benefit of saunas?

amysmartin

Do any of you use saunas before or after workouts? What is their benefit?

I've used them on spa days but never in conjunction with a workout. My fitness center has one and there are always people using it. Just curious... thanks!

fosterks

I don't know if it is beneficial, but I use the sauna after most workouts. It relaxes everything, and stops you rushing about having a shower then rushing out the door, just makes you stop. Also I find it makes my skin feel so nice, and I use it as motivation during a workot - 'If I work hard then I deserve the sauna!'

AsaThorsWoman

Flushes toxins out of your organs.

AsaThorsWoman

It's like a shower for your insides before the shower on the outside

iTim__

After my cardio and weight resistance, I like to alternate between the steam room, sauna, and hot tub with swimming a lap or two. The hot cold mix reminds me I'm alive. (If you're thinking ewww sweaty water, no worries, i shower off between steam/sauna and swimming).

I've often wondered the same thing though... are there benefits to the sauna or steam room that I should know about in conjunction with my workout?

Heart health tip: If you've high blood pressure, you've got to be careful about using any of these. Talk with your Dr. (There, that should make my lawyers happy.)