Nothing like sitting in a hot room full of gross sweaty strangers to bring the world together.
Ahhhh, the world of saunas and all things sweat. Let me just say this, I HATE sweating. I hate the feeling of it, and sitting in a sauna is my worst nightmare. I don't mind like a good gym session where I slightly sweat, but if I can feel it leaving my body like a river I'm done. I went into a steam room once.... once. I've never gone since. The eucalyptus scent in the air was mixing with the steam and sweat to blind me, so I'm pretty sure someone was trying to murder me. Saunas are a bit better but it takes a bit of time for me to stop feeling like I'm choking on the air.
Anyways... let's talk about the benefits of saunas!
Disclaimer: I'm not a doctor, so this is just what I've heard over the years.
1. They help ease pain. The increased circulation may help reduce muscle soreness, improve joint movement, and can ease arthritis pain. I can agree with this because I did a long cardio session before doing my last sauna and my calves were so sore but the sauna really helped.
2. Reduced stress levels. As the heat increase the circulation, it promotes relaxation. (Now I don't know about you but I don't exactly find trying not to throw my sweat everywhere relaxing. But to each their own and this is scientific so I can't officially argue)
3. Improved cardiovascular health. Saunas can be associated with lower blood pressure and enhanced heart function.
4. Helps skin issues. A dry sauna dries out the skin (duh) so people with psoriasis may find it would help their skin, but those with atopic dermatitis may find it worsens it.
5. Asthma. A sauna may help open air ways, loosen phlegm, and reduce stress related to asthma.
With all that said and done, make sure though if you have health issues to not just trust the internet to help you 100%, check with your doctor before using a sauna because it can make matter worse for certain things.
My last sauna experience I was able to stay in around a half hour, but apparently there was a baby garter snake just outside the door about 20 minutes after I left! It was at my gym and how it is in the sauna is basically outside near a grassy area/pool so it had come up from the hills that were around the gym. They took it away quite quickly though so that was nice!
Here's also some fun facts on sweating! I'm not sure facts about sweating can be classified as fun but whatever, let's go with it. (I also like lists if you haven't noticed yet)
1. It is one of the best ways to detox your body! Sweat opens up the pores and takes away toxins in the body, which could be plaguing you with pimples and blemishes.
2. Lowers kidney stone risks. Where's my salt lovers?!!! I've never had a crazy sweet tooth, but I've always loved salty foods like beef jerky and chips. So knowing that sweating can actually lower that risk because it helps get rid of the salt in the kidney and urine helps me be (slightly) okay with sweating more.
3. And like I said above it helps take away zits!
Well... that is all for today! Thank you for reading all my thoughts on sweating and saunas and also hopefully you learned something new.
Until next time you guys!
Xoxo,
Callista