Tips For Using A Sauna After A Workout
By All American Fitness
Many gyms and health clubs include saunas in their locker rooms as a way to relax after a good workout. Maybe you have never tried the sauna before, or perhaps you aren’t sure you are using it correctly. Saunas can provide many significant health benefits if you use them the right way. Let’s take a look at some tips for using the sauna after a workout.
DRINK PLENTY OF WATER BEFORE ENTERING
When you work out your body sweats, and you lose a lot of hydration. When you sit in the sauna for ten minutes or so, your body will lose even more hydration. After you have worked out make sure that you drink plenty of water before entering the sauna. This will help your body flush out unwanted toxins.
DIFFUSE ESSENTIAL OILS
If your gym allows you to utilize essential oils in their sauna, you can use a variety of products to enjoy the nice scent and help relax your body while in the sauna. You can diffuse an oil blend called Serenity for relaxing and calm’ vibes. You can even diffuse your favorite scent just as a way of unwinding.
ALLOW YOUR BODY TO COOL OFF
Once you have sat in the sauna from anywhere between two and five minutes, you should allow your body to cool down completely before you exit the sauna or gym. This gives your body a chance to recover, and it lets your muscles relax further. During this cool down period, do some light stretches to prepare (just like you did when you prepared for the workout itself). You can enter the sauna again if you have sufficiently cooled down and you feel like you would enjoy another session before you pack up for the day. You might benefit from a light snack before going back in.
PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR COMFORT LEVEL
It is essential to pay attention to your body when you are in the sauna. If you are starting to feel like you can’t tolerate the heat anymore, then it is time to get out. If you recover and feel like you can go back in, then try it out. Don’t feel like you have to be uncomfortable for the process to work in your favor.
It is important to realize that saunas only provide you with benefits if you are using them the right way. If you need assistance on site, you can always ask one of the staff members to show you how to get things going.
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