But before we get into that, what are saunas?
Originally practiced in Finland for pleasure and relaxation, the definition of a sauna is a high temperature environment you sit in for a short period of time as a form of passive heat therapy.
Maybe when you hear the word you think of the movies where men with a towel around their neck and waist sit and sweat. Not the most inaccurate image, but is that who saunas are geared toward? Or do these men have something figured out all walks of life need to jump on board with?
Your basic google search will say saunas are to promote muscle recovery– that’s just the tip of the iceberg. In depth studies have been conducted on numerous inward effects of sauna bathing that make me want to ditch writing this post to go experience it myself!
Let me stop you right there if all you’re hoping to hear is that saunas make you lose weight. The studies we’re talking about are searching for far more important health measurements than weight alone.
Longevity is what we’re after, not a quick fix to overeating dinner one night.
5 Positive impacts of sauna bathing 4-7x per week on health:
- Decreases risk of cardiac death (heart-related illnesses)
- Reduces risk of Alzheimer’s + dementia (whether because of neurocognitive protective effects or enjoyment that prevents/delays memory loss is unknown)
- Improves lung function for those with asthma or pneumonia, also reduces likelihood of developing pneumonia in the first place
- Improves pain and symptoms of arthritis and other joint pain ailments
- Lessens headache intensity
Evidence needing more research suggests saunas may cause a reduction in depression due to a study showing a 78% reduction in developing psychosis and benefit those with psoriasis due to, “an increase in hydration of the stratum corneum, and faster recovery of both elevated water loss and skin pH” (so basically just good for skin hydration and function). Physical function, vitality, social functioning, and general health are all reported to be greater in sauna users versus nonusers.
Right now you might be telling yourself: I don’t have a sauna in my living room, so… how can I get into sauna baths on my own? Is it only for the professional athletes and superstars of this world or can anyone experience the benefits from it?
Most gyms with pools and many private gyms (a little pricier, yeah) will have a sauna but some common gym chains that do have saunas are; Crunch Fitness, Gold’s Gym, LA Fitness, 24 Hour Fitness, YMCA, Snap Fitness, Lifetime, and Equinox gyms.
The positive effects listed may not be what you were hoping to hear, but as we age, our bodies and minds functioning at high levels will matter so much more than the muscle definition we wanted in our twenties.
Let’s nourish our bodies and minds, friends! Be on the lookout for a post on ice baths and cold therapy coming soon.