Benefits Of Sauna Vs Steam Room
The application of steam also helps the recovery of muscles, making it easier for you to get back to your workouts. And like saunas, where calorie burn isn’t much higher than normal, consistent use of a steam room after working out can give you an extra calorie boost to lose weight.
There’s no denying that we live in a world surrounded by steam and heat. It doesn’t matter if you’re at home or outside — from your shower to your car engine (and even inside some cars), water is used to create heat. In fact, when you look around, there are so many things that produce steam. For example, just think about how hot the air gets on a summer day! So why not combine two popular ways people try to stay warm? That’s right — with the help of a sauna or steam room.
A sauna (or sweat bath) has been known as a great way to relax and de-stress since ancient times. The Romans were probably among the first to utilize this method of bathing, which was later adopted by Nordic countries such as Finland, Sweden, Norway and Denmark. Today, they are still used primarily in these areas for relaxation purposes, but there are other benefits as well. A sauna is typically heated between 100 degrees Fahrenheit and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, which causes sweating that releases toxins through the pores while promoting muscle relaxation. While the effects of a regular sauna session last only 10 to 15 minutes, there are several options available to increase the length and intensity of your sweat session. You may opt for a longer treatment lasting up to one hour; however, most people stick to shorter sessions lasting 20 to 30 minutes. There are also high temperature sauna rooms called “steam baths” or “hot pools.” These are similar to saunas except instead of using dry heat, steam is introduced into the space. Like saunas, steam rooms will make you sweat, and because the atmosphere is moistened with moisture vapor rather than dry heat, you’ll experience greater comfort and relief.
If you’ve never tried a steam room before, here are a few reasons why you should consider giving one a shot. First off, let’s talk about what makes them different from traditional saunas. Both types of treatments work to remove toxins from the body, but a steam room will do so more effectively due to its ability to raise core temperatures. Also, unlike a sauna, you won’t be able to go outdoors during a steam room session, meaning you have to find somewhere private to take advantage of this fun new form of exercise. If you’re looking to shed pounds quickly without exercising regularly, then a steam room might be worth trying. However, if you already work out daily and want something additional to add to your routine, then a sauna might better suit your needs.
Another reason that steam rooms are becoming increasingly popular is their ability to improve circulation. Since blood vessels dilate to allow more oxygen to enter cells, increased circulation promotes faster metabolism and improves overall health. As mentioned earlier, the average sauna stays between 100 degrees F and 140 degrees F, which means that any benefit you receive from sweating is going to come mostly from losing water weight. But in a steam room, you’ll actually lose fat and calories thanks to circulating warm air and humidity throughout your entire body. This process also increases your heart rate, helping to pump more blood and promote healthy circulation.
Finally, if you enjoy working out in groups, a steam room might be the perfect place for you. Group fitness classes often include time spent relaxing in steam rooms, allowing participants to share experiences and stories. Many gyms offer steam therapy services, and if yours does, you could reap some major benefits from it. Let’s go over those next.
Steam Rooms vs. Saunas
As far as possible benefits go, both steam rooms and saunas provide many positive results for users. They can reduce stress levels and relieve tension, thus reducing the likelihood of injury. They can also help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and promote good digestion.
However, steam rooms tend to work on a deeper level than saunas. Because they circulate warmth and moisture throughout the body, they can be considered an effective alternative to cold showers, which are sometimes seen as part of a workout regimen. Unlike cold showers, which only cool you down, steam rooms can help restore energy levels and promote better sleep. Additionally, steam rooms can help increase the flow of nutrients to all parts of the body, including skin and hair follicles, which can result in smoother and healthier-looking skin.
While a sauna provides great relief from physical discomfort, steam rooms have the added bonus of providing mental relief as well. Studies show that exposure to humidity can help fight depression and anxiety and increase creativity [Source: WebMD]. Plus, since steam is circulated through every inch of your body, you’ll be getting a total body massage.
Sauna vs. Steam Room: Where Do I Go Next?
Now that you know the differences between steam rooms and saunas, you can decide whether you’d prefer to spend your workout time in either one.
Both steam rooms and saunas are beneficial, yet they each serve different goals. If you’re looking to shed pounds fast, then a steam room would be ideal for you. On the other hand, if you’re someone who exercises frequently, then you’re best suited to try a sauna. If you don’t have access to either type of facility, you can always purchase special steam/sauna machines or DIY units at home. Check out our article How To Build Your Own Sauna for instructions on building your own DIY unit.
In addition to deciding between a sauna or steam room, you’ll also need to decide where you plan to work out. Most gymnasiums and sports centers will have a steam room, but you might be surprised to learn that many hotels now have them as well. Some spas even offer luxury treatments in their steam rooms. If you travel a lot, then you may end up staying in various places with steam therapy facilities.
And remember, although a sauna may be more comfortable, sticking to a steam room will save money in the long run. Typically, saunas cost more per visit, and depending upon your location, you may pay upwards of $20 to $25 per session. However, if you are willing to travel, you can usually find a cheaper price tag at hotels, resorts and other recreational locations that offer steam rooms.
For more information on saunas and steam rooms, check out the links on the following page.
If you’re interested in improving your health further, perhaps you should consider participating in yoga class. Yoga uses poses, breathing techniques and meditation to stimulate all aspects of your mind and body. By focusing solely on strengthening your cardiovascular system, yoga can help develop balance and coordination, improve flexibility and range of motion, and relieve pain.
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