Sauna calorie burns?!?!

girlypop
girlypop Posts: 80
edited October 2 in Fitness and Exercise
Please note that I enjoy a sauna from time to time, simply because I find it relaxing.

Now I came across an article online claiming that saunas 'burn calories'. Lots of sites for companies that sell saunas (with obvious bias) claim saunas can burn up to 800cals a session. Does any one believe this? Some will even claim that saunas can increase your metabolism. How they do this, I don't unnderstand.

Logically if you're sweating your body is working to cool you down so potentially there might be a calorie burn, but 800cals?

Just curious about your thoughts

Replies

  • sleepytexan
    sleepytexan Posts: 3,138 Member
    I wouldn't count it as exercise.
  • YVL93
    YVL93 Posts: 121
    "I wouldn't count it as exercise."
    agreed
  • Pebble321
    Pebble321 Posts: 6,423 Member
    Like you, I would be very sceptical - and certainly wouldn't count calories burnt from sweating.
    And I'm not a fan of saunas anyway, I find it hard to breathe.
  • healthybabs
    healthybabs Posts: 600 Member
    I don't know about "burning calories" but I do know a nice long sauna or steam will make you sweat like crazy which does rid your body of all the toxins, excess salt hence releasing all the unnecessary fluid. Now, it is quite important I believe to drink water like crazy when you are finished to replenish your body with good water. I do steam quite often and find this to be true at least for me.
  • Aviendha_RJ
    Aviendha_RJ Posts: 600 Member
    I don't know about buring calories. But it certainly helps with water retention! If you have problems with water, & take a water pill regularly, a sauna is a good alternative. Also, it helps sweat out toxins without doing dangerous cleanses.

    And how long exactly is one of these "sauna sessions"? 12 hours? You burn 800 calories staying ALIVE & conscious for 12 hours. :tongue:
  • wolfchild59
    wolfchild59 Posts: 2,608 Member
    According to my BodyMedia fit I don't burn any more calories sitting around in the sauna than I do sitting around on the couch.
  • healthybabs
    healthybabs Posts: 600 Member
    According to my BodyMedia fit I don't burn any more calories sitting around in the sauna than I do sitting around on the couch.

    I use a BMF too. You wear yours in the sauna? I am afraid to do that because it is likely I would jump in the pool with it on. I have been known to get in the shower with it on in the morning! Like I said above, I agree, I don't think you burn calories, just sweat out toxins.
  • wolfchild59
    wolfchild59 Posts: 2,608 Member
    Yeah, I wear it in the sauna, but I don't go in the pool after, so that isn't a concern for me. :) I just always take a cool shower after the sauna. Only almost got in the shower once with it on, but that was when I was rushing to get ready to go out after a workout. I'm usually so anxious to have it off for even that short amount of time I've got it off my arm and plugged into my computer well in advance of even getting near the shower.
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