There's a lot of debate over using the sauna before or after a workout and some even ask: are saunas good for you in any regard?. Well, it's time to talk about the benefits of a sauna today and show that saunas are indeed "good for you."
Here are the key points that you need to know about the benefits of using a sauna:
1) Even without exercise, there are definite benefits of a sauna
Independent of exercise, people who use the sauna can expect increased performance on endurance tests. Sauna use also releases IGF-1 which is a precursor to HGH and can prevent muscle loss and fat gain!
2) Using a sauna will make you live longer
Yes, you heard that right and this helps put to bed the question of "are saunas good for you" once and for all. You see, sauna use causes you to release Heat Shock Proteins which have been proven to extend life in both rats and humans.
3) Saunas boost your brain
Staying in the sauna for around 30 minutes increases your norepinephrine 3-fold (helps with mental focus) and prolactin 10-fold (improves the efficiency of the cells in your brain).
4) Saunas protect your brain
Sauna use is linked to decreased shrinkage of your hippocampus and allows you to continue to create new brain cells even as you age.
5) Saunas pump you up
Staying long in the sauna will increase blood flow to your muscles and allow for the greater uptake of vital nutrients.
6) Saunas are kind to your heart
When used in moderation, saunas can reduce your resting heart rate and improve your overall cardiovascular system.
So, are saunas good for you? I think with the evidence we have to date, the benefits of a sauna are quite clear.
Any questions or comments - feel free to leave them below :)
