Did you know?

Sauna bathing produces similar benefits as aerobic exercise, and a post-workout sauna compounds exercise benefits 🏃‍♀️🏋️

A journal review that just came out in Mayo Clinic Proceedings said that sauna bathing is so beneficial for the cardiovascular system that it’s a good alternative for people who cannot exercise because of physical limitations.

So how is it done?

Sauna bathing is especially common in Finland and other Nordic countries, and here’s how they do it:

🔥 The sauna is dry, with a temperature of 150 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.

⏰ A session involves short bursts of 5-20 minutes in the sauna, alternating with intervals of cooling off in a pool or cold shower.

🗓️ Sessions are done 1-3 times a week.

Saunas will make you sweat! If you do decide to try it, take it slowly at first and listen to your body. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, take time to cool down, and leave if you feel dizzy or unwell. Remember—none of this is medical advice!

I’m all for working smarter, not harder, and sauna is one of those practices that packs a big benefit with a little effort.

Reference

Kunutsor SK, Laukkanen JA. Does the Combination of Finnish Sauna Bathing and Other Lifestyle Factors Confer Additional Health Benefits? A Review of the Evidence. Mayo Clin Proc. 2023;98(6):915-926. [link]