Weights and cardio aren’t the only ways to care for your body by getting a sweat on.
Infrared saunas can be a worthy addition to your health and wellness routine. They can aid in post-workout recovery, boost your circulation and potentially give your skin a little extra glow.
Unlike a traditional sauna that heats you indirectly through air or stones, infrared saunas use gentle, penetrating heat that warms your body directly. It feels similar to sunbathing on a sunny day (minus the harmful UV rays).
The temperature in an infrared sauna is usually lower than a traditional sauna, often set between 50-65C. So, while you’ll still sweat profusely, the overall sensation is often described as more tolerable and pleasant than the intense, stifling heat of a traditional sauna.
It’s the perfect way to unwind after a challenging workout, get your blood flowing, loosen tight muscles, and ease ache and pains.
Read on to discover some of the potential benefits infrared saunas have to offer.
What are the potential benefits?
Relaxation & sleep
Infrared saunas are known to promote relaxation by helping balance your body’s level of cortisol, the primary stress hormone. The heat from the sauna also stimulates the release of endorphins, the body’s natural pain-relieving and mood-enhancing chemical. This can reduce stress and anxiety, and help you to feel more calm overall. By reducing stress levels and promoting relaxation, infrared sauna use might also help you fall asleep more quickly and sleep more deeply.
Improved circulation
The heat from an infrared sauna causes an increase in your heart rate and stimulates blood flow, similar to the effects of moderate exercise. This can help improve circulation, particularly to the extremities, and may contribute to improved tissue oxygenation, lower blood pressure and overall cardiovascular health.
Pain relief
Infrared saunas may also help reduce muscle aches and joint pain. Increased circulation delivers oxygen-rich blood to sore and fatigued muscles, relieving pain and speeding up the recovery process. The heat can help reduce inflammation and swelling, providing potential relief from pain and stiffness caused by chronic pain conditions, like arthritis.
Skin health
Deep sweating caused by infrared saunas can potentially improve the health of your skin. It can help cleanse the pores of embedded impurities, resulting in a clearer, softer and healthier-looking complexion. Increased circulation can also bring more nutrients to the skin’s surface, aiding in the repair and rejuvenation process.
Calorie burning
While infrared saunas shouldn’t be a standalone solution for weight loss, they can potentially aid in burning calories. The effort your body exerts to regulate its temperature while using an infrared sauna elevates your heart rate, cardiac output and metabolic rate. This physiological response can cause you to burn more calories.
Detox
Sweating is one of the ways our bodies eliminate toxins. By causing you to sweat profusely, this can aid the detoxification process. The infrared waves penetrate your skin deeply and heat your body directly, potentially facilitating a more thorough release of heavy metals and environmental toxins.
It’s important to note that while many people experience these benefits from using infrared saunas, it can vary from person to person. Consult with your GP or healthcare professional to make sure it’s safe for you. Infrared saunas may not be suitable for people with cardiovascular conditions, who are pregnant or have an underlying health issue.
Try an infrared sauna sesh at Sista Fitness!
If you’re curious about how infrared saunas can complement your health and wellness regime, come and try it for yourself at Sista Fitness.
Bookings are essential, so reserve your spot via the link below, the online member portal or the Sista Fitness app under ‘Upcoming classes’. You can book up to 7 days in advance.
The sauna comfortably accommodates 3 people and sessions run for 45 minutes each hour during our staffed periods.
Remember to bring a sweat towel and water bottle with you. We provide bath towels to sit on and water refills.
