Sauna Users - a few questions for you

porcelain_doll
porcelain_doll Posts: 1,005 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hi there,

I just started using the sauna at my gym after I finish swimming. I would like to know, about how long do you choose to stay in there on average, and how many times per week do you go? I know it is probably a bit different for everyone. I usually stay a good 15-20 minutes or so, about 1-2 times/week. I always feel like I could go for longer, but I'm afraid of over-doing it.

Also, I have done some reading on the health benefits of using a sauna. It is hard to know what to believe, so I'd like to know if any of you have noticed any notable health benefits/improvements as a result of going.

Thanks in advance for any input!

Replies

  • OllyReeves
    OllyReeves Posts: 579 Member
    hmmm if it doesn't relate to a 'Happy Ending' I'm not interested. I'm a fat man, I don't need help sweating :)
  • porcelain_doll
    porcelain_doll Posts: 1,005 Member
    hmmm if it doesn't relate to a 'Happy Ending' I'm not interested. I'm a fat man, I don't need help sweating :)

    I knew you would post that!
  • dwh77tx
    dwh77tx Posts: 513 Member
    I've never wanted to use a Sauna. I live in Houston, and the weather here is like a Sauna every day! I don't understand the people who go in there after their workout with all their clothes on!!??
  • OllyReeves
    OllyReeves Posts: 579 Member
    I have never in all my life been to a sauna where people sit in there with their clothes on. Normally they are near the pool, and you go in in your swimming gear.....dwh77tx.....you're doing it wrong :/
  • larsensue
    larsensue Posts: 461 Member
    doesn't it dehydrate you? or is it supposed to burn out all the water weight? not sure how it works.....
  • AJ_G
    AJ_G Posts: 4,158 Member
    Right around 15 minutes for me, can't usually take any longer than that
  • KristyAnn81
    KristyAnn81 Posts: 128 Member
    At the gym I used to attend, I used to go in for 15-20 minutes every time after I worked out. It felt so good and helped those sore muscles, felt a difference between the times I didn't use it.



    And I never been to a sauna where people kept their clothes on, normally just a towel - or nothing.
  • AJ_G
    AJ_G Posts: 4,158 Member
    doesn't it dehydrate you? or is it supposed to burn out all the water weight? not sure how it works.....

    All it does is heat you up and make you sweat. A lot of people, myself included, go in the sauna after weight lifting to relax and loosen up the muscles.
  • fjrandol
    fjrandol Posts: 437 Member
    My gym has both wet and dry saunas, but I'm not really sure how/when/why to use them. I just know one is all steamy looking and the other isn't. :ohwell: Are you supposed to bring water for yourself or anything like that? I'd be all over that place (especially in the winter) if I knew what to do!

    ETA: I've heard that infrared saunas are beneficial for those of us with fibromyalgia; how can I tell if it's IR or not?
  • iamkass
    iamkass Posts: 122 Member
    I use the sauna at my gym after every workout (which is 5 days a week). I go in after my shower and, as long as the temperature is already at max heat (sometimes I'm the first one to use it so I need to remember to turn in on before my workout), I stay in there for 10 minutes. The length of time would depend on the temperature of the sauna. The one at my gym heats to between 75 and 85 degrees CELSIUS. It says not to stay in more than 10 minutes, and that's about my limit. Your sauna should have a max time on it too.

    At this point, I primarily use it to partially dry my hair (because I'm too lazy for hair dryers) and because I find it relaxing. The only benefits I've noticed is that I can withstand heat better than I could before.. but that might also be because I'm skinnier.

    ETA: The sauna at my gym is a dry sauna.
  • porcelain_doll
    porcelain_doll Posts: 1,005 Member
    Great info so far - thank you! (I've actually never heard of a "wet" sauna.... thought there was just one kind of sauna; will have to Google that.) :smile:
  • AJ_G
    AJ_G Posts: 4,158 Member
    My gym has both wet and dry saunas, but I'm not really sure how/when/why to use them. I just know one is all steamy looking and the other isn't. :ohwell: Are you supposed to bring water for yourself or anything like that? I'd be all over that place (especially in the winter) if I knew what to do!

    ETA: I've heard that infrared saunas are beneficial for those of us with fibromyalgia; how can I tell if it's IR or not?

    I highly doubt any gym you go to is going to have an Infrared Sauna. It's best to just assume that every sauna you go into is not infrared unless it's a personal sauna at someone's house, then it might be.
  • GloMash710
    GloMash710 Posts: 78 Member
    I use my gym's dry sauna almost every time I go, so about 6 times a week. I stay in for 15 minutes, sometimes 20-25 if I have time. I focus on stretching while I'm in there.

    The benefits I've seen is that it helps me be less sore. It purges toxins from your body. It helps get rid of excess water weight (I have issues with excess water)...also, initially I broke out and got really zitty on my arms and face when I started going...now I exfoliate right after and my skin is significantly better. Also, I've noticed that if I don't steam I tend to stiffen up at my desk job. Something about it relaxes me or my muscles...
  • iamkass
    iamkass Posts: 122 Member
    My gym has both wet and dry saunas, but I'm not really sure how/when/why to use them. I just know one is all steamy looking and the other isn't. :ohwell: Are you supposed to bring water for yourself or anything like that? I'd be all over that place (especially in the winter) if I knew what to do!

