

In fact, many gym memberships include the use of the gym's sauna or steam room.

Both saunas and steam rooms are relatively inexpensive post-recovery methods. When determining which is better for post-workout recovery, the good news is that there is no bad option. In addition, passive heating methods such as saunas and steam rooms can help an athlete acclimate to warm climates 4.
#Sauna and steam room free
Some of the benefits include a decrease in free radicals from endurance exercise and improved fitness markers 3. Many studies examining the performance and health benefits of sauna vs steam room are done with endurance athletes. After using infrared saunas, the basketball players reported improved symptoms from DOMS and increased explosiveness and muscle function. A group of basketball players performed a specific strength and conditioning workout with ballistics. This study found that over the study's 8-day duration, the group who partook in sauna use had a better range of motion and less discomfort from delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS).Ī 2018 study also showed that the sauna after a workout had a positive effect on both delayed onset muscle soreness and actual athletic performance 2. Having said that, more research is needed on both saunas and steam rooms.Ī study from 2015 examined sauna use as a form of post-workout recovery in young adults performing muscle damaging wrist flexion 1. We understand the majority of you are probably interested in figuring out whether a steam vs sauna room is effective for muscle recovery, so let's get into that first. To date, we can say that the studies that have been done look promising. Saunas vs Steam Room: Do They Improve Your Workout Recovery?
#Sauna and steam room how to
How to effectively use the sauna or steam room to optimize your health.Differences between sauna and steam room health benefits.Health benefits of saunas and steam rooms.Importance of muscle recovery & heat therapy.Saunas vs steam room: Are they good for muscle recovery?.But what exactly are these benefits, and more importantly, are they backed by science? In a time where most things supposedly provide health benefits, deciphering the truth from money-making scams can be difficult.Īnd that's where we come in! This article will examine the two popular forms of heat therapy, saunas and steam rooms, and their research-backed benefits. This is because these artificial sweat machines are becoming well-known for both their general health and performance benefits. Originating from Finland and Scandinavia, you can find saunas and steam rooms around the world, even in South Florida and the Caribbean, where "cold" means anything below 80 degrees. And what's not to like? Between the poshness, spa-like feel, and relaxation, heat therapy can feel downright luxurious.

Saunas and steam rooms are quickly becoming a favorite form of passive recovery for gym goers and fitness professionals.
