Any Benefits of Suanas and Steamroom?

[Ploppytheman]

My friend always tries to get me to go into the Sauna and Steamroom. Its relaxing but I was wondering if there are any benefits or harmful effects of the sauna. I haven't really been able to find much online besides if u have heart problems its bad. And you get dehydrated... really I would never have guessed.

[Young Athlete]

Suanas are good if you mix the hot cool effect for example sauna-pool would be good now say 2X you do this you will be feeling pretty good. As for dehyrdation just make sure you drink lots of water afterwords.

[bigwhat62]

i would believe its just for a relaxation type use.

[2hai]

There are studies that show that Sauna's and Steamrooms can help improve how fast you recover from a workout. I remember reading "Science of Sports Training" by Thomas Kurz that sauna's right after a workout, studies showed no results more or less. After 3 hours from working out, there showed some effects to improving the rate of recover. After 6 hours of working out, there was a greater effect. Results were best when the sauna's were used in a 5-7 min duration where afterwards you would take a hot shower for about 2 min, a cold shower for several seconds outburst, and then lukewarm water for a minute. Afterwards you would cool down for about 5 min. This is done up to 3-4 times.

Well some of the benefits of sauna's is that it'll keep you from getting fevers and such. Sauna's will raise your body temp similar to a fever. The end result is that your body develops more white blood cells for better immunity. As for what I've read above. I think the gaps between your workout and sauna has to do with letting your body hydrate again and refuel. Sweating is another way to release out all the toxins out of our bodies. I guess after 3 or 6 hours is the best time to do so. Releasing toxins is good because your body can spend less time on that and more time on quickly recovering your body from your workouts.

[sifaan]

In Estonia (I'm not Estonian, but lived there for 1.5 years) sauna is a big part of the culture - you stayed in the superhot (Finnish/Estonian sauna's tend to be hotter than others) sauna for as long as you can, then go in the cold for a bit (either jump in a hole in the ice in winter, or a cold shower in summer) then back to sauna, ice, sauna, ice, etc.

I wasn't into any kind of training then, but it really did help to loosen up any tight muscles (e.g. any niggles from a day of sitting at the desk, etc.). I've heard you can achieve a similar affect (but not so intense) by alternating hot and cold water in the shower (called a contrast shower).