Using Infrared Sauna for Muscle Repair and Athletic Recovery

 
More and more people are incorporating infrared sauna (Far Infrared Radiation - or F.I.R.) into their recovery routine. What you need to know about F.I.R.

More and more people are incorporating infrared sauna (Far Infrared Radiation - or F.I.R.) into their recovery routine. What you need to know about F.I.R.

The importance of muscle and athletic recovery has become a focus for athletes, medical professionals and those who train - be it running, cycling, or weights. How you recover carries just as much importance to your results as how you train. Far-infrared saunas (FIR) have been increasing in popularity over the last several years due to their many health benefits (arguably more) than their traditional counterpart, with a less intense environment to endure. Here’s everything you need to know about how I.R. Sauna can improve muscle repair and athletic recovery.

What’s the difference between Dry and Infrared Sauna?

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Infrared Sauna @ City Cave uses full spectrum infrared, (far & near infrared heat) - Try It Out

Let’s quickly go over the difference between traditional and infrared sauna. While a traditional dry sauna heats the environment to an average of 87 degrees C, FIR uses infrared light that releases electromagnetic radiation (which is not at all harmful), that can absorb deeper into the skin, roughly 1.5 inches into the skin - a far deeper penetration than dry saunas. The air inside an infrared sauna typically reaches lower temperatures at 60-65 degree C which makes them more tolerable to stay in for longer periods - which helps to increase it’s the benefit. 

How does it work?

FIR (Far Infrared Radiation) uses electromagnetic energy to increase the vibration of water molecules inside individual cells, raising the temperature at the cellular level. The implication for athletes is improved muscle recovery due to the deep tissue receiving increased blood flow. City Cave uses both Far and Near Infrared heat in our IR Saunas.

If you want to know more about how I.R. Saunas works and the difference between them and traditional saunas - check out our blog

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“Just as infrared saunas help relieve chronic pain, they can also alleviate joint pain in athletes and people who train.” - Try It Out

What’s the Benefit?

More athletes are drawn to I.R. Saunas post-workout because it’s said to promote muscle recovery, reduce tension and eliminate performance inhibiting toxins from the body. Infrared heat can expedite healing in sore, damaged muscles after strenuous exercise. This works by heat penetrating the muscles, which increases blood circulation and has been shown to increase muscle repair. The heat found in I.R. Sauna also contributes to the reduction of lactic acids, allowing tight and depleted muscles to relax. 

Just as infrared saunas help relieve chronic pain, they can also alleviate joint pain in athletes and people who train. The relaxation of muscles that control your joint function coupled with the increased circulation to the joints enhances healing and repair.

Want to learn more about all the benefits you can get from Infrared Sauna?

What does the science say?

While research is still ongoing for Far and Near Infrared, many studies have produced incredible results in terms of decreased blood pressure, as well as tissue and muscle recovery and repair.

An advocate who encourages the daily use of sauna, Dr. Rhonda Patrick has found that regular sauna users report lower heart rates, increased blood flow to muscles, a more efficient transfer of oxygen to muscles, which all contribute to increased athletic recovery and muscle repair. Check out her complete findings regarding using for infrared sauna for muscle recovery below.

More from global research, a Finnish study tested what effects FIR saunas would have on increased recovery and energy post endurance training. The results were as follows: FIR sauna users resulted in notably lower heart rates than those using dry saunas after 30-40 minutes of endurance training. 

A Study from Poland also returned positive results on lipid profiles. The outcome showed a decrease in total cholesterol, including bad cholesterol, but an increase in good cholesterol and blood plasma levels.

Infrared Sauna could take you to the next stage in your fitness goals, for more information and to book your first IR Sauna, your journey starts HERE

City CaveHealth, infraredsauna, athlete, muscle, recovery, repair