Sharing my thoughts on using a sauna post workout. If you’re looking for the perfect portable option, check out my favorite sauna blanket. Use the code FITNESSISTA15 for 15% off.
Hi friends! How are you? I hope that you’re enjoying the morning!! We’re off on some adventures – I’ll share the fun on IG stories- and I have some client calls booked later today.
Today, I wanted to talk about cozy sauna goodness. One of the things I’ve missed during our trip is my beloved sauna blanket and I’m so pumped to use it again!
As you guys know, working out is one of the best things you can do for your health. It strengthens your muscles, supports heart health, boosts mood, and helps manage weight. But what you do after a workout can be just as important as the workout itself. One practice that’s been gaining popularity over the past few years is hitting the sauna post workout.
Whether you’re using a regular sauna or an infrared sauna, taking time to sweat it out can amplify your recovery and wellness. I’m going to chat about about some of the ways a sauna after a workout can support your body, boost muscle recovery, and help you feel amaaaaaazing.
10 Benefits Of A Sauna Post Workout
Before we dive into the benefits, let’s quickly talk about how saunas actually work. Understanding the science can help you appreciate just how effective sauna bathing can be.
What Is A Sauna
A sauna is a small heated room or enclosed space designed to raise your core temperature through dry or humid heat. There are several types of saunas, including traditional dry saunas, steam saunas, and infrared saunas, which use light to heat the body directly. Check out this podcast episode about the benefits of sauna.
Saunas have been used for centuries in cultures around the world to promote relaxation, detoxification, and overall health.
How Does A Sauna Work
During a sauna session, your body is exposed to high heat (usually between 150°F and 195°F in traditional saunas, or lower temps in infrared saunas). This heat causes your heart rate to increase and your blood vessels to dilate, which leads to increased blood flow.
You also start sweating a lot, which can help flush toxins, support skin health, and regulate internal temperature. Your body reacts similarly to moderate cardiovascular exercise, which is why some of the benefits overlap with working out itself.
It’s important to stay hydrated and to be aware of the risks of using a sauna (especially if you have a health condition like heart disease or low blood pressure). Always listen to your body and start slow. Of course, ask a doctor before implementing sauna into your health routine.
What Are The Benefits Of A Sauna After A Workout
1. Reduces Muscle Soreness
Post-workout soreness can make it hard to stay consistent. Studies have shown that using a sauna after exercise can help reduce muscle soreness by increasing circulation and speeding up the removal of lactic acid buildup.
2. Enhances Muscle Recovery
When your body is warm and blood flow increases, nutrients and oxygen are delivered more efficiently to your muscles. This helps accelerate muscle recovery and healing so you can get back to your workouts faster.
3. Supports Heart Health
The increased heart rate and blood flow during sauna bathing mimic light cardiovascular exercise. Over time, regular use can support heart health, improve blood pressure, and promote better circulation.
4. Boosts Detoxification
While your liver and kidneys do the heavy lifting for detox, sweating a lot can help your body eliminate certain heavy metals and toxins. A sauna session can support your natural detox pathways.
5. Improves Skin Health
The heavy sweating that happens in the sauna helps unclog pores and can improve the appearance of your skin. I feel like my skin is clearer and more radiant with regular sauna use.
6. Lowers Stress and Promotes Relaxation
Heat helps relax the muscles and calm the nervous system, helping to reduce stress and promote a sense of well-being. A post-workout sauna can become part of your mindfulness routine.
7. Boosts Mood Through Endorphin Release
Just like exercise, heat exposure can stimulate the release of endorphins – the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. This can help combat post-workout fatigue and support mental health.
8. Enhances Sleep Quality
20 minutes in the sauna after a workout can help lower cortisol levels and prep your body for rest. Many people find they sleep more deeply and wake up feeling more refreshed. I sleep like a baby after using the sauna blanket!
9. Increases Flexibility
Saunas warm the muscles and joints, which can help increase flexibility and range of motion. If you stretch after your sauna session, you may find you can go deeper into poses with more ease. It’s kind of like when you take a hot yoga class and feel much more flexible than usual.
10. Encourages Consistency with Recovery
Having a post-workout ritual like sauna time helps create structure and motivation. When you feel better faster, it’s easier to stay motivated and maintain a regular workout routine.
If you’re not near a traditional sauna, I highly recommend checking out this sauna blanket (code FITNESSISTA15) as an at-home option. I use mine regularly and love the convenience of getting the benefits without leaving the house.
And don’t forget: always follow your sauna session with proper hydration and one of these healthy post workout snacks to support recovery!
As with any wellness practice, consistency matters. Start with just a few sessions a week and listen to your body. And always consult your doctor if you have a health condition before jumping in.
So friends: are you a sauna fan? When do you typically use it in your routine?
