The many benefits of infrared ray saunas have been known by athletes for years. The results come from regular use of these infrared saunas. Athletes see increased physical performance, greater endurance and heightened levels of tolerance for anaerobic workouts.

The heat emitted from an infrared ray sauna penetrates deep into the body and causes the heart rate to increase, which is a great way to work out your cardiovascular system without putting stress on a sore or injured body. According to the American Medical Association, “many of us who run do so to place a demand on our cardiovascular system, not to build big leg muscles. Regular use of indoor saunas may impact a similar stress on the cardiovascular system, and its regular use may be as effective, as a means of cardiovascular conditioning and burning of calories, as regular exercise.”

For athletes and those on fitness regimens, a sauna can be a supplemental method of burning calories (around 500 calories per sauna session! -Journal of American Medical Association report), a way of getting rid of fat cells and a means of boosting the metabolism. Saunas should not be used as a replacement for a traditional cardio workout, but make a great follow up to a workout as well as a way to stay fit while injuries prevent athletic mobility.

For every gram of transpiration we sweat off we burn 0.586 calories (Guyton’s Textbook of medical Physiology). An athlete can measure how many calories he/she is burning during a given infrared sauna session my measuring their sweat. On average, a human will sweat off half a liter of transpiration during a session, which is equal to 1,000 grams of sweat or 500 calories.

The relaxing effect that deep penetrating infrared heat has on tired, sore or damaged athlete muscles is manifold. The blood vessel dilation and increased circulation brought on by the heat will help tired muscles repair and strengthen themselves more efficiently. Also, the loosening of the muscles, reduction in lactic acids and decreased swelling that are induced by the heat will ease the pain of tight or worn muscles.

A FIR Sauna is perfect as a “heat therapy room” for athletes looking for a pre-workout warm-up to warm up muscles and increase flexibility, helping to prevent injury. Tissues heated to 112 degrees Fahrenheit (45 Celsius) and then stretched exhibit a non-elastic residual elongation of about 0.5-.9% that persists after the stretch is removed. Thus 20 stretching sessions can produce a 10-18% increase in the length of tissues that are stretched in conjunction with infrared heat. (Justus F Lehmann M.D., Williams and Wilkins, Therapeutic Heat and Cold, 4th edition.)

Infrared heat also works in to the ailing joints of an athlete. By relaxing the muscles around the joints, less pressure and strain is put on the area. The joints are notoriously problematic for lacking circulation. The increased circulation coupled with the relaxed surrounding muscles improves the ability of blood flow in to joints which will greatly enhance the speed of healing and repair.

When it comes to more serious injuries such as sprains, athletes should follow the normal protocol of icing and compressing the area immediately after injury. Following these actions the deep penetrating infrared rays will ease the pain and speed the process of recovery.

The popularity of the infrared ray saunas continues to grow as more athletes benefit from the many benefits of regular use. No matter your lifestyle, being able to wind down in an infrared sauna after a neighborhood ball game or a professional event is something to happy about.

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In order to find out more information about the numerous wonderful benefits that come from a FIR sauna, visit HEALTHandMED.com