Infrared Saunas can be very beneficial to one’s mind and body, and are effective at improving overall health. Infrared Saunas are commonly used after workouts to help detoxify the body, relax tense muscles and increase blood flow. Below are a few tips on how to best use an infrared sauna to enhance your workout, and why it is beneficial.
How Long To Use The Sauna After A Workout
Detoxifying your body is a healthy process to experience, as it allows you to naturally eliminate toxins through sweating. Although it is highly recommended to spend time in an infrared sauna after working out, it is recommended that you start out with short sessions, approximately four-minutes long, in the sauna, if you are new to using infrared saunas. As your body adjusts, you can begin to increase your time in the sauna from anywhere between 15 and 30 minutes; whatever you find most comfortable!
Why It Helps After A Workout
Consistent time spent in the sauna after exercise stimulates blood flow, helping to improve muscle recovery after exercise. Infrared saunas cause the body temperature to rise, leading the blood vessels to dilate increasing blood flow and moving oxygen throughout the body.
This increase in blood flow combined with the heat of the infrared sauna is great for relaxing tense muscles as well. Muscles are relaxed by the heat of the sauna allowing circulation to increase and pain or inflammation of the joints and muscles to decrease. This is also a great time to take advantage of your relaxed muscles and stretch them out after your long workout.
Why It Helps With Health Overall
As mentioned before, the detoxification process is a major health benefit of a sauna. In releasing toxins, the body rinses out bacteria, replaces dead skin cells, and purifies the skin, helping to keep pores open, which can help clear up acne and other skin conditions.
Medically, infrared saunas have, in some cases, shown to lower blood pressure and help with type-2 diabetes. They have also helped individuals with hypertension and congestive heart failure. However, if you are suffering from one of these or an additional health issue, be sure to consult your doctor before using a sauna on a regular basis.
Infrared Sauna Therapy is known to have mental benefits as well as physical benefits. Spending time in the infrared sauna helps balance your cortisol level, which is a stress hormone in the body. The high temperatures of the sauna allow your mind to release certain endorphins that help you feel good. With a relaxed mind and muscles, you are able to experience less stress and relax.
Next time you work out, take some extra time and treat yourself to a relaxing sauna session. With all the potential health benefits, you might be glad you did!
Do you use the sauna regularly after a workout? If so, have you seen any health benefits? We’d love to hear from you in the comments section!
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