3 June 2014
People of all ages can enjoy the benefits of frequenting a sauna, but it’s important to know how long to safely stay in. Deciding how often and how long to use a sauna is subject to the benefits you receive.
Saunas are a treat for the body, improving health and fostering relaxation. However before starting sauna therapy, ask your doctor if it’s safe according to your current and past medical condition.
Sauna Preparation Time
Infrared saunas heat to their maximum over a 20-30minute session. Start the sauna up for 5 minutes before entering to start the emitters warming.
A sauna can be used more than once a week. Home saunas are safe to use four to five times per week in shorter sessions of no more than 20 minutes. It’s safe to use a sauna to ease sore muscles at the end of the workday.
For gym goers, be sure to stay in the sauna for a maximum of 10 minutes after a workout. Under these high temperature conditions, long sauna sessions run the risk of overheating the body.
If sauna is used for relaxation, choose fewer, longer sessions of up to 30 minutes. These longer sessions are ideal twice aweek.
Effects of Regular Sauna Use
The effects of a sauna range from relaxation to soothing aching muscles to detoxifying the body through sweating. Skin condition and circulation also improves due to the overall cleansing process. On the other hand, overexposure can be dangerous so it’s a good idea to speak to a professional before commencing sauna therapy.