    ETA: I've heard that infrared saunas are beneficial for those of us with fibromyalgia; how can I tell if it's IR or not?

    I highly doubt any gym you go to is going to have an Infrared Sauna. It's best to just assume that every sauna you go into is not infrared unless it's a personal sauna at someone's house, then it might be.

    Or a spa. I've been to one at a spa before, but you can guarantee that they'll be advertising it that way if it is.
  • Leather_N_Lace
    Leather_N_Lace Posts: 518 Member
    I use the dry sauna after every workout (about 5x a week). I generally stay in there about 20 - 25 minutes. I prefer the dry sauna as to a steam room or wet sauna. There are benefits ranging from alleviating arthritis pain, lowering blood pressure, helping with respiratory disease and clearing up your complexion. The dry heat of the sauna helps the body sweat out toxins and flush excess water and waste. The heat causes the body to react much as it would if you had a fever, activating your immune system, white blood cells and antibodies. A 20-minute session at approximately 165 to 175 degrees F) will burn over 500 calories. In fact, the body's metabolism speeds up similarly to the way it would from physical exercise.
  • fjrandol
    fjrandol Posts: 437 Member
    My gym has both wet and dry saunas, but I'm not really sure how/when/why to use them. I just know one is all steamy looking and the other isn't. :ohwell: Are you supposed to bring water for yourself or anything like that? I'd be all over that place (especially in the winter) if I knew what to do!

    ETA: I've heard that infrared saunas are beneficial for those of us with fibromyalgia; how can I tell if it's IR or not?

    I highly doubt any gym you go to is going to have an Infrared Sauna. It's best to just assume that every sauna you go into is not infrared unless it's a personal sauna at someone's house, then it might be.
    that works; thanks!
  • jmreich30
    jmreich30 Posts: 23 Member
    I typically use the dry sauna at my gym for 10-20 minutes after working out, it really depends on how I feel in it to how long I stay. I usually take in water with me to stay hydrated. I like it because it helps relax my muscles and I also feel better and more energized when I leave the sauna. Time to stay in it really is up to you, obviously if you don't feel ok in it you need to get out.
  • cedarblack
    cedarblack Posts: 63 Member
    I have a cold shower, then go into the sauna for 10 minutes, then I get out and have another blast under the cold shower, then another 10 minutes.

    It feels great and does wonders for my skin too!
  • almostheavengroup
    almostheavengroup Posts: 6
    The claims about detoxing and weight loss in a sauna are incorrect. No sauna, infrared or traditional, does these things.

    Saunas DO increase your circulation, which is beneficial (as long as you don't have any underlying health conditions). They can help with the appearance of your skin and hair, they can also help ease respiratory problems, and of course they help you to relax and let go of your stress.

    Saunas are traditionally used in waves. You go in for an amount of time that is comfortable for you, come out and cool down, and repeat. Many people use cold plunges or cold showers to cool down quicker. You can stay in a sauna for as long as you're comfortable. If you feel light headed, dizzy or uncomfortable, leave right away and cool off.

    Always stay hydrated, as dehydration is a real concern when using a sauna.

    As far as telling the difference between infrared and traditional...a traditional sauna uses a heater with hot rocks upon which you can sprinkle water (the Finnish tradition of loyly). Infrared saunas don't feel like a real sauna and don't have hot rocks.

    Which brings me to my last point. A "wet" or "dry" sauna is the difference between sprinkling water on the hot rocks. Even in a "wet sauna" (after water is sprinkled on the rocks) the humidity is relatively low. Many people erroneously call a steam room a wet sauna.

    Saunas are made of porous materials, such as wood, and use the type of heater described above. Steam rooms, on the other hand, are constructed of plastic and use a steam generator which pumps out clouds of steam. Although the enclosures are very different their benefits are very similar and deciding on one over the other really just comes down to preference.
  • __Di__
    __Di__ Posts: 1,660 Member
    My gym has both wet and dry saunas, but I'm not really sure how/when/why to use them. I just know one is all steamy looking and the other isn't. :ohwell: Are you supposed to bring water for yourself or anything like that? I'd be all over that place (especially in the winter) if I knew what to do!

    ETA: I've heard that infrared saunas are beneficial for those of us with fibromyalgia; how can I tell if it's IR or not?

    They have an infrared sauna in the gym I go to. I only go once per week and after weights I sit in there for about ten minutes.

    You will know if it is an infrared sauna, as it will have the red lights around the sides, emitting the heat.
  • bunbunzee44
    bunbunzee44 Posts: 592 Member
    it will relax you and increase your blood circulation. and you will be clean once you shower after :P

    oh, our gym has infrared sauna too. I don't use it.
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    They're an excuse for Finns & Swedes to go running naked in the snow..........seriously though, they're relaxing and believed to help with circulation and arthritis pain.

    Unscrupulous manufacturers (especially of the infrared units) promote the erroneous idea that you can melt away the pounds using a sauna.

    If you have access to one they're a great way to relax after a workout :happy:

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