If you’re lucky enough to have either a sauna at home or a gym membership to a fully kitted out establishment, then you have probably partaken in the magic of sauna, or have seen those that are! Saunas, opposed to steam rooms, have very low humidity – giving a dry heat. The sauna meaning originates from 19th Century Finnish, where those industrious and inventive Fins would offset the bitterly cold and arctic nature of their locales with saunas. And while they’re great places to relax, let your mind wander and even practice meditation and mindfulness – what’s the best way to use them as part of an exercise routine?
Sauna before or after your workout?
‘tis the question. Some will swear to use it only after your workout, others only before. But don’t worry – the truth is more conciliatory. Really, when considering sauna health benefits, it’s pretty simple to see that it’s best to take advantage of the sauna both before, and after your workout. Here’s why:
Strategic Sauna-ing
When you’re getting ready for exercise, whether it’s a run, crossfit, sports, dance or lifts – you need to warm up, and stretch to avoid injury. Spending around five minutes in the sauna prior to your workout can get your muscles warmed up and ready for action thanks mainly to heat-induced higher bloodflow – which in turn delivers more oxygen to your muscles, allowing them to function for longer without resorting to anaerobic respiration (the burn…). However, the potential drawback to using the sauna before your workout is the risk of dehydration – as you’ll be sweating before you even start working out! So, be sure to drink plenty of water and keep your electrolyte balance in check.
After your workout, you’ll be exhaling fat, and your muscles will be tired – but, your head full of endorphins to offset the pain (known as a ‘runner’s high’). After making sure your water levels are topped up and visiting the toilet if you need to – now the great sauna detox can begin. But first – what to wear in a sauna? The simple answer is as little as possible, to allow you to sweat freely. In fact, it’s quite a faux pas to use a Finnish sauna with clothes on! As the heat works its magic in maintaining excellent blood flow, it also begins to metabolise the cellular debris caused by your workout. Lactic acid, blood-borne waste products and other debris from your workout will be excreted through your pores, and you’ll literally sweat out your (own) poison! This is usually the job of the liver and kidneys, so giving them a break is certainly good for your long-term health.
Are Saunas Good for You?
Absolutely. But, listen to your body – leave the Sauna if you start to feel unwell, dizzy or otherwise uncomfortable. Don’t think you ever have to stay longer than you want to in order to reap ‘maximum benefit’ – that’s not how it works. Drink lots of water to avoid dehydration, and please check with your GP if you’re pregnant, or have heart and or breathing conditions.