Saunas for Athletes

 Although cold baths have been getting a good share of attention lately, the many benefits of saunas for athletes shouldn’t be overlooked. Saunas offer several benefits for athletes, including muscle and joint recovery, improved blood circulation, and enhanced endurance. Besides their effective use in acclimation for a competition in a warmer climate, regular sauna bathing may be a helpful recovery strategy by loosening muscles, increasing blood flow, and aiding in the fast removal of metabolic waste and lactic acid build-up. Additionally, sauna exposure can lead to greater blood circulation to muscles, increased protein muscle synthesis, and improved fitness, which may contribute to greater muscle growth and better adaptation to training.

Furthermore, sauna bathing can stimulate the production of heat shock proteins and human growth hormone, which are essential for muscular recovery and growth (Selsby et al., 1985).

Moreover, research has shown that sauna exposure can improve endurance and aerobic capacity, as well as help in reducing heat stress and fatigue during exercise. (Kirby et al., 2021; Scoon et al., 2007).

All said, incorporating sauna sessions into an athlete’s routine may be a valuable recovery tool improving recovery, performance, and overall well-being.