If you are a regular visitor here, you may have noticed that I have often recommended using saunas and steam rooms to help improve your fitness. Throughout history they have been used to improve a person’s health and wellbeing. However, what exactly are the benefits of saunas and steam rooms? What effects do they have? How can they help? Below I’ve listed my experiences.
- They cleanse the skin. The heat opens the pores allowing all the dirt and grease to come out. Sweating also helps flush out any toxins and the increased blood flow promotes the healing of any skin cuts, sun burn etc. This makes saunas great as part of a detoxing program.
- It decreases your chances of catching cold and flu as your increased body temperature tricks it into thinking you have a fever which in turn stimulates your internal organs, especially the immune system.
- The heart rate increases from the temperature of a sauna or steam room which can be the equivalent of doing physical activity like taking a brisk walk. They can also help with weight loss as you can burn several hundred calories per session. However, they are not replacements for actual physical activity. Combine it with a healthy regime for the full benefit.
- Steam rooms in particular are great for respiratory problems. The steam and warm air loosens all that nasty mucous from the lungs and throat, as well as relieving any inflammation and swelling.
- They can be very good for relaxing after a hard day at work, and loosening muscles after physical exercise. This makes them ideal for reducing stress and recharging the body.
There are some important safety issues to be aware of before you rush to a health spa. Temperatures can be very high in saunas. Only go in if you can comfortably cope, and though the suggested session is usually between ten and twenty minutes, leave if you are starting to feel ill or too hot. Also, make sure you are well hydrated before, during and after. Finally, because saunas and steam rooms increase the heart rate if you have any blood pressure, heart issues or are pregnant, you may want to get a medical opinion before using them.
March 8, 2007 at 03:14PM
I couldn’t even imagine a life without saunas. I go to a sauna at least three times a week. There are lots of benefits as you mentioned but also the mental side is very important. It’s a very good way of relaxing yourself and you feel very calm when you come out of it. At least that’s what happens to me.
March 9, 2007 at 07:36AM
Absolutely, I take a newspaper (which comes provided at the gym) in with me when I go. It’s a great way to keep up to date on things and relax at the same time.
March 28, 2007 at 08:17PM
I greatly enjoy saunas and steam rooms myself, but I have to ask, do you have any scientific evidence to back up these claims?
January 21, 2009 at 03:52AM
Do not take print into a sauna. The heat releases ink and paper oils that can cause asthma attack.
March 11, 2009 at 05:40PM
The last comment from Dave in regard to print releasing ink and paper oils is untrue. I work in the printing industry and the heat in a sauna is not sufficient for this to occur. There are no oils present in the paper, and ink oils volatilize at much higher temperatures. Even if something was released it would be in very small amounts and have no health consequences.