Article 8 Compelling Reasons Why Every Day is a Great Day for a Sauna (Bet you can’t “weight” to discover reason #4!) By Probuilt Staff November 06, 2022

Since Roman times, people have enjoyed the benefits of saunas. For centuries, people have realized just how conducive they can potentially be to good health. The Roman and Greek bathhouses of yesteryear paved the way to the saunas of today. Not only were they made to help purify and detoxify the body, but they have also become social meeting places for individuals to gather. In fact, many gyms today have saunas for their members.

What is a Sauna?

A sauna is a small room typically heated between 150°-195° F, which translates to 65°-90° C. Saunas are usually created with unpainted wood interiors and have temperature controls. A sauna is used to warm up the body and can be used in many ways. Some people like to relax in one after working out. Others prefer to enjoy time in a sauna as a form or relaxation. Others, still, may use them for certain health benefits.

Just as with anything, however, there are benefits and perhaps misconceptions about saunas. Hopefully, we can clear the air a bit, as there are many positive reasons to enjoy using a sauna.

1. Saunas help relive sore muscles. Saunas are common features in workout facilities for this every reason. The heat from a sauna helps stimulate increased blood circulation to the skin, and, as a result, to the muscles. After you work out, your muscles become flooded with lactic acid, which happens naturally after exercise. However, the acid can create soreness. A sauna may promote the necessary increased blood flow to help ease and relieve those associated aches and pains faster than room temperature could.
2. Saunas promote clearer skin. Saunas are a popular choice for individuals who struggle with skin conditions. When you sit and relax in a sauna, your skin may feel cleaner, and evidence even suggests that steam in a wet sauna is more effective than washing your face to clear away blemishes. Why? The heat makes your skin sweat and opens up the pores. Bear in mind, though, that blemishes caused by medications or hormones may not respond in the same manner. A sauna may not be quite as effective under those conditions.
3. Saunas may help rid your body of toxins. The widely held belief about saunas is that they can help you fight off a cold or other viruses. People believe that sitting in a hot sauna helps to discharge toxic chemicals, leading them to feel better. However, this is not fully true. Your liver can process toxins well enough on its own. That being said, when you spend time in a sauna, be sure to stay hydrated. When you are dehydrated, it can slow down the work of your liver. Just a good note to self!
4. Saunas may help in weight loss efforts. We lose weight over the long term by reducing caloric intake and boosting our time exercising. However, many people have come to realize that sitting in a sauna may help in this goal, as well. Granted, the weight lost while sitting in a sauna is water weight, but the heat of the sauna can increase your metabolism and burn more calories than if you were just sitting on the couch watching TV. However, we still recommend cutting back on calories and increasing your physical activity when working towards long-term weight loss goals.
5. Saunas help with relieve from chronic pain. Individuals with chronic pain have used saunas since ancient Roman times to help alleviate their condition. Some patients even use heat treatment to manage their pain in lieu of taking prescription drugs. People with mobility issues often find using a sauna is easier than getting into a tub of hot water to help with their pain.
6. Saunas may improve the health of your heart. Researchers have determined that increased frequency of using a sauna was associated with a lower risk of sudden cardiac death, cardiovascular disease, and coronary heart disease. In fact, data has shown that regular sauna use has been associated with almost a 50% reduction in heart-related illnesses and deaths.
7. Saunas may increase your lifespan. Since using a sauna may have positive results on your heart health as well as aid in lowering inflammation, it may also lead to a longer lifespan. Saunas not only help reduce the risk of heart diseases, but they may also reduce the risk of all-cause mortality.
8. Saunas may reduce loss of memory. Scientists have discovered that moderate to high frequency sauna use has been associated with a decrease in dementia and Alzheimer’s disease risk. In fact, men who used a sauna between four and seven times a week experienced a lower risk of memory disease compared to the men who only used a sauna one to three times a week.

No matter what your reasons are for using a sauna, please be sure to speak with your health care provider to ensure it is safe for you.

When you are ready to get a sauna of your own, just let us know. You deserve the gift of improved health and well-being, and Probuilt Pool & Patio stands at the ready to deliver! Be sure to browse our exciting portfolio of personal home saunas for both indoor and outdoor enjoyment.