It is no secret that Olympic athletes have some of the most rigorous training regimes out there.
Each athlete has personalized training programs, which include physical training, nutrition, strategic goal planning, injury prevention, and proactive wellness care, among other things.
However, all of the items mentioned above don’t detail the importance of recovery between training sessions and after competition.
Just like training is important, recovery is just as important.
Proper recovery minimizes injury downtime, promotes muscle recovery, reduces tension, and eliminates performance based toxic burdens in the body.
Recovery between training session is important so that the muscles have time to break down and rebuild, making them stronger and more agile.
So aside for taking days off, ice baths, and other methods that athletes use for recovery, here’s one that not many talk about: Infrared Saunas.
What are Infrared Saunas?
While regular saunas induce sweating from extreme heat, infrared sauna heat penetrates the body to raise the temperature internally.
Infrared heat is proven to increase blood circulation which penetrates the muscles and produces muscle repair.
The most common type of infrared light is actually the sun, which provides much needed vitamin D!
Infrared saunas also help reduce stress and promote relaxation and overall well being.
Other benefits of infrared saunas include:
- Soothes joints and muscles
- Releases toxins
- Stress relief
- Clearer skin
- Boosts the Immune System
- Helps burn calories
- Improves sleep
Benefits for Athletes:
Among the benefits listed above, there are benefits specifically for athletes, body builders, and those that are active.
- Endurance boost
- Muscle growth
- Muscle recovery
- Muscle relaxation
- Mental relaxation
In fact, infrared saunas are so beneficial that many salons, spas, and wellness centers now offer sessions, but this can really add up.
You are looking at sessions starting from $65 for 30 minutes and increasing from there.
Not only that but having to make an appointment each time is inconvenient.
We have a better option, purchase your own infrared sauna at home!
You can find them on Amazon starting at $150!
They aren’t too big and can be placed in a workout room, garage or any room in the comfort of your own home.
They are low maintenance and easy to store and put away.
If you aren’t convinced, try a session or two at your local spa or wellness center.
We are convinced you’ll love it so much you’ll want to invest in your own infrared sauna!
Still not convinced?
Read this article from IRDA.org where they share the other benefits of infrared saunas which include other benefits such as improved sleep, aid in burning calories, and reverse effects of EMF radiation.
Infrared Sauna Use:
If you purchase one for your home, healthline.com has a great article on how long you should use the sauna and how often.
It talks about the importance of drinking water, choosing the right temperature, and session times.
We won't go into detail about that in this article because thy did such a great job covering all the topics!
Conclusion
As you can see here, there many benefits to an infrared sauna than just detoxification.
While the mental and cardiovascular benefits of these saunas are outstanding, its health benefits extend to those who seek optimal athletic performance as well.
So whether you are an athlete, body builder, or just an active person looking for ways to improve their overall well being, an infrared sauna might be just what you need!
