The need to sweat even more after working out is rare. Most people want to relax after intense exercise. However, the benefits are worth the extra time spent visiting an infrared sauna. Infrared sauna post-workout is one of the trending ways professional athletes relax after working out.

Infrared saunas are associated with relaxation, improved cardiovascular health, and faster recovery, among other benefits. The information below will cover why you should consider using an infrared sauna after your usual workout sessions.

Benefits Of Infrared Sauna Sessions After Workouts

Promotes muscle relaxation

Infrared sauna promotes recovery muscle relaxation through noradrenaline, adrenaline, and cortisol, which are anti-inflammatory agents and natural pain-reducing endorphins. Infrared saunas also reduce pain and stiffness in patients, improving the speed of recovery.

Infrared saunas have also been used to manage fatigue syndrome, which is associated with low energy levels (lethargy) and depressive feelings. Additionally, it can be used to treat anxiety and depression that are associated with fatigue and loss of appetite.

Therefore, infrared saunas promote muscle relaxation by decreasing feelings of fatigue, allowing muscle relaxation.

Faster recovery

Heat stimulates the nerves in the body, increasing the healing speed. Heat increases blood flow that supplies the muscles and other broken tissue with oxygen, amino acids, and glucose that can be used to repair tissue.

Also, heat stress may trigger growth hormone production, which is vital to muscle repair and recovery after working out. Aside from the growth hormone, the body releases other hormones associated with good health.

Removal of toxins

When exposed to heat, we sweat out the water in our body along with toxins that have accumulated. The human body excretes waste through the skin and the liver. Therefore, while the liver function is not fully in our control, we can control how we sweat.

Hydrating before, during, and after the workout allows the body to release waste products through sweat, leaving you feeling refreshed. Visiting the sauna after a workout also releases toxins, such as lactic acid, accumulated during the workout.

Combined with sweating during a workout, the sauna allows frequent goers to cleanse their body improving their general health.

Cardiovascular improvements

The heat from the sauna causes blood vessels to expand and move closer to the skin’s surface, increasing circulation and lowering blood pressure. Additionally, people experience increased heart rate and blood pressure like they would while jogging, which is beneficial to the circulatory system.

People with hypertension may also benefit from infrared saunas that help maintain or lower blood pressure. Studies have shown that sauna exposure can increase systolic blood pressure. However, the effects are short-term, with long-term effects remaining unknown.

Despite promoting improved cardiovascular function, the American Heart Association advises individuals with uncontrolled blood pressure against using an infrared sauna or any other type.

The heat stress caused by exposure to high temperatures normally causes blood vessels to open wider. It inevitably increases the risks of developing cardiovascular events in people with cardiovascular diseases.

Maintain muscle mass

A vital part of recovery post-workout is maintaining muscle mass. Studies have shown that infrared sauna can reduce muscle atrophy (reduction of muscle mass) following a workout. Exposure to heat has also been associated with increased heat shock proteins that stop muscle atrophy and promote recovery.

May increase weight loss

Infrared saunas increase the heart rate and blood pressure, similar to taking a walk or jogging, allowing the body to burn some calories. Infrared saunas help people to lose weight by allowing them to burn up to 600 calories in one session.

Research has noted that infrared saunas promote fat burning s in the body, resulting in slight weight loss. However, people looking to lose weight should consider combining the sauna with other ways of weight loss, such as exercise or bariatric.

Relief of joint pain or chronic pain

Infrared saunas have been proven to reduce joint pain from rheumatoid arthritis or past injury.

A study has shown that spending 3 months visiting the sauna several times a week significantly reduces chronic pain. Therefore, a post-exercise sauna can reduce post-workout joint and muscle pain.

Prolongs your workout session

Infrared saunas increase caloric burn and heart rate, similar to when lightly working out. Increased heart rates and caloric burn allow athletes to burn additional calories after their primary workout boosting their performance.

Improves endurance

In recent years, athletes have been using an infrared sauna to increase performance and endurance. Studies have shown that athletes and cyclists using saunas post-workout demonstrated improved performance and endurance.

Scientists have theorized that the increased performance was due to increased blood flow and faster recovery post-workout.

How long should I use an infrared sauna for benefits?

There is no set time that one is required to remain in the sauna to gain benefits. However, some scientific studies have shown that visiting the infrared sauna for at least 20 minutes four to seven times a week may have significantly better results than using it less frequently.

Temperatures of infrared saunas are also between 120-150°F or 49-65 °C, which is lower than traditional saunas. However, the benefits are the same or better. Generally, lower temperatures allow you to stay longer and obtain the same benefits as staying in a hotter sauna.

Dehydration post-workout and saunas

Sauna increases the loss of fluid from the body through sweating. After intense workouts, it is normal to be slightly dehydrated. So, heading to the sauna before rehydrating can cause mild to moderate dehydration. You should drink water before, during, and after the sauna to replace fluids lost through sweating.

Final thoughts

Visiting the sauna post-workout has been shown to have multiple benefits. Infrared saunas improve strength, endurance, cardiovascular function, and weight loss. It also reduces fatigue and any chronic pain, including joint pain from a workout injury.

With so many benefits associated with infrared sauna post-workout, we recommend that you consider infrared sauna as part of your normal exercise routine.

Our clinic has a well-functioning infrared sauna available to those ready to reap the benefits. Visit post-workout or in your free time to enjoy these and other benefits.