No one can resist a Finnleo® infrared sauna. Soothing low lighting and gentle heat that warms you through, it’s completely irresistible. So many of us will happily dive in even without knowing the many little known sauna benefits it has to offer. But while most of us are aware that a session in the sauna is great for our health, very few know the full extent of its benefits. And while you certainly didn’t need any more excuse to get in, knowing it feels good while doing good too, certainly helps!
1. Improve Heart Health
One of the little known benefits of saunas is that they can improve heart health. But how? As the heat of a sauna warms your body, your blood cells react by expanding. This increases blood flow significantly, which in turn improves circulation. It’s very similar to the effect of moderate exercise. Blood circulation is vital to cardiovascular health, so adding a sauna to your routine may help keep your heart health in check.
2. Reduce Inflammation
Inflammation in the body can trigger a whole host of health concerns. Everything from arthritis to eczema flares up when the body is too inflamed. While it may seem counterintuitive to add heat to help, saunas are fantastic at reducing inflammation. In fact, a 2018 study found that saunas reduced the amount of C-reactive protein which is a marker of inflammation within the body.
3. Relax The Pain Away
Living with chronic pain is not most people’s idea of a good time. Not only does it have a negative effect on the physical body but it can wreak havoc with a person’s mental health too. Heat works wonders on pain, helping to alleviate tension and release muscles. It also works by allowing the body and mind to relax, which instantly impacts pain.
4. Smash Your Fitness Goals
Beating your PB in long-distance running doesn’t have to only involve never-ending training and focusing on eating right. A study showed that using a sauna after running aided in recovery time, prepared the body for heat during runs, and even increased blood volume. Besides, relaxing should also form an essential part of your wellness routine, keeping the mind calm and the soul happy!
5. Support Weight Loss
We know a skinny body doesn’t always mean a healthy one, but if you’re looking to shed a few pounds, a Finnleo infrared sauna can help. Studies have found that exercise followed by a trip to the sauna helps to increase the amount of weight lost, as opposed to just doing the exercise. So your body gets a nice little post-workout treat and it helps support you in your weight loss goals. It’s a win-win!
6. Improve Flexibility and Range of Motion
If your fitness goal is to become more flexible and improve your range of motion, a sauna is up to the job! Poor flexibility is often caused by inactivity and not stretching properly (if at all). And stretching without warming up your muscles up properly could even cause injury! Give your body and muscles a head start to a beneficial stretch session with a sauna bath. You’ll be less likely to hurt yourself, and a gentle stretch with warm muscles will just feel good.
These are just a few of many little know sauna benefits. If you’d like to add a Finnleo infrared sauna to your home, they are available at all of our locations in the DFW area.