Benefits of Saunas vs. Steam Rooms
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.
Transcript
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)