For those who have tried it, the promise of a sauna suit is great—enjoy your bathhouse experience without all the bathrobe restrictions. When you’re not lying in the tub, you can work out, cook dinner, or just relax. And who doesn’t love relaxing to the soothing sounds of trickling water? Now, before you rush out and buy that first-class ticket to wellness, let’s examine the science behind weight loss in a sauna.
The Bikini Version Of a Sauna
For decades, the traditional full-body swimsuit has captured the attention of beauties around the world. Picked at by Hollywood glamour girls and adorned with colorful stripes and chevrons, it was the staple of every woman’s beach holiday throughout the 20th century.
Since the 1950s, however, the two-piece bikini, designed to expose more leg than conventionally acceptable, has taken over the world of chic, and today, it’s the most popular shape globally. In 2019 alone, more than 600 million pieces of clothing and swimwear were sold globally.
As great as a two-piece bathing suit is, it’s not ideal for everyone. If you’re larger-boned or have a larger appetite, a full-body suit, at least in theory, will provide superior support.
Heat Causes Weight Loss
While some might argue that the warm water of a sauna causes weight loss through sweating, the simple truth is that heat causes weight loss. When your body is exposed to the air, or more specifically, when your body’s thermostat is triggered, your metabolism increases, resulting in your body using more energy. In addition to which furnace to buy, you need to consider how much sweat you want to generate in order to achieve your desired weight loss.
When the heat is turned up higher, your body temperature can rise quickly—by as much as 10 degrees Fahrenheit, which could be dangerous if not managed properly. When that happens, your body requires more energy to regulate, so you’re better off taking a walk or doing some stretches than going for a swim. Keep your body cool in the sauna by regularly drinking plenty of water and avoiding dehydration or overheating.
Sauna Exercise
Even if you don’t want to sweat it off, there are plenty of health advantages to a regular sauna session. Beyond contributing to weight loss, studies have shown that a 30-minute sauna workout can improve your health by boosting your body’s production of endorphins. In addition, exercising in a sauna can lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, increase your body’s natural killer cell count, and activate genes that produce antioxidants, which protect your body from damage.
If you want to get the most out of your sauna session, try including a few exercises. For instance, you could do some arm circles or leg lifts while sitting in the tub. Or, you could stand and do squats, holding wooden dowels, while the water streams over you. Saunas aren’t just for chilling; you can use them to get in shape too!
Sauna Weight Loss Benefits
When it comes to weight loss, there are countless ways the humble sauna can help. Aside from being a beautiful way to unwind and de-stress, heat causes your body to shed excess weight through natural processes, resulting in a healthier you. Here are just a few of the ways that a sauna can help you attain your perfect weight:
- It promotes detox.
- It clears your skin.
- It aids in collagen synthesis.
- It boosts your body’s immunity.
- It reduces stress.
- It encourages relaxation.
- It’s a great way to de-stress.
- It promotes sleep.
- It promotes natural killer cell activity.
- It helps to reduce inflammation.
In addition to which factors you should consider when buying a sauna, such as heat output and moisture management, there are various other factors that could affect how fast you lose weight when using one. For instance, the type of wood used in the construction of the sauna could have an impact on the rate of weight loss. If you’re not sure what type of wood to buy, then consider buying white oak or cherry wood, as these are more resistant to termites and other types of wood-dwelling insects.
Sauna Usage According To Body Type
Although there’s no exact science to matching the right sauna with your body type, there are a few things you can do to make the process a little easier. First, if you have a larger frame, then pick a deep-seated sauna with a small footprint. These are the best for keeping your blood circulating, so avoid anything with a shallow base or no base at all.
If you have a smaller frame, then opt for an overhead sauna with two decks. These are the best because they provide you with more space for laying down and relaxing in.
If you’re on the hunt for a cheap and cheerful sauna, consider any type of steam room or whirlpool bath as a suitable alternative—most bathhouses have them, and they’re perfect for keeping your body active and in shape while also giving you a decent night’s sleep. If you don’t have access to a whirlpool bath, then a regular steam room will do just fine too.