Sauna is gaining clinical co-sign. 🔥🩺 A 2021 study looked at the biological impact of sauna, and found that the wellness routine appears to extend healthspan. By mimicking the same physiological and protective responses as exercise, repeated sauna use optimizes stress response — protecting against cardiovascular and neurodegenerative disease. Researchers say sauna-ing can also preserve muscle mass and fight sarcopenia. Science is stacking in favor of the Finnish tradition, with other studies showing: • Saunaing ~3x/week lowers all-cause mortality risk by 40% and CVD death risk by 27%. • Sauna lowers blood pressure and cholesterol—while enhancing cardio fitness and recovery—when paired with exercise. • A single session can improve reaction time, psychological stress, and mood. Heat therapy is being explored as a path to combat depression, dementia, arthritis, and even cancer. Surging with wellness consumers, the global sauna market is expected to top $195B by 2029. [Study: Patrick RP, Johnson TL. Sauna use as a lifestyle practice to extend healthspan. Exp Gerontol. 2021.]
Infrared sauna is a fantastic option for people Who can’t tolerate traditional sauna methods. There are also additional benefits for IR sauna like significantly accelerated detox and fat loss.
Should you sauna before or after exercise?
Great to see the broader fitness industry giving sauna its health due — the science has been there for decades and it’s very exciting to see reputable fitness outlets like Fitt Insider helping spread the word.
I also love to pair it with a cold plunge to do some hot/cold exposure!
Best investment I’ve ever made was putting a sauna in my house. I’ll use post morning walk or at night before bed to wind down. Game changer!
🙋♂️ Does living in Houston count?
This is an incredibly informative diagram making a complex process look simple. Great stuff!
Someone who was born and raised in Finland loves to see the sauna finally gain some popularity outside Finland 😍