What to Know Infrared Saunas & Weight Loss

Infrared saunas have become a popular and innovative tool in the quest for effective weight loss solutions. Unlike traditional saunas, which heat the air around you, infrared saunas use infrared light to penetrate the skin and heat the body directly. This direct heat offers a range of health benefits, including potential assistance with weight loss.

In this blog, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about incorporating infrared sauna sessions into your weight loss journey.

Understanding Infrared Saunas

Infrared saunas put out infrared light waves that create heat in the body, causing you to relax, sweat, and release toxins. The heat generated by the infrared light raises your core body temperature, which can increase your heart rate, similar to what happens during moderate exercise. Ultimately, infrared sauna therapy is relaxing and can effectively help burn calories, lower high blood pressure, and promote weight loss.

Caloric Burn and Metabolic Rate

One of the most appealing aspects of infrared saunas for weight loss is the potential for a significant caloric burn when you use one. The increase in heart rate and metabolic rate from the body’s prompt to cool itself down means that, during a session, you can burn calories much like you would during a moderate-intensity workout. Studies suggest a 30-minute infrared sauna session can burn between 200 and 600 calories.

Enhanced Weight Loss Efforts

While an infrared sauna alone won’t lead to drastic weight loss, it can be a valuable addition to an existing weight loss strategy. Regular use of an infrared sauna might help enhance the effects of diet and exercise in a few ways, including:

• Increased Metabolic Rate: The elevated heart rate and body temperature from a session mimic cardiovascular exercise, which helps to raise your overall metabolic rate, making you burn calories more efficiently even after the session.
• Water Weight Reduction: Initially, most of the weight loss from sauna use will be water weight, as sweating heavily reduces water retention. However, the consistent use of infrared saunas can contribute to genuine weight loss over time.
• Stress Reduction: High-stress levels and cortisol can lead to fat accumulation, particularly around the belly. Infrared saunas are known for reducing stress and promoting relaxation, which may help lower cortisol levels and decrease the likelihood of stress-induced eating.

Supporting Detoxification

The intense sweating induced by infrared saunas can help flush out toxins that can interfere with optimal metabolic function. By helping to remove these toxins from the body, infrared waves may improve overall metabolism and aid in more effective weight management.

Safety and Recommendations

While infrared saunas are generally safe for most people, they aren’t made for everyone. It’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment like infrared sauna therapy, especially if you have health conditions such as cardiovascular issues, are pregnant, or have concerns about dehydration.

Additionally, hydration is vital. Drink plenty of water before and after your sessions to replace fluids lost from sweating and prevent dehydration.

Are you interested in incorporating an infrared sauna into your Savannah home gym? We have you covered!

Infrared saunas can be a worthwhile supplement to your weight loss plan, providing various benefits, from increased metabolic rate and decreased muscle soreness to stress and blood pressure reduction. At Fitness Emporium of Savannah, we recommend combining regular infrared sauna sessions with a balanced diet and consistent exercise regimen for best results.

Ready to try it? Contact us today to learn more about our selection and how you can integrate infrared sauna sessions into your routine for improved health and well-being.