Saunas

I find it helps my muscles not feel as sore later on. Plus it gets rid of extra sodium which Im always over on. I try to drink about the same amount of pure water as I sweat though (weigh before/after) Dehydrated muscles dont functiin as well.

Whether or not saunas "work" depends on what your expectations are.

If you're planning on using a sauna or weight loss for detoxification then the answer would be no.

The only "weight" you'll lose in a sauna is water weight. This will come back as soon as your rehydrate yourself. Failure to rehydrate can lead to dangerous, and in severe cases even deadly, dehydration.

As far as detoxification goes, there is no proof that a sauna will do anything in the way or detoxification. The make up of sweat is "mostly water, some sodium and chloride, and to a lesser extent, potassium" (http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/men/sweating-odor/does-sweating-cleanse-your-system.htm), that's all. Sweating will help clean out your pores, though, by physically pushing dirt or debris out of your skin. Just make sure you shower afterwards.

Saunas DO have actual health benefits, though, including benefits to your circulatory and respiratory systems, a possible boost for your immune system, improvements to your skin and of course rest, relaxation and stress relief.

Keep in mind the benefits I'm talking about here are strictly from a traditional Scandinavian style sauna, and not the new infrared "saunas". If you want a real sauna bath, go with a traditional one - the kind that has a heater with hot rocks that you can sprinkle water over.

If you want an environment that is similar to a closet with a space heater inside, you might want to consider infrared. Just don't expect to get the same health benefits from infrared as you would from traditional.