You might be wondering:
Does sauna make you lose weight and body fat… or just lose water weight?
What is a sauna bath?
Or how does a sauna aid weight loss?
Some of the most common questions people have are “do saunas help you lose weight?”, “how to use a sauna to burn calories?” and “does a sauna burn fat?”
This short post looks at some sauna weight loss benefits, blood flow increase, and cardiovascular benefits.
Whether you’re using an infrared heater, wood-burning stove or electrically heated sauna – we’ve got you covered.
Side Note: One of the essential factors you will need to understand is your Base Metabolic Rate – this might sound complicated, but you should think of it as how much energy you use day to day. Kind of like your car’s MPG – it’s how much fuel you normally use to go about your day.
Here’s a free calculator you can use to get this figure: Click here.
How many calories can you burn in a sauna?
How much weight or how many calories you can lose using a sauna is a very common question.
The answer to this question will depend on a few factors, such as the type of sauna, the temperature of the sauna, and how long you stay.
Whether you’re using a luxury 6 person barrel sauna or single person sauna pod, the effects are very similar – however there are many benefits to a barrel sauna (whether you build or buy).
On average, you can expect to burn around 200-400 calories in a 30-minute session in a traditional sauna or steam room. That’s a great way to start to lose belly fat for sure.
However, if you are using an infrared sauna rather than a wood-burning stove sauna, then you can expect to burn even more calories.
This is because infrared saunas cause your body to sweat at a lower temperature, which means that your body will have to work harder to cool itself down. Regular dry sauna bathing can help you lose weight in the long term.
You will be able to lose excess water stored in your body and also help to rid your body of toxins. This process also slows down the weight gain process by burning calories and increasing your metabolism.
Losing weight and excess fat through sauna therapy is not a new concept. In fact, many people have been doing it for centuries.
How to use a sauna for weight loss?
Now that you know how saunas can help you lose weight and burn fat, let’s take a look at how you can use them to get the best results. Here are a few tips that you can follow:
1. Drink plenty of water
Dehydration is one of the main concerns when using a sauna for weight loss. The body sweat takes out a lot of water from your body, and if you don’t replace it, then you can become dehydrated.
It is important to drink plenty of water before, during, and after your sauna session to stay properly hydrated. A good rule of thumb is to drink at least 8 ounces of water for every 20 minutes that you spend in the sauna.
2. Avoid staying in the sauna for too long
When using a sauna for weight loss, it is important to avoid staying in the sauna for too long. If you stay in the sauna for more than 30 minutes, then you can start to feel dizzy and lightheaded.
This is because of the loss of water in your body. It is important to listen to your body and take a break if you start to feel uncomfortable.
3. Don’t eat before the sauna
Eating a big meal before going into the sauna is not a good idea. This is because the heat can cause indigestion and can also make you feel nauseous.
If you are hungry, then it is best to eat a light snack such as a piece of fruit or a granola bar.
4. Wear loose-fitting clothing
When using a sauna for weight loss, it is important to wear loose-fitting clothing. This is because tight clothing can cause you to sweat more and can also make you feel uncomfortable.
5. Use a sauna blanket
If you are using a traditional sauna, then it is a good idea to use a sauna blanket. This will help trap the heat in and will also prevent you from losing too much body heat. It will make the weight loss process faster without doing anything.
6. Track the calories burned
It is also a good idea to track the number of calories that you are burning while in the sauna. This will help you to see how effective the sauna is for weight loss and will also motivate you to stay in longer. You can use a fitness tracker or a smartphone app to track your calorie burn.
What are the other health benefits of saunas?
Other than weight loss benefits, saunas also offer a number of other health benefits. These benefits include:
- Good for mental health (so you can think-faster, longer, and stronger)
- Increased circulation through blood vessels
- Relief from muscle pain and soreness
- Improved cardiovascular health
- Boosted immune system
- Decreased stress levels
- Lower blood pressure
- Clearer skin
If you want to improve your overall health, then using a sauna is a great option. It is an easy and convenient way to improve your health without putting in much effort.
Summary
So there you have it!
If you plan to use a steam room or sauna to lose weight, these tips will help you get the best results. Just remember to drink plenty of water and to take breaks if you start to feel uncomfortable. And lastly, don’t forget to track your progress to see how well the sauna is working for you.