Saunas have been a popular form of relaxation and stress relief for centuries, with many people touting their potential health benefits.
One of the most commonly cited benefits of saunas is their ability to help burn calories, but is there any truth to this claim? Does sauna burn calories?
Quick and short answer is, Yes. While sitting in a sauna can increase your heart rate and metabolic rate, the number of calories burned is relatively small compared to other forms of exercise.
Does sauna burn calories?
However, saunas can still be a valuable addition to your wellness routine, offering relaxation and potential health benefits such as improved circulation, reduced stress, and improved skin health. So, while saunas may not be the most effective way to burn calories, they can still be a great way to unwind and take care of your body.
How different types of saunas work to burn calories?
Saunas are a popular way to relax and unwind, but did you know that there are different types of saunas that work in different ways? The most common types of saunas are traditional Finnish saunas, infrared saunas, and steam saunas.
Traditional Finnish
Traditional Finnish saunas work by heating the air in the room to a high temperature, typically around 80-100°C. This heat causes your body temperature to rise, which in turn causes you to sweat. The sweat helps to detoxify your body by flushing out toxins and impurities, while the heat can help to relax your muscles and relieve tension.
Infrared saunas
Infrared saunas, on the other hand, use infrared heaters to emit radiant heat that is absorbed directly by your skin. This type of sauna operates at a lower temperature than traditional saunas, typically around 50-60°C. Infrared saunas can penetrate deeper into your skin, which can help to increase circulation and improve skin health. They are also said to be more effective at detoxifying your body than traditional saunas.
Steam saunas
Steam saunas, also known as Turkish baths, use a combination of steam and heat to create a humid environment. The humidity can help to open up your pores and clear your sinuses, while the heat can help to relax your muscles and improve circulation. Steam saunas typically operate at a lower temperature than traditional saunas, but the high humidity can make them feel just as hot.
Overall, each type of sauna offers unique benefits for your health and well-being. Whether you prefer the traditional heat of a Finnish sauna, the deep-penetrating infrared heat of an infrared sauna, or the humid environment of a steam sauna, there is a sauna out there for everyone.
How many calories does a sauna burn?
Are you curious about how many calories you can burn in a sauna session? While saunas are primarily known for their relaxation benefits, they can also provide a mild calorie-burning effect.
The number of calories you can burn in a sauna can vary depending on several factors, such as the temperature of the sauna, how long you stay in, and your individual characteristics such as age, weight, and metabolism.
On average, a 30-minute sauna session can burn approximately 150-300 calories, which is roughly equivalent to taking a brisk walk or light jog. However, it’s important to keep in mind that saunas are not an effective way to achieve significant weight loss or burn a large number of calories.
The primary benefits of saunas are relaxation and potential health benefits such as improved circulation, reduced stress, and improved skin health. So, while a sauna session may not provide a high-calorie burn, it can still be a great way to unwind and take care of your body.
FAQs
Conclusion
In conclusion, while it’s true that saunas can provide a mild calorie-burning effect by increasing heart rate and metabolic rate, they are not an effective or sustainable way to achieve significant weight loss as compared to walking a few miles daily.
Instead, saunas should be viewed as a valuable addition to an overall healthy lifestyle, offering relaxation and potential health benefits such as improved circulation, reduced stress, and improved skin health.
Incorporating regular sauna sessions into a healthy diet and exercise routine can indirectly aid in weight loss by promoting a healthier metabolism, but should not be relied on as the sole method for weight loss. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the many benefits that saunas have to offer.