For this week’s Blog post, we focus on the Infrared Sauna and ways to increase performance and health benefits by incorporating sauna-use as part of your training.

The sauna has been around and utilized for a long time to promote relaxation and detoxification, but many people are unaware of all the performance benefits to be gained by frequent sauna use. You know a sauna session feels great and gets you sweating, but did you know that this specific heat training can increase your training potential, healing, and overall health? Check out the studies below to see some examples of why using a sauna is beneficial.

Study #1- Increasing plasma volume in male cyclists with post-workout sauna use:  

This study found that consistent sauna use after exercise can expand blood plasma volume. The result of expanded plasma volume is a greater cardiac output, and higher VO2 at a given effort level, which can have big impacts on training, endurance, and improve athletic performance over time.

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Study #2- A Study of the Health Benefits of Far Infrared Sauna Therapy Conducted by the University of Missouri, Kansas City:

Besides having a positive impact on athletic performance, sauna use can also act as a treatment for certain health conditions. This study shows how sauna use helps people with coronary risk factors such as atherosclerosis, by lowering blood pressure and improving vascular function. 

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Study #3- Sauna as a Valuable Clinical Tool for Cardiovascular, Autoimmune, Toxicantinduced and other Chronic Health Problems

If there weren’t enough reasons to use a sauna in your daily routine, this article will give you one…or five! This publication covers the benefits of sauna therapy and focuses on specific body systems as well as specific health conditions that sauna therapy can improve. Health conditions include hypertension, congestive heart failure, and post-myocardial infarction care, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic fatigue, chronic pain, and addictions. Sauna therapy has a positive impact on the respiratory system, Cardiovascular system, and immune system as well.

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So if you are looking for that special something to boost your training and performance to the next level, try using our infrared sauna at Recharge! As you can see from the research articles, the evidence strongly displays the benefits of sauna use and supports incorporating it into training. Get a hormone boost in just 5-15 minutes or aim for over 30 minutes to get added endurance benefits! Even if you’re not an athlete, the studies also clearly show that consistent use of a sauna can help improve physical ailments and certain health conditions. So why not give it a shot? Especially during these cold winter months, the sauna will warm you up fast while leaving you feeling energized and warm for the rest of the day! So come to Recharge and we will get you set up with an awesome sauna session! #youbetter

Related Articles:

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The Importance of Off-Season Athletic Recovery

Active Recovery Tips for Better Performance