Saunas have become increasingly popular in the last few years. With their reputation as an excellent way to lose weight, it's perhaps no surprise that more and more people are investing in home saunas. But what do we know about the health benefits of using a sauna? There are many different types of sauna. A Finnish sauna is a small wooden cabin that is heated with hot rocks and has little ventilation. Steam saunas are wet wooden cabins. Both types can provide various health benefits. So let’s find out more.
Why use a sauna?
Saunas are an old and traditional way to relax and unwind. There are many different types of sauna and different ways to use them. Some are dry, while others are wet. You can use them at home on a regular basis, and they provide many health benefits. If you have regular sauna sessions, you can expect to see many health benefits, including reduced stress, improved blood flow, better skin, better sleep, and even weight loss. There are many different ways to use a sauna, and you can also mix and match the benefits from different types of sauna. If you want to try out a sauna, you can find them in gyms, spas, and health clinics. You can also easily buy a sauna for your home.
Weight loss
Saunas are a great way to boost the fat-burning effects of exercise. A 12-week study found that people who exercised and then used a sauna three times a week lost more weight than those who exercised without using the sauna. This may be because saunas cause you to sweat more, which helps remove toxins from the body. This happens when the sauna’s high temperature causes your blood vessels to expand. This may result in you burning around 400 calories per session. Exercising and then a sauna will improve blood flow, which will help your body to burn fat and aid in weight loss. Plus, sweating is a great way to reduce water retention and cellulite. Although saunas can help you to burn fat, they shouldn’t be used as a replacement for a healthy diet and exercise. What’s more, it’s important to remember that weight loss happens over a long period of time.
Cardio workout
Saunas offer an excellent way to improve cardiovascular health. A study of menopausal women found that using a sauna three times a week for 12 weeks increased heart rate by around 30%. If you choose to use a sauna to improve your cardiovascular health, make sure you drink enough water. The high heat of a sauna can cause dehydration. The National Health Service (NHS) recommends drinking 1.5 litres of water a day. If you’re exercising in a sauna, you need to drink more water. When you exercise in a sauna, your heart rate increases, which boosts blood flow to your muscles and organs. This helps them to work more efficiently and reduces your risk of cardiovascular disease. The increased blood flow can also help you lose weight and boost brain function.
Stress relief and mood boost
The heat of a sauna can help to reduce your stress levels. A study of women with breast cancer found that using a sauna three times a week for 12 weeks reduced their stress levels. Saunas can also help to improve your mood by increasing the production of endorphins. Endorphins are hormones that reduce pain and boost feelings of well-being. They can help to improve sleep and reduce feelings of anxiety.
Skin benefits
Using a sauna can improve blood flow to the skin. This can help to prevent things like cellulite and spider veins. A study of postmenopausal women found that those who used a sauna three times a week for 12 weeks had improved skin elasticity and reduced wrinkles. There are many different types of sauna, and they each have their own benefits. Traditional saunas can help to remove toxins from your body. Steam saunas can help to calm your skin, which can be useful if you suffer from acne. Saunas can help to reduce the appearance of cellulite by improving blood flow to the skin. This can also help to improve the appearance of your skin in general.
Conclusion
If you’re interested in trying a sauna, there are a few things you should know. First, saunas are meant to be used in moderation. Too much time in the sauna can lead to dehydration, so be sure to drink plenty of water and take breaks if you start to feel dizzy. Depending on the type of sauna you choose, the experience can vary slightly. Each type has different benefits and advantages, so it’s up to you to decide which one is best for your needs and lifestyle. Of course, the best way to experience the health benefits of a sauna is to regularly use one.