me be specific, I love having a sweaty workout.
I had a co-worker who purchased a sauna suit and swore by that thing. They wore it during workouts and it certainly helped them sweat off ½ of their body weight over time.
Here’s the most important note I want to leave you about sweating. It has so many health benefits. Sweating is actually a detoxification of toxins and metals. Other than running a marathon or playing “shirts and skins” in July in Texas, you can enjoy a sweating session and all its health benefits by getting into a SAUNA.
Saunas are great because they have the potential to help:
soothe sore muscles for post workout recovery
promote skin health,
boost immune system,
burn calories,
improve circulation
Promote relaxation for optimal mental health
There are 2 different types of sauna, dry sauna and STEAM rooms.
A dry Sauna is a hot room whereas a wet sauna or steam room holds moisture, similar to your bathroom steaming up when you shower, but MUCH more intense and beneficial.
If you’re able to get a membership at your local gym that has a sauna you can utilize the sauna at no extra cost. There are also businesses in some metropolitan areas that have stand alone sauna facilities, like the relatively new franchise companies HotWorx and PerSpire. At Hotworx individuals can complete a cycling, yoga or elliptical workout in the “hotbox” via video.
Hotworx is a virtually instructed exercise program created for users to experience the many benefits of infrared heat absorption, while completing a 30-minute Isometric workout or 15-minute High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) session.
Even Korean Bath House businesses are a good way to spend a weekend indulging in some self care as well. KBHs typically have hot saunas, cold rooms, and a family friendly dining experience.
I once lived in an apartment complex that had a pretty large sized hot sauna on property for residents to use included in the rent price. It doesn’t hurt to ask on your next apartment hunt.
Ok Here are some Sauna Tips:
Don’t stay in for long. You really only need to be inside for roughly 20 minutes. There are studies that show one effective use of the sauna incorporates an interval in which the individual goes into the sauna for 10 minutes, then showers, then returns for a second 10 minute session.
Check the temperature- Only use a Sauna that has a working thermostat and in which the temp does not exceed 150 degrees Fahrenheit or 120 degrees for a steam room 194
Do not be the person who kicks up the heat at the community center sauna room by pouring your water bottle onto the hot coals. It's not smart or safe.
Bring a friend or family member with you for a session. Having a conversation with someone will make the time go by fast
Shower afterward- you’ll not want to wait to wash off all the toxins that just dripped out of your body
As always, be smart, be careful and stay hydrated.
Disclaimer: Saunas are not necessarily recommended for individuals who are pregnant. Please check with your medical professional before entering.
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