Steaming before exercise
Entering the sauna before a workout can have clear benefits for those who often have stiff muscles or limited range of motion. High temperatures help increase blood flow, widen range of motion, and may reduce the risk of minor injuries. That is the reason why many professional athletes add steam to the warm-up part as a "unlocking" therapy for the body.
However, not everyone is suitable for this method. Dr. Raynetta Samuels, a physical therapist at the Center for Sports Medicine Johns Hopkins, warns: Severing before exercising can cause you to lose water early, reduce endurance and easily become dizzy if not hydrated enough.
Therefore, although it can support exercise and sauna before exercising, it should be done carefully and controlled, and should not completely replace traditional warm-up exercises.
Steaming after exercise
According to a study published in Sports Medicine, taking a steam after a workout not only helps relax but also has a clear impact on long-term health:
Reduce cholesterol
Stabilize blood pressure
Improve muscle recovery
Sleep better, especially for people with chronic pain
In particular, the infrared sauna has been shown to be highly effective in reducing muscle pain after exercise and speeding up recovery. This is suitable for people who are doing high-intensity exercise, or those who need to improve circulation without wanting to exercise vigorously.
After exercise, taking a steam to help stretch the muscles, promote circulation and support the cardiovascular system. This is the optimal time for the body to reward a gentle heat therapy, said Dr. Kelly Marshall, a physiologist at the University of California, Los Angeles.
If you feel stiff even though you have warmed up thoroughly, taking a steam before exercising can help improve flexibility. But if your goal is to relieve pain, recover, and improve your cardiovascular system, prioritize taking a sauna after your workout.
Safety warning:
Although steaming has many benefits, overusing or using it at the wrong time can cause:
Dehydration
Blood pressure drop
Dizziness, fatigue
Increased risk of overheating
Follow the following principles:
Do not steam for more than 20 minutes/time
Add water before and after the steamer
Do not take a steam while pregnant or have cardiovascular disease, low blood pressure
Always let your body cool down after exercise before entering the sauna room
