Sauna?

[speakeasy]

While at the gym today I was walking past the steam and sauna room and I asked myself what exactly does it do for you health wise? I have no idea.

 

[Berlex]

supposed to be good for the skin...by sweating you release toxins...right?

 

[Gem]

There is a lot of rubbish talked about Saunas.

Sweating can clear pores and release toxins,

but really the main effect of a suana and the reason they exist - relaxation.

Pure relaxation - a sauna helps your mental health - it does little for your physical health.

 

[Kev07]

Saunas are a good warm up.

A lot of bodybuilders/power lifters would use a sauna as part of their warm up before they lift, or do whatever

 

[SmoothTalker]

They're definitely also good for circulation as the heat expands all your blood vessals.

I've heard there might be a minor cardio effect as your heart and lungs do work harder to keep you cool. Nothing too major, but for all you guys that think running should be avoided like the plague, it might be a good idea.

There's not a lot of concrete evidence, but lets just say that most north european cultures have used these for centuries, and they're usually quite robust and healthy. Despite the fact that they eat TONS of saturated fat. So, couldn't hurt. At worst you'll have spent 10-15 minutes relaxing.

 

[Warboss Alex]

Despite the fact that they eat TONS of saturated fat.

Why should tons of saturated fat be bad, sauna or no sauna?

 

[mintxx]

Why should tons of saturated fat be bad, sauna or no sauna?

haha why indeed. depends what 'tons' is shorthand for.

mmm bacon rind

 

[SmoothTalker]

True enough, this obsession with cutting natural fats (while stuffing ourselves with trans fats and other garbage) is doing more harm than good.

I guess that's another thing they have going for them, but that's not what this thread is about.

 

[HandyAndy]

Saunas suck, steam rooms are the ****. They make you sweat and release toxins from your body while opening up pores

 

[Ricky]

Of course any weight loss from a sauna is water.

I don't like being in a room sweating with a bunch of other sweaty guys though.