Infrared Saunas and Athletes

Sauna use has several proven ways to assist athletes in both endurance and recovery. Athletes all over the world are now using this method to give them an edge up on their competition.

Here are High Tech Health for instance, our saunas are in several training facilities of major league baseball teams, football teams, and Martial Arts/MMA/boxing centers.

Infrared Saunas Boost Endurance

Regular sauna use increases the number of mitochondria in our cells which produce energy in the form of ATP. By increasing the number of mitochondria we therefore increase the ability to produce the energy needed to perform at peak performance and with increased stamina (1).

Studies have also shown that athletes who used a far infrared sauna had significantly higher oxygen uptake, longer endurance, more muscle mass production, and a higher anaerobic threshold (2).

Additionally, sauna use has been shown to improve blood pressure and vascular health, decrease inflammation in the blood vessels, promote heart muscle health, and promote new blood vessel formation which increases oxygen delivery to the heart and the muscles giving more energy for enhanced performance.

Infrared Saunas Boost Recovery

Using a sauna after athletics can dramatically improve the recovery process through several mechanisms.

Studies have shown that sauna use reduces muscle soreness, inflammation, and pain, increases circulation to the muscles and joints, and dilates the blood vessels which allows for the fast removal of metabolic wastes, such as lactic acid which builds up in the muscles during exercise (3)(4).

Additionally, sauna use reduces stress and calms the mind after high intensity athletics.

Conclusion

As an athlete myself, I can personally attest to the ability of saunas to help me perform at my highest ability while also aiding the recovery process. If you are an athlete or just enjoy fitness in general, there is no better tool than a sauna, specifically an infrared sauna, to support you.

References

(1) Hafen PS, Preece CN, Sorensen JR, Hancock CR, Hyldahl RD. Repeated exposure to heat stress induces mitochondrial adaptation in human skeletal muscle. J Appl Physiol (1985). 2018;125(5):1447-1455. doi:10.1152/japplphysiol.00383.2018

(2) Mantegazza V, Contini M, Botti M, Ferri A, Dotti F, Berardi P, Agostoni P. Improvement in exercise capacity and delayed anaerobic metabolism induced by far-infrared-emitting garments in active healthy subjects: A pilot study. Eur J Prev Cardiol. 2018 Nov;25(16):1744-1751. doi: 10.1177/2047487318768598. Epub 2018 Apr 6. PMID: 29621885.

(3) Mero A, Tornberg J, Mäntykoski M, Puurtinen R. Effects of far-infrared sauna bathing on recovery from strength and endurance training sessions in men. Springerplus. 2015 Jul 7;4:321. doi: 10.1186/s40064-015-1093-5. PMID: 26180741; PMCID: PMC4493260.

(4) Hausswirth C, Louis J, Bieuzen F, Pournot H, Fournier J, Filliard JR, Brisswalter J. Effects of whole-body cryotherapy vs. far-infrared vs. passive modalities on recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage in highly-trained runners. PLoS One. 2011;6(12):e27749. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0027749. Epub 2011 Dec 7. PMID: 22163272; PMCID: PMC3233540.

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