Sauna Addict!

I'm addicted to the sauna, and if you have access to one you should be too! Not only is it a great way to relax and stretch after your workout, but the health benefits are many! While outwardly relaxed, your inner organs are as active as though you were jogging or mowing the lawn. At the same time, you are being cleansed from inside out by the skin, your body's largest organ and its excretion, sweat. For more on sweat, read here.

When taking a sauna, skin temperature rises to 40°C (104°F) and internal body temperature rises to about 38°C (100.4°F). Exposure to the high heat creates an artificial fever state. Fever is part of the body’s natural healing process. Fever stimulates the immune system resulting in increased production of disease fighting white blood cells, antibodies and interferon (an anti viral protein with cancer fighting capability). Read more here.

For the history of the sauna, read here.

General Health Benefits of Sauna use:

• Soothe and relax tired, aching muscles
• Relieve pain from arthritis
• Increase circulation and metabolism
• Rid body of unwanted toxins like heavy metals and even nicotine
• Helps maintain clearer healthier skin
• A sauna session increases pulse rate, breathing rate and blood circulation similar to aerobic exercise
• Burn more than 200 calories in a sauna session
• Releases the body's natural pain-killers (endorphins)
• Leaves you with a healthy, relaxed sense of well-being.