Why taking a sauna after exercise is healthy

How do sauna and exercise relate?

Many gyms now offer saunas. And rightly so! Because a sauna session after a workout is healthy.

You can read in this article why saunas are so healthy after exercise and what you need to consider.

Why is the sauna so healthy?

Sauna culture originated in Northeast Asia, but it was ultimately the Finns who cultivated it. For over 1000 years, bathing in hot air has been considered a panacea for stimulating the immune system.

Especially in the cold winter months, regular use of the sauna supports our immune system. But even in all the other warm and hot months, it helps to strengthen our body and increase well-being.

In the classic Finnish sauna, starting at 70-80 degrees, the body sweats profusely, which leads to detoxification.
Blood circulation is stimulated, boosting the immune system, and at the same time, relaxation and inner calm set in.

During exercise, our muscles are heavily used, leading to microscopic muscle injuries.
The sauna helps the muscles relax. This is especially good for strains and tension. Sore muscles can also be relieved with the help of heat.
Regeneration and metabolism are thus positively influenced, and your mind can also find peace.
Especially in combination with invigorating or relaxing sauna infusions, you can really breathe deeply and clear your head.

To strengthen and maintain the positive effect, it is important to exercise regularly and go to the sauna regularly.
Your body will thank you for it in the long run.

Sauna after exercise. What you should consider:

Take a short break after your workout, give your body and circulation some time to wind down.
Shower beforehand, it's more hygienic and helps the body sweat better. Take 30 minutes for preparation and don't forget to drink enough.
Mineral water, spritzers, non-alcoholic beer and unsweetened mineral-rich fruit juices are perfect for this.
For muscle regeneration, ample hydration is enormously important.

Listen to your body. You want to strengthen it, not weaken it.
Take 15-30 minutes break between sauna sessions.
Beginners should not do more than two sauna sessions to give the body time to get used to the new ritual.

A sauna session of 15 minutes should not be exceeded to avoid weakening the body.

Cooling down after the sauna is important. But please not with ice-cold water as this could strain the circulatory system. Start with your hands and feet before showering your entire body. A water temperature of approx. 25 degrees is optimal.
Before leaving the house to resume other activities, make sure you are properly cooled down and completely dry to prevent a possible cold.
 

Can you go to the sauna before exercising?

The answer is no!
Sauna use already stresses the body like a proper sports session. Your pulse rises, you sweat, and the energy you need for the sports session is released. In addition, the body loses a lot of fluids that the body also needs during exercise.

When should you avoid a sauna session?

- if you notice that you are exhausted after a very intense workout. Because then the sauna session could be a strain. Give your body the rest it needs.

- People with a weakened immune system should generally be very careful and possibly consider a gentle steam bath in the bio sauna or an infrared cabin.

- If you are already ill with a cold or flu-like infection, you should wait until you are fully recovered.

- In case of discomfort and during pregnancy

- In case of known cardiovascular problems, you should consult a doctor before your first sauna session.