Athletes and wellness enthusiasts have long been rejuvenating and relaxing with heat therapy, but saunas and steam rooms provide very different experiences. So which one should you choose for a relaxing recovery ritual? Here's how the benefits of a sauna vs. steam room stack up, and how to get the most out of each heat therapy to maximize your recovery.
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00:00 My name is Kayla Jeter, and if there's one thing I've learned from being a fitness coach,
00:04 it's that everyone's wellness process and goals are different.
00:07 So no matter where you are in your fitness journey, we wanted to provide you with some
00:11 info that can help you along the way.
00:17 Saunas or steam rooms?
00:18 Which one makes the most sense for you to try?
00:21 Honestly, there are some benefits to both, but first, let's break down the differences
00:25 between the two.
00:26 Steam rooms are just that, rooms filled with steam.
00:29 The temperature usually reaches between 100 to 115 degrees, with humidity levels close
00:34 to 100%.
00:35 Spa and healthcare professionals typically recommend you spend no more than 15 minutes
00:40 in a steam room at a time.
00:42 Steam rooms are great for alleviating upper respiratory congestion, aka relieving a stuffy
00:47 nose.
00:48 Just make sure to steer clear of them during cold and flu season, as you could easily pick
00:52 up a virus from someone else.
00:54 It also promotes mental and muscular relaxation and improves circulation, which helps overall
01:00 wellness and organ function.
01:01 Saunas, on the other hand, are dry.
01:04 They offer a low humidity environment with temperatures between 180 and 200 degrees.
01:09 Turns out, this type of heat therapy has been used since the Neolithic Age.
01:13 Today, experts recommend you spend a maximum of 20 minutes in a dry sauna.
01:17 In addition to traditional saunas, you can also try an infrared sauna.
01:21 In this version, the source of heat is infrared light, and the body heats at a lower air temperature
01:26 between 135 and 150 degrees.
01:30 That means you can spend more time, up to 45 minutes, in an infrared sauna with reduced
01:35 risk of dehydration and cardiovascular concerns.
01:38 Saunas have long been known for their beneficial effects, including improving circulation,
01:43 relieving pain, and boosting athletic recovery by relieving soreness and tension.
01:47 Want some more prep tips before you hop into a steam room or sauna?
01:51 Head over to Shape.com and learn more about what you can do before you spend a day at
01:55 the spa.
01:56 See you next time!
01:57 (door slams)