CrossFit and the Athletic Benefits of Sauna Use
CrossFit is a high-intensity fitness regimen that combines weightlifting, gymnastics, and cardiovascular exercises. CrossFit athletes require a combination of strength, power, endurance, and flexibility to perform at their best, and sauna use can help support these athletic goals. Let us look into some benefits of sauna use for CrossFit athletes, including some that may not be as well known.
First and foremost, saunas are a great way to aid in recovery after a tough CrossFit workout. The heat from the sauna can help reduce muscle soreness and inflammation, as well as improve circulation to the muscles. This increased blood flow can help bring essential nutrients to the muscles and speed up the recovery process.
Another important benefit of sauna use is improved cardiovascular health. Regular sauna use has been shown to lower blood pressure, improve heart function, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. This is particularly important for CrossFit athletes, who push their cardiovascular systems to the limit during intense workouts.
Many people are unaware of the positive effects saunas can have on brain function. Studies have shown that sauna use can improve cognitive function, memory, and overall brain health. This is believed to be due to the improvement of blood flow to the brain and reduction of oxidative stress.
In addition to improving mental and physical health, saunas can also boost the immune system. Regular sauna use has been shown to improve the function of the immune system, which can help the body fight off infections and diseases. This is particularly important for CrossFit athletes, who are at higher risk of injury and illness due to the demands of their sport.
Saunas have also been shown to have a positive effect on mental health, including reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. The heat and relaxation environment of a sauna can help to reduce stress levels and promote relaxation, which is essential for overall health and wellbeing.
Lastly, saunas can help improve respiratory health by clearing the airways and relieving symptoms of respiratory conditions like asthma. They can also help to slow down the effects of aging and improve overall health and wellness, which is an added bonus for CrossFit athletes who are looking to stay at the top of their game for as long as possible.
Traditional Hot Sauna or Near Infrared Sauna?
Which one should you use?
Short answer: the one you have access to and can use on a regular basis.
To sum is up:
Traditional hot sauna benefits:
- Can improve cardiovascular health and may aid in weight loss: Hot Saunas increase heart rate and metabolism, which can lead to weight loss and improved body composition.
- Promotes relaxation and stress relief, which can lead to improved sleep and reduced symptoms of sleep disorders.
- Can improve skin health through sweating and cleansing
- Can help with muscle soreness and pain relief
- Can support the healing of injuries: Hot Saunas can increase circulation and oxygenation, which can speed up the healing process for injuries such as sprains, strains, and fractures.
- Can stimulate the immune system
- May improve cognitive function: Hot saunas have been shown to improve blood flow and oxygenation to the brain, which can lead to improved cognitive function and reduced symptoms of neurological conditions.
Near infrared sauna benefits:
- Can improve circulation and oxygenation
- Can reduce pain and muscle soreness
- Can help detoxify the body and improve skin health
- Promotes relaxation and stress relief, which can lead to improved sleep and reduced symptoms of sleep disorders.
- More energy efficient than traditional hot saunas
- Can be used for longer periods of time at a lower temperature
- Can boost the production of collagen: Infrared light has been shown to increase collagen production, which can improve skin health and appearance.
- Can reduce the symptoms of lyme disease: Some studies have shown that near infrared saunas can help to reduce symptoms of lyme disease, including joint pain, fatigue, and cognitive issues.
- Can support the healing of injuries: Infrared saunas can increase circulation and oxygenation, which can speed up the healing process for injuries such as sprains, strains, and fractures.
- May improve cognitive function: Infrared saunas have been shown to improve blood flow and oxygenation to the brain, which can lead to improved cognitive function and reduced symptoms of neurological conditions.
It’s important to note that both types of saunas have the potential to provide health benefits, but the specific benefits will depend on the individual’s health needs and goals.
For instance, personally I prefer the hot sauna over the infrared one. I love the intense heat and enjoy pouring water with various essential oils over the hot rocks to increase the experience. Here are some of essential oils I use:
- Eucalyptus: Helps to clear the airways, relieve muscle and joint pain, and promote mental clarity.
- Peppermint: Refreshes the mind, stimulates circulation, and eases tension headaches.
- Lavender: Calms the mind, soothes the skin, and can aid in sleep.
- Pine: Invigorates the senses and promotes feelings of well-being.
- Rosemary: Energizes the body and mind, and can help to relieve muscle pain.
- Lemon: Refreshes the mind, boosts immunity, and can help to detoxify the body.
It’s important to note that essential oils should be used in moderation in a hot sauna, as their potency can be enhanced by the heat. Usually, a few drops of essential oil are added to a bucket of water, which is then thrown onto the hot rocks to produce steam.
Some brands I recommend:
Hot Saunas: Once can go as simple or fancy as desired on the size, insulation and building materials used but a high quality heater is a must.
We bought a Harvia Kip80B straight out of Finland, had to wait over a month to receive it but have never looked back since.
Little known fact: There are over 3 million saunas in Finland; with a population of around 6million thats an insane amount of health conscious people.
Near Infrared Saunas:
Depending on your budget, start with a zip-up version that is very affordable or have a wooden version, your choice.
We started with the zip-up one and it worked just fine. It takes a solid 30+ minutes to get your sweat on but its definitely worth the investment.
In conclusion, sauna use is an important part of a healthy lifestyle for CrossFit athletes. Whether you’re looking to recover faster after a tough workout, improve cardiovascular health, boost brain function, or simply improve overall health and wellbeing, sauna use is an excellent way to achieve these goals. So if you’re a CrossFit athlete looking to improve your performance, consider adding sauna use to your regimen. And remember to stay hydrated!
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