For some, going into a room to sweat after completing a sweat-inducing workout seems counterintuitive, but saunas have some great health benefits. Heat therapy has been used to relax and loosen muscles after exercise, making saunas a perfect after-workout companion. As you consider whether you should spend some time in a sauna after your workout, find out more about the benefits of saunas and some safety tips for using them.
Why Gyms With Saunas Are Important: 4 Benefits of Using a Sauna After a Workout
Saunas provide several health benefits that can give you an extra layer of recovery after your workout routine. Besides the many health benefits of saunas, you don’t have to spend much time in them, as 15-20 minutes in a sauna can assist with maximizing your workout. Learn more about the top four benefits of going to a sauna after a workout below:
Improved Cardiovascular Health
Saunas raise your skin temperature, causing you to sweat heavily to keep you cool. This cooling process increases your heart rate, opening blood vessels and increasing circulation. Your body reacts as if performing low to moderate exercises, and you can see improvements in your cardiovascular health. While saunas can lower the risk of many cardiovascular conditions, you should consult your doctor before using them, as some heart issues make it so you have to avoid extreme heat.
As long as your doctor determines that saunas are safe for you, you can receive many benefits from them. For example, regularly going to your gym’s sauna can lower your risk of developing the following cardiovascular issues:
- High blood pressure
- Stroke
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD)
- Heart disease
- Neurocognitive diseases
- High blood cholesterol
Reduced Inflammation
If you have acute or chronic inflammation, you’ll find the heat of sauna baths very soothing. Inflammation is the body’s natural protection response to injuries and illnesses, but inflamed areas become painful, causing a great deal of discomfort.
During a sauna session, your body releases endorphins, which are natural painkillers. Joints are loosened, and pain is relieved. The session also boosts the lymphatic system, helping to remove swelling caused by inflammation. All of these factors can reduce inflammation and assist with other conditions caused by inflammation. Some of the inflammatory issues saunas can heal include:
- Colds
- Arthritis
- Lupus
- Crohn’s Disease
Increased Muscle Recovery
After a vigorous workout, delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is a common hurdle fitness enthusiasts face. DOMS slows your movements during normal daily activities, and it may cause you to skip the gym for a few days as you recover, setting your progress back.
A sauna bath will increase the circulation of oxygen-rich blood, providing the depleted muscles with ingredients that will help them recover much faster.
Lowered Stress
As soon as you take a seat inside the sauna room, you’ll immediately experience a moment of relief, which only deepens during the session. It’s a time for you to relax and even meditate, relieving your body and mind of the negative effects of stress.
"Regular sessions in the sauna are key to keeping your cortisol in check, knocking out stress and getting your mind as relaxed as your muscles after a tough workout."
Michael Mitchell, VP of Fitness Gold’s Gym SoCal
Safety Tips for Using Saunas
Taking a sauna bath is typically safe, but there are a few rules you should follow to avoid unnecessary health issues. Temperatures are usually between 140-200 degrees Fahrenheit, so it’s important to be cautious and take steps to prevent unwanted situations. If you go to a gym with saunas, make sure you follow the most important sauna safety tips below:
- Don’t stay longer than 20 minutes: Since saunas can get very hot, it’s important not to stay longer than 20 minutes, especially when you’re just starting to use a sauna. Build your tolerance slowly and allow your body to adjust to the high temperatures.
- Listen to your body: When you’re in the sauna, pay attention to any feelings of nausea or dizziness. If you become uncomfortable, leave right away.
- Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate: Remember, you’ll be sweating and losing a lot of water. Just a short time in a sauna can cause you to lose a liter of sweat. Drink plenty of water before and after the session.
- Remove your jewelry: Metals heat up quickly and can burn or irritate your skin, leaving a nasty rash behind. Take off your earrings (even the small ones), rings, necklaces, and bracelets before entering a sauna.
- Bring a friend with you: Having a friend with you is a great idea in case a problem occurs. You’ll have someone there who knows your medical history and can immediately find assistance.
Looking for Gyms With Saunas in Southern California? Give Your Local Gold’s Gym SoCal Location a Try!
If you’re looking for gyms with saunas Gold’s Gym SoCal has you covered. Many of our locations throughout Los Angeles and Southern California have saunas, and our staff will be happy to help you with any questions or concerns.
Review our gym locations to find the one closest to you. If you’d like to give one of our gyms a try before committing to a membership, please sign up today for our free trial.
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