21ST DECEMBER 2017
3 Reasons You Should Use the Sauna and Steam Room
A lot of people consider a trip to the sauna or steam room to be a form of pampering, a time to chill out. However, have you ever considered why many 24/7 Fitness gyms have fantastic saunas and steam rooms available to members?
What is the difference between the sauna and steam room?
If you’re unfamiliar, the difference between a sauna and a steam room is in moisture level. In a sauna, you’re getting dry heat. In a steam room, as the name implies, you’re getting steamy, wet heat. Both have similar health benefits, though, so pick based on your preference.
Though both the sauna and steam room provide you with a place to relax and unwind after a workout, there are actually a number of other reasons why you should be using them.
1. They Aid Muscle Recovery
Anyone who works out or visits the gym regularly will be all too familiar with pulled, strained or overworked muscles. In fact, it’s hard to exercise without suffering a damaged muscle at one point or another. However, using the sauna and steam room after a workout could help with recovery. The heat from a sauna and steam room works in a similar way to heat therapy; the heat helps the muscles to relax and it reduces inflammation, both of which aid muscle recovery. The sauna and steam room can also help to reduce muscle soreness.
2. They Can Boost Muscle Strength
As someone who works out, you’re probably going to be interested in boosting muscle strength and ensuring your muscles are working to the best of their ability. Well, a trip to the sauna and steam room could help. Many athletes use saunas to help with their performance, as muscle strength tends to increase after sauna use. In fact, sauna use can build muscle strength considerably when used frequently over a long period of time.
3. They Can Improve Heart Health
Sauna and steam room use isn’t just beneficial to the muscles you use when working out, a visit to the sauna or steam room can also improve the health of your heart. The high temperatures cause blood vessels to expand; this leads to improved circulation and lower blood pressure.
With the possibility of improving muscle recovery, reducing blood pressure and improving muscle strength many view saunas and steam rooms as an important part of their fitness routine. Next time you finish a workout and have some time to spare, consider a visit.
Did you know the sauna and steam room can help with weight loss?
Yes, that is right, by spending regular intervals in the sauna or steam room after a workout, you can lose a little bit of water weight. It can also assist in body mass loss, as well, if done in two to three 10-minute intervals
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