At BW Sauna, we understand that enjoying the heat is more than just relaxing, many people are looking for genuine health benefits. As a result, questions arise about whether sauna weight loss actually works and how long you should stay in one. Users need to know the truth. And what does the research really say?
Below, we’ve highlighted five common questions about the health benefits of saunas. You can click on each topic to explore in more detail. This guide will help you get the most out of your sauna sessions.
1. Do Saunas Help You Lose Weight?
One of the questions we often get asked is whether frequent sauna use can help sauna lovers lose weight. Although the heat makes people sweat more, actually burning calories is a bit more complex. In this section, we’ll look at how saunas affect water weight and fat burning. That way, you can decide for yourself whether they’re a quick fix or just a complement to your lifestyle.
The basic answer is that you will lose a tiny amount of weight while in the sauna. This is because you are sweating and losing water weight. However, after you leave the sauna and resume drinking, the water weight usually returns and your weight rises again. The sauna can help you burn calories, but you shouldn’t rely on sweat sessions to lose weight. It is not a useful tool for genuine weight loss.
2. How Long Should You Stay in a Sauna?
Getting the right amount of time to spend in a sauna comes with the benefits of saunas. There is no one-size-fits-all answer, although factors such as age, experience, amount of water consumed and type of sauna will all influence the outcome. This topic will help you understand the safe time limits for your own body.
For a quick answer, experts recommend staying in the sauna for no longer than 10 to 15 minutes for your first few sessions. With experience, you can increase this time, but it is important to listen to your body and take breaks if you feel uncomfortable.
3. Does a sauna burn calories?
Yes, you do burn calories in a sauna. But how many? This section delves into the science of calorie burning in high-temperature, high-sweat, and high-heart-rate environments. We’ll also compare sauna use to other light activities to help you get a better idea.
4. How Long to Stay in Sauna for Best Results?
In addition to safety, some sauna users want to know how long they should stay in the sauna to achieve certain goals. The most common goals are muscle recovery and improving skin health. In this section, we’ll talk about what is “enough” time to achieve the benefits without overdoing it.
For muscle recovery, post-workout saunas are most beneficial when they’re used for about 15 to 20 minutes. For skin benefits, 10-15 minutes is generally enough. However, this time can vary depending on the type of sauna and the temperature inside. To read more about this topic, click on the question.
5. How Long Should You Sit in a Sauna?
The amount of time you spend in the sauna can have an impact on your health and comfort. Here we will discuss the importance of your posture in a sauna, are the effects of sitting and lying down different? And why is it important to take breaks between long sauna sessions?
The higher you sit/lie down, the hotter it is. At the start of your sauna, it is advised that you lie on the bench to expose your body to an equal level of heat. When your head becomes heated, it may feel unpleasant relative to the rest of your body. If you’re lying down in the sauna, get up around three minutes before the finish to increase your circulation.
Ready to learn more?
At BW Sauna, we don’t just create beautiful saunas; we’re here to help you use them effectively. Whether you’re eyeing a mobile sauna trailer, a backyard oasis, or just starting out, take a look at these topics to get informed and inspired. If you would like to purchase one sauna for yourself, please check our website or call us for a custom project!
