The summer months are upon us which means one thing: It’s time to shed those extra pounds. Even those who have diligently maintained their weight during the cold winter months may find themselves struggling with their clothing as the temperatures rise.
You might be thinking about trying out a sauna to help you lose weight. Saunas are heating devices that are extremely popular in Europe but only just starting to make their way into the American healthcare system. Many people believe that saunas help them relax and de-stress which in turn promotes weight loss.
The question is: Does an infrared sauna help you lose weight? Let’s find out together.
What Is An Infrared Sauna?
An infrared sauna is a type of sauna that is most popular in Europe but also seen in other parts of the world. It is distinct from a normal sauna in that it emits infrared light rather than heat.
This light (heat) is known to be able to penetrate clothing and reach the skin more effectively. This makes it easier for the body to regulate its temperature. Meaning you might be able to stay in the sauna for longer without feeling overheated.
The lack of physical contact between users and the sauna’s surface makes this type of sauna particularly suitable for those who have difficulties with direct contact. Because it is an infrared sauna there is also no risk of overcooking your food either.
How Does It Work?
The infrared light in an infrared sauna penetrates clothing and reaches the skin more effectively than the heat in a regular sauna. If you are wearing thin clothing such as yoga pants or a bathing suit, you may not feel the heat as much. The lack of physical contact between you and the sauna means that it is less likely to cause burns or other serious injuries. The infrared light also has a gentle soothing effect on the human body. So if you’re looking for a way to destress, you may find that an infrared sauna provides the means to do so.
Why Is It Popular In Europe?
Infrared saunas are popular in Europe not only because of their effectiveness in helping with weight loss and relaxation, but also because of their unique design and functionality. In most cases, these saunas can be integrated into the wall so there’s nowhere for them to go when they’re not in use. This makes them more practical and usable than most other pieces of weight loss equipment. Plus, you don’t need to purchase extra equipment to use them (e.g. a heat lamp).
Can An Infrared Sauna Help You Lose Weight?
The short answer is yes, and the longer answer is a bit more complicated. Like with most weight loss equipment, you need to commit to using it properly in order to see the results that you’re looking for. The good news is that after you’ve seen those results you’ll probably want to continue using the equipment every day. So it’s all worthwhile.
If you’re looking to lose weight, you have numerous options including those listed above, but before you make your selection it’s important to consider what works best for you. Your personal needs should always come first, and you should select the equipment that you think will suit you best. It’s also important to remember that different pieces of weight loss equipment will affect you differently. For example, a treadmill will help you burn calories while a weight loss ball will help you relax and de-stress.
When Should You Use An Infrared Sauna?
If you’re looking for a way to lose weight, you may be wondering when it is best to use an infrared sauna. Like with most other pieces of weight loss equipment, it is advisable to begin using the sauna after you’ve warmed up from your daily workouts. It’s also a good idea to use it after eating, especially if you’ve recently consumed a large meal. The immediate benefits of using an infrared sauna within an hour of exercising or eating are quite noticeable, particularly if you’re experiencing stress or anxiety related to your weight. However, you may experience some benefits even when using the sauna after a longer period of time has elapsed since your last workout or meal. This is mainly due to the soothing effects of the infrared light on the body. If you’re not experiencing any benefits after an hour, then it’s a good idea to wait until you’ve had some time to rest before using it again. This is especially important if you plan on using the sauna more than once a week or every other week.
What Should You Look Forward To After You Lose Weight Using An Infrared Sauna?
Once you’ve seen the results that an infrared sauna can provide, you’ll probably want to continue using it. Not only do you get the benefit of the heat but also that of the soothing infrared light. This means that even after your workout you can de-stress and relax in the sauna. So aside from helping you lose weight, an infrared sauna can also provide you with some long-term benefits. Depending on your personal needs and the type of stress that you experience, you may find that one or more of these benefits may be quite valuable.
People who have used or are currently using an infrared sauna report that it provides them with one or more of these benefits:
- Reduced Stress
- Better Flexibility
- Increased Energy
- Improved Sleep
- Less Anxiety
- Enhanced Wellness
- In some cases, people have even reported seeing improvements in their physical appearance.
While using an infrared sauna does not guarantee that you’ll lose weight, it certainly encourages it. With the increasing popularity of this type of sauna, it is clear that people are realizing the benefits that it provides. So if you’re looking for a way to reduce your stress, increase your energy, and improve your overall quality of life, then it’s worth considering an infrared sauna.