If you own or have been in the market for a sauna, you’re probably familiar with many of the benefits – stress relief, soothing aches and pains, flushing toxins and more.
But you may not know that many athletes swear by sauna use, not only for the benefits it offers to their athletic performance, but for the overall health and wellness benefits, too.
Athletic Benefits
Ask any athlete and they’ll tell you – the key to success is training. But there is a downside as well. Successful training, without causing damage to the body, requires periods of rest and recovery between sessions so the body can heal. Sauna sessions immediately following training can help reduce recovery time, meaning the athlete in your life gets in more quality training.
Sauna time also offers quality contemplative time for athletes – time to reflect on what’s working in their performance and what isn’t, time to plan new strategies and, frankly, time to relax.
Sauna sessions are also a great time for team building. Regular sauna users often say they’ve had some of their most heartfelt, honest conversations in the warm, dark confines of a sauna – and it’s no different for the members of athletic teams, who need to share a close bond to achieve a successful performance on the field or court.
Coaches at the highest levels around the world encourage their athletes to make regular use of saunas year-round – not just during the season – to get the most benefit. Studies have shown that regular sauna use, much like regular exercise, has a positive cumulative effect on the body. These coaches recognize that sauna use is a tool of health, and want their athletes ready to stay ahead of the game.
Sauna Use for Aging Athletes
If there’s one thing in life we can’t change, it’s the passage of time. Even athletes who were once at the very top of their game get older. Aches and pains become more common. Muscles and joints don’t accommodate exercise like they once did. Sauna use, while not a full replacement for cardiovascular exercise, can offer similar benefits – increased heart rate, sweating, etc. – without the wear and tear on your body. Plus, it feels great!
If you’re interested in learning more about the general health benefits of a sauna, you can read about it on the Helo Saunas website. And if you’re ready to add a sauna to your home, come see us today to learn which model is the best fit for you!
