Sauna Routines and When To Use Your Sauna

Saunas can be enjoyable to indulge in after working out, but when used to their maximum efficiency they are also incredibly therapeutic. Find out when to use a sauna to maximize your exposure, and learn more about why to use a sauna when sick.

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Most people have walked into a sauna after a workout or while at a health spa, but they may not know the best time to use a sauna. It might even surprise you to learn that you can use a sauna when sick. Believe it or not, if you maximize your sauna experience, you will get more out of it than just some soothing heat. When to use a sauna plays a large role in the many health benefits that you reap from a quick visit. Saunas bring with them many health benefits. Installing in-home saunas is actually becoming quite trendy because they help you rest sore muscles, boost blood circulation, aid weight loss efforts, and more. You can even use a sauna when sick to boost recovery!

When is the Best Time to Use a Sauna?

Of course, before installing a sauna or buying a health club membership, take a few minutes to learn a bit more about when to use a sauna.

Saunas are excellent to use after a workout, but you must start slowly. The first time you use a sauna, only stay in for eight to 10 minutes. After that, you can pace how long you stay based on how you feel. Then rest and allow your body to cool down. Once your body temperature returns to normal, head into the sauna for a second and third session of 15 minutes.

You should aim to use the sauna at least once a week for at least two to three sessions, but if you are healthy, consider visiting the sauna a few times a week. Some people who are healthy and fit use the sauna daily. In fact, a promising study revealed that athletes who use the sauna between four to seven times a week reduce their cardiac risk by as much as 70%.

The benefits you want from your sauna will also heavily influence the best time to use the sauna. If you are looking to detoxify your skin, you might consider a cold plunge first. On the other hand, if you are focused on clearing your nasal passageways, then just walking in and choosing to use a sauna when sick might always be the right call.

Workout or Daily Spa Sesh, When To Use a Sauna?

As mentioned, there is never a wrong time to indulge in a sauna, but some people have strong thoughts about the best time to use a sauna. Some people love to relax their muscles in the sauna following a workout because it helps loosen joints and alleviate simple aches. Those with arthritis or inflammatory conditions often find that sitting in a sauna during the morning is the best time to use a sauna because it acts like natural pain relief.

You can even use a sauna when sick because it will help your body dispel germs and loosen your nasal congestion. The truth is that while it may relax you after a workout, when to use a sauna should be based on when you have the time and access. That alone is probably the only accurate answer.

Why Use a Sauna When Sick?

While there have not been many scientific studies to back it up yet, some people strongly believe that you should use a sauna when sick. Some people feel that the high humidity in wet saunas can help improve nasal drainage, while others claim that the high temperatures in dry saunas weaken the ability of cold and flu viruses to harm the body. Overall, most people who use saunas regularly notice that they get over colds and flu quicker if they use a sauna when sick. It is important to remember to opt for a private sauna or a home sauna if you plan to use a sauna to help expel germs so that you don't spread them to others.

Get in the Habit of Showering Around Your Sauna Visits

One great way to boost your time in the sauna is by showering. Whether you choose to shower before or after your sauna depends on what you are doing before you end up using the sauna. Therefore, if you are thinking about when to use a sauna, plan to do it before or after your shower.

Some people prefer to shower before their sauna because they believe that they sweat easier and find it restorative. Showering also helps to get the blood flowing while removing anything that would normally block pores, therefore, allowing them to empty and detoxify fully. On the other hand, others would argue that the best time to use a sauna is before a shower because they love how invigorated and fresh they feel after removing all toxins from their body and washing the residue away. Plus, as a bonus, since you will sweat off the toxins in the sauna, you don't have to worry about using any soap in the shower. A quick rinse is all it takes to remove sweat and residue.

Consider Skinny Sauna Dipping

Most people don't like to go au naturel in a public sauna, but if you have one in your home, then you may want to think about going in the nude. In this case, the best time to use a sauna is when you have some alone time. Clothing often stops heat from fully penetrating your body and skin, which can counteract the full benefits of a sauna. This is even more true if you use the sauna to treat inflammation. Exposing your skin and flesh to the sauna is the best way to receive maximum treatment.

Keep in mind that clothes can also prevent sweat from properly evaporating. Therefore, your body will not cool back down properly if it is unable to sweat. Ideally, you need to keep heating, sweating, cooling, and then preparing this process to get the most benefit.

How Long Should You Stay in the Sauna?

While pondering when to use a sauna, you need to consider how long you can stay in the sauna. Most people use the sauna in cycles because you get the most benefits from cycling your usage. It is recommended that you only stay in a sauna for about ten to 15 minutes before stepping out to allow your body to cool down.

Once you feel your body temperature return to a normal rate, then you will want to enter it again and repeat the process. Some people will even incorporate a cold plunge into the cycle to help freshen their skin. Many studies show that using a sauna at least three to four times a week will help you get the most benefit from it, so there is no wrong time when to use a sauna. Just squeeze in a trip anytime you have time.

Remember to Hydrate

Finally, while you are probably focused on skin exfoliation, increased blood circulation, and/or pain management, it is important to hydrate when you use a sauna. Sweating is a big part of the process which means your body is losing a lot of water. Make sure you keep up with the water loss by drinking two to four glasses of water following any trip into the sauna. If you use a sauna when sick you may need to drink more since your body is actively fighting germs. Believe it or not, you can lose up to a pint of sweat during one sauna session, so make sure to drink while thinking about when to use a sauna.