The Benefits of Saunas vs. Steam Rooms

Heating your body has been a tried-and-true recovery practice since 500 B.C.

So, which one should you choose for a relaxing recovery ritual?

What Is a Steam Room?

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Spas and healthcare professionalstypically recommendthat you spend no more than 15 minutes in a steam room.

Any longer than that, and you’ll be at risk of dehydration.

Here are some of the top benefits of steam rooms.

“One of the major benefits of steam rooms is alleviating upper respiratory congestion.

It’s almost as if you’re climbing intoone big essential oil diffuser.

Some steam rooms even use essential oils to enhance the relaxing experience.

A sauna is the steam room’s dry counterpart.

It’s recommended that you spend a maximum of 20 minutes in a dry sauna.

You may also be familiar with infrared saunas, the modern upgrade to the ancient sauna.

In an infrared sauna, the body heats at a lower air temperature, between 135 and 150 degrees.

So, how do saunas vs. steam rooms compare?

Like steam rooms, saunas also help increase circulation by expanding blood vessels.

Saunas might also help those with chronic pain and arthritis.

After a strength training workout, they spent 30 minutes in the hot box.

So what’s the conclusion?

Infrared sauna time is “favorable for the neuromuscular system to recover from maximal endurance performance.”

“Hydration is key for safety and session optimization.

Proper hydration allows your body’s processes to work efficiently.

“This is essentially a ‘warm-up’ for your session.”

(And in case you were wondering,here’s exactly what happens when you quit showering.)

“Try whole-body cryotherapy or anice bathbefore your sauna session,” says Tobiason.

(Also:Should You Take a Hot or Cold Shower After a Workout?)

“Dry brushing increases circulation” and promotes lymphatic drainage as well.

“This stops you from sweating and reabsorbing toxins you just released.”