I've read that I shouldn't spend more than 20 minutes or so in either the sauna or the steambath but I'd like to know which I should use first. I assume I should take a 5 - 10 minute break between the two and drink plenty of water but is it more beneficial to sauna or steam first? Thanks!!
2007-02-02 22:17:44 · 3 answers · asked by Dana C 1 in Health ➔ Diet & Fitness
If you must use both, use the steam first for no more than 10-15 min and then move to the sauna for the same time period. Take water in with you and drink at least one 16 oz bottle while you are in each room.
I personally do not like steamrooms and if you do some research on the web, you will find that most (even in the finest establishments) are basically like a petri dish, growing germs and molds. The wet, warm environment is perfect for bacteria and mold/fungus to grow. When you are in there, you are breathing it in and it can grow in your airways as well as on your skin. Yuck.
On the other hand, research has shown that use of the sauna has decreased the number of respiratory infections that a person gets in a year. The idea is that the very dry, sterile air cleanses the airways and inhibits bacterial growth. The dry air in the sauna will not allow growth of mold and/or bacteria. It must be hot though! The temp gauge on the wall should read at least 180+. DON'T spend more than 10-15 min in the sauna. DO drink at least one bottle of water while you are in there and another bottle when you come out.
When you excercise, free radicals are produced and toxins are released from your muscles. The only way to rid those toxins is to pee and sweat. I recommend taking a good antioxidant immediately following your workout (I like grape seed extract, green tea, pomegranate, and blueberry extracts). Drink lots and lots of water to encourage peeing out the toxins before they settle back into the muscles. Lastly, sit in the sauna for 10 minutes and sweat out the toxins. I like to rub my legs and arms a bit while in the sauna to encourage the muscles to let go of the toxins. This helps bring them to surface tissue level so that you can sweat them out.
The sauna is not intended to assist in weight loss. Any water weight that you lose in the sauna you must immediately replenish with fresh water. It is a cleansing process.
P.S. Ladies... through some deep conditioner in your hair and I nice HEAVY face moisturizer on before you go in the sauna. The heat will open the pores and allow the product to absorb. You'll be ravishing!
Have fun & good luck!
2007-02-02 22:43:06 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I always use the sauna first, then take a break for a few minutes, after which I head for the steam. When that's done, I take a dip in the cold pool, relax a bit and start the process all over aagain.
2007-02-09 05:22:01 · answer #2 · answered by nudie chick 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not real sure what the difference is, but I wouldn't do both on the same visit. Alternate. Especially until you know how you'll react to them (ie. after a workout, how much water intake).
I wouldn't stay in either for more than 15-20 min. It gets relaxing, but could be dangerous if your body temperature rises too high.
Ask a gym professional. That's what they are there for.
2007-02-02 22:31:20 · answer #3 · answered by J S 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