What are the benefits of using a sauna after a workout?
Saunas expose the body to heat that enlarges the blood vessels, increasing blood flow and lowering blood pressure, which is linked to improved heart health. Saunas after workout sessionshelp relax my body, even better than warm showers. I also get relieved of soreness and pain following heavy workouts. That helps better my next session’s workouts due to new energy and power for achieving my goals.
When and why would you recommend using a sauna after a workout?
I recommend it immediately after your workout when the body is still somehow dehydrated. Dehydration is possibly due to sweating and means your blood volume is lower. When you get exposed to heat in the sauna, blood flows more towards the skin to reduce overheating. Limited blood in the body means reduced circulation and oxygen to the required organs. It triggers the kidney to release performance enhancers and plasma volume. Consequently, your blood volume shoots, and exercise performance increases. It is why I tell my athletic clients to use saunas after workouts.
Any tips to get the most out of the experience (how long to stay in the sauna, how to recover afterwards, etc.)
I always emphasize starting gradually, especially for first-timers. Begin with 5-10 minutes on day one and increase the time later. Regular exercisers can do between 20 and 30 minutes every day. After your sauna moment, it is best to rehydrate with large fluid volumes. If you take a shower, stick to warm water. If cold, wait for 10 minutes after getting out of sauna.
I believe that nutrition science is a wonderful helper both for the preventive improvement of health and adjunctive therapy in treatment. My goal is to help people improve their health and well-being without torturing themselves with unnecessary dietary restrictions. I am a supporter of a healthy lifestyle – I play sports, cycle, and swim in the lake all year round. With my work, I have been featured in Vice, Country Living, Harrods magazine, Daily Telegraph, Grazia, Women's Health, and other media outlets.
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