As the world gears up for the 2024 Summer Olympics in France, the spotlight is not only on the athletes but also on the innovative training techniques they employ. One such method, steeped in tradition and backed by modern science, is sauna use. From its historical roots in Finnish culture to its contemporary application in athletic training, saunas have played a pivotal role in helping athletes achieve peak performance.

Finnish Sauna Built for London Olympics

A Historical Perspective

Saunas have been integral to Finnish culture for thousands of years, revered for their health benefits. The word “sauna” itself is Finnish, and these traditional heat baths have long been associated with relaxation and wellness.

The modern connection between saunas and athletic performance was notably highlighted during the 1948 London Olympics when Finland custom brought and built their own sauna in the Olympic village and later gifted it to England. This gesture underscored the sauna’s importance in the Finnish training regimens and piqued global interest. The sauna was and is an indispensable part of their preparations for top performance.

Since then, the Finnish sauna has been preserved and is still standing today. It has been deemed a national historic landmark.

1948 Olympic Sauna
1948 Olympic Sauna

Modern Science and Infrared Saunas

In recent years, infrared saunas have emerged as a popular choice among athletes. Unlike traditional saunas that heat the air, infrared saunas use infrared heaters to warm the body directly. This results in a deeper, more penetrating heat that can enhance muscle recovery, improve cardiovascular health, and boost overall performance. They also create a more relaxing atmosphere as the sauna user can get the same benefits from an overall lower room temperature.

Research has shown that regular sauna use can lead to significant improvements in athletic performance. A study by the University of South Australia found that post-exercise sauna sessions can enhance blood circulation, promote muscle growth, and improve fitness levels (UniSA, 2021). Dr. Sam Tebeck, a lead researcher at UniSA, noted that these benefits are not limited to elite athletes but are accessible to anyone who incorporates sauna use into their fitness routine.

Effects of Far-Infrared Sauna Bathing on Recovery: This study highlights how far-infrared sauna bathing aids in recovery from strength and endurance training by improving heart rate and oxygen uptake. The increased blood flow and reduced muscle soreness significantly benefit athletes during post-exercise recovery​ (SpringerOpen)​.

Effect of post-exercise sauna bathing on the endurance performance of competitive male runners: The study investigates the effects of post-exercise sauna bathing on endurance performance in competitive male runners. Results show that three weeks of post-exercise sauna sessions increased run time to exhaustion by 32%, likely due to increased blood volume, demonstrating significant endurance performance enhancements. (PubMed)

Weight Loss in Combat Sports: Physiological, Psychological, and Performance Effects: Focused on combat sports in an Olympic setting, this article discusses the role of saunas in rapid weight loss and its subsequent impact on performance (BioMed Central)​.

Physiological Benefits of Sauna Use

The physiological mechanisms behind the benefits of sauna use are fascinating. Saunas increase the production of heat shock proteins, which help protect cells and repair damaged proteins. This process accelerates muscle recovery and reduces inflammation, making saunas an excellent tool for post-exercise recovery (Sports Medicine Weekly, 2021).

Additionally, saunas enhance cardiovascular performance by improving blood flow and increasing oxygen delivery to muscles. A study published in the Journal of Human Kinetics found that regular sauna sessions increased red blood cell volume, which is crucial for endurance and overall athletic performance (Pilch et al., 2013).

Athletes in infrared Sauna

The 2024 Summer Olympics in France

As we cheer on our favorite athletes in France, it’s inspiring to consider the rigorous training and recovery routines they follow. Saunas, particularly infrared saunas, are a vital part of this process. For those watching from home, incorporating infrared sauna use into your own fitness routine can offer similar benefits. Improved muscle recovery, enhanced cardiovascular health, and overall well-being are just a few reasons to consider adding a sauna to your home.

The Olympic flame burning brightly in France serves as a reminder of the dedication and hard work athletes pour into their training. Saunas have played a crucial role in this journey for decades, offering benefits that go beyond the physical. By embracing the power of infrared saunas, we can all take a step closer to achieving our fitness goals, inspired by the world’s greatest athletes.