Is sauna use good for athletes?

Sauna use can be particularly beneficial for athletes, as it can help enhance performance, aid in recovery, and reduce the risk of injury. Here are some of the benefits that athletes can derive from using a sauna:

Improved endurance: Regular sauna use can help increase blood flow, which can improve endurance and performance during exercise.

Faster recovery: Using a sauna after exercise can help reduce muscle soreness and inflammation, improving recovery time and allowing athletes to train harder and more frequently.

Increased flexibility: The heat from a sauna can help relax muscles and increase flexibility, making it easier for athletes to perform stretches and other exercises that require a range of motion.

Reduced risk of injury: Sauna use can help increase blood flow to muscles and joints, reducing the risk of injury during exercise.

Weight loss: Using a sauna can help athletes lose weight by increasing their heart rate and metabolism, leading to increased calorie burn and fat loss.

One study conducted in 2018 by the University of Otago in New Zealand found that post-exercise sauna use can improve endurance performance in hot conditions. The study involved nine male endurance athletes who completed three endurance trials in varying heat conditions. The athletes completed one trial without intervention, one trial with post-exercise cooling recovery, and one trial with post-exercise sauna recovery. The study found that the athletes had a significantly improved endurance performance after post-exercise sauna recovery compared to both the cooling recovery and no-intervention trials.

And it's not all about endurance athletes...

The use of infrared saunas before sprinting performance can have potential benefits that may enhance your overall performance.

Here are a few ways in which infrared saunas may potentially impact sprinting performance:

1. Increased blood circulation: Infrared saunas can promote vasodilation, which widens the blood vessels and increases blood flow to the muscles. Improved circulation can enhance the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the muscles used during sprinting, potentially optimizing their performance.

2. Warm-up and muscle readiness: The heat generated in an infrared sauna can help raise your core body temperature and warm up the muscles. This can enhance muscle elasticity and prepare them for explosive movements required during sprinting, potentially improving your sprint performance.

3. Relaxation and stress reduction: Infrared saunas have a relaxing effect that can help reduce stress and tension in the muscles and promote mental relaxation. By reducing pre-sprint anxiety and muscle tension, you may be able to perform at a higher-level during sprints.

4. Muscle recovery: Intense sprinting workouts can lead to muscle damage and fatigue. Infrared saunas may aid in muscle recovery by increasing blood circulation and promoting the removal of waste products from the muscles. Faster recovery between sprinting sessions may allow you to maintain a higher level of performance over time.

Infrared saunas have gained popularity among athletes from various sports for their potential benefits in terms of performance, recovery, and overall well-being. Many professional athletes and sports teams incorporate infrared sauna use into their training and recovery routines. Some notable athletes who have publicly shared their use of infrared saunas include:

1. LeBron James: The NBA superstar LeBron James has mentioned using infrared saunas as part of his recovery routine. He has praised the benefits of heat therapy for muscle recovery and relaxation.

2. Cristiano Ronaldo: The renowned football (soccer) player Cristiano Ronaldo has been known to incorporate infrared saunas into his training and recovery regimen. He has emphasized the importance of recovery methods to maintain his high level of performance.

3. Novak Djokovic: The tennis champion Novak Djokovic has spoken about using infrared saunas as part of his recovery routine. He has mentioned the benefits of heat therapy for muscle relaxation and detoxification.

4. Tom Brady: The NFL quarterback Tom Brady, known for his dedication to health and performance, has reportedly used infrared saunas as part of his recovery routine. He has highlighted the benefits of heat therapy for muscle recovery and detoxification.

It's important for athletes to hydrate properly before, during, and after sauna use, and to avoid spending too much time in the sauna to prevent dehydration.