Athletes are always looking for an edge. They train hard, eat right, and get plenty of rest. But what if there was something else they could do to improve their performance? This is where infrared saunas come in. Infrared saunas are becoming increasingly popular with athletes for their many benefits. Curious? Then follow on for How Does an Infrared Sauna Benefit Athletes?
What Are Infrared Saunas and How Do They Work?
Infrared saunas are a type of sauna that uses infrared light to heat the body. Infrared light is a type of electromagnetic radiation, which means it travels through the air and penetrates the skin. Infrared saunas are different from traditional saunas because they don’t use hot air to heat the body. Instead, infrared saunas use infrared light to heat the body directly.
While this might be a new concept for some, infrared saunas have been around for centuries. The first infrared sauna was built in Finland in the early 1900’s. You can visit TH7 BodyLabs today if you want to try out the benefits of using infrared saunas for athletes or people who are always on the go.
How Do Infrared Saunas Benefit Athletes?
There are many benefits of infrared saunas for athletes, including:
Increased Circulation
One of the main benefits of infrared saunas for athletes is increased circulation. The infrared heat helps dilate the blood vessels and increase blood flow, improving recovery time and reducing soreness. Good circulation is essential for athletes because it helps to deliver oxygen and nutrients to their muscles.
Since athletes are constantly putting their bodies under a lot of stress, they often have poor circulation. This can lead to injuries, fatigue, and soreness. Infrared saunas can help to improve circulation and reduce the risk of these problems.
Detoxification
Another benefit of infrared saunas is detoxification. The infrared heat helps to release toxins from the body, including heavy metals and other toxins that can build up from exercise and training. Athletes are especially susceptible to toxic buildup because of the intense physical activity they perform regularly. Infrared saunas can help to remove these toxins and improve overall health.
Improved Sleep
Another benefit of infrared saunas is improved sleep. This is because the infrared heat can help relax the body and mind, leading to better sleep.
Athletes often have trouble sleeping because of the stress they put on their bodies. This can lead to fatigue and poor performance. Infrared saunas can help athletes sleep better and improve their overall performance by reducing fatigue.
Pain Relief
It’s normal for athletes to constantly deal with the pain that stems from their intensive training and exercise. Infrared saunas can help to relieve this pain by increasing circulation and relaxing the muscles. Once again, the infrared heat helps to dilate the blood vessels and increase blood flow.
This increased circulation can help to reduce inflammation and pain in the muscles and joints. Infrared saunas can also help to relieve tension headaches and migraines.
These benefits make it very clear that infrared saunas can be very beneficial for athletes. If you’re an athlete or just want to improve your health, consider using an infrared sauna. You’ll soon start noticing improvements in your overall health as you detoxify your body and improve your circulation. You may even find that you sleep better and have less pain!
How Often Should Athletes Use Infrared Saunas?
There is no definitive answer to how often athletes should use infrared saunas. However, many experts recommend using them at least once or twice weekly. Some even suggest using them daily. The key is to experiment and see what works best for you.
Athletes need to learn how to listen to their bodies and provide it with what it needs. Infrared saunas can help the body recover from intense workouts and prevent injuries. Therefore, it is something that athletes must consider incorporating into their training regimen.
Are there Risks to Using Infrared Saunas?
Even though infrared saunas offer many benefits, there are still some risks to using them. For example, infrared saunas can cause dehydration because of the heat. Therefore, it is essential to make sure you drink plenty of fluids before and after using an infrared sauna.
Infrared saunas can also cause burns if you are not careful. The risk of burns increases if you have fair skin or are taking certain medications that make your skin more sensitive to heat. It is essential to talk to your doctor before using an infrared sauna if you have any concerns about the risks. This way, you can ensure that infrared saunas are safe for you.
What to Do after Using an Infrared Sauna
Since an infrared sauna session can be quite intense, it is essential to take some time to relax and rejuvenate afterwards. Here are a few things you can do to help your body recover:
Drink Plenty of Fluids
It is very important to drink plenty of fluids after an infrared sauna session to help replenish any fluid loss due to sweating. Make sure to drink water or another electrolyte-rich beverage to help prevent dehydration.
Eat a Nutritious Meal
Eating a healthy meal after an infrared sauna session will help replenish your energy levels and promote muscle recovery. Choose foods that are rich in protein and antioxidants to help repair any damage caused by free radicals during your infrared sauna session.
Get Some Rest
Last but not least, make sure to get plenty of rest after using an infrared sauna. This will help your body recover from the intense heat and allow your muscles to repair themselves. By taking the time to relax and rejuvenate after an infrared sauna session, you’ll be sure to reap all the benefits this amazing therapy offers.
When is it Unsafe to Use an Infrared Sauna?
Infrared saunas are an excellent tool for athletes to use in their recovery arsenal, but there are some cases where one is not advisable. If you’re pregnant, have a pacemaker, or are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you should avoid using an infrared sauna. Additionally, if you have any open wounds, you should avoid using these until they’ve healed.
If you have any other health concerns, it’s always best to consult a doctor before using an infrared sauna. Other than that, infrared saunas are an excellent way for athletes to speed up their recovery time and reduce soreness (DOMS) after workouts.
Tried an infrared sauna? Which methods work best for you to recover after workouts? Let us know in the comments below and on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram!
