How do saunas work

If you feel dizzy, unwell, or develop a headache while in a sauna, leave immediately and cool down. Make sure to rehydrate with a couple glasses of water after using a sauna. Infrared saunas are gaining popularity at gyms and spas. Many people wonder whether it's OK to work out while they're sick. How do you spot a friend lifting weights? Here's the basic spotting technique for common exercises, as well as tips to keep your workout safe and…. Pelvic floor exercises are important, no matter your gender Here's the most recent research and….

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This article explains whether it's best to have a protein shake before or after your…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Are Saunas Good for You? Medically reviewed by Peggy Pletcher, M. Share on Pinterest. Saunas vs. The benefits of saunas. Risks of using saunas. When to avoid saunas.

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Menopause and memory: Know the facts. How to get your child to put away toys. Is a common pain reliever safe during pregnancy? Can vaping help you quit smoking? Water can be poured onto these rocks to create steam. There are several different types of saunas. For example, Finnish saunas typically use dry heat while Turkish-style saunas have more moisture. Relaxing in a hot, woodsy-scented sauna may be the best part of your gym workout , or an enjoyable experience reserved for vacation. Whether you indulge several times a week or only once a year, saunas can provide relaxation and health benefits, such as reducing minor aches and pains.

These include:. Whether you sauna in public or in private, there are important safety measures you should follow and be aware of:.

The National Health Service NHS warns that becoming overheated in a sauna can be dangerous to the health of the mom and the baby during pregnancy. According to the North American Sauna Society , you should give yourself plenty of time to enjoy a traditional Finnish sauna. These are the steps they recommend you take:. There are different types of saunas.

Some follow the traditional Finnish model, using dry heat with a water bucket and ladle nearby for producing occasional bursts of steam. Others eschew the water bucket, generating dry heat only. Turkish saunas are also popular. These use wet heat, and are similar to steam rooms in function and design. Steam rooms are small, airtight, and designed from materials such as tile, acrylic, or glass which can withstand wet heat.

Saunas and steam rooms often have several seat levels to choose from. Since heat rises, the higher the seat, the higher the temperature will be. Since saunas use dry heat and steam rooms use wet heat, they look and feel differently from each other. Both provide relaxation and varying types of health benefits. Personal preference and your needs may determine which you enjoy most. Many people alternate their use of saunas and steam rooms, or use both during the same visit to the gym.

Saunas were invented in Finland over 2, years ago. Here, sauna bathing is part of a national lifestyle devoted to healthy living and communal activities.