If you’re looking for a way to burn some extra calories, you may want to ask does the sauna burn calories.
The answer is yes, but the amount of calories burned can vary depending on a few different factors.
According to various sources, sitting in a sauna can burn anywhere from 300 to 600 calories in a 30-minute session.
This is because the heat from the sauna causes your heart rate to increase, which in turn can lead to a temporary increase in metabolism.
However, it’s important to note that the number of calories burned can vary depending on factors such as your weight, fitness level, and the temperature of the sauna.
Additionally, the calories burned in the sauna are not the same as those burned during exercise, so it’s not a substitute for a regular workout routine.
Does Sauna Burn Calories?
If you’re looking for a way to burn some extra calories, you may be wondering if the sauna can help.
The answer is yes, but it’s important to understand how it works and what its limitations are.
When you spend time in a sauna, your body temperature rises, and you start to sweat.
This sweating can help you burn some extra calories, as your body works to cool itself down.
However, it’s important to note that the number of calories you burn in a sauna is relatively small compared to other forms of exercise.
According to a 2017 article, spending 30 minutes in an infrared sauna can burn 400-600 calories.
However, this number can vary depending on factors like your age, weight, and fitness level.
Additionally, it’s important to remember that the calories you burn in a sauna are not a primary method of weight loss.
While spending time in a sauna can help you burn some extra calories, it’s not a substitute for a healthy diet and regular exercise.
It’s also important to stay hydrated while in the sauna, as dehydration can be dangerous.
In summary, spending time in a sauna can help you burn some extra calories, but it’s not a magic solution for weight loss.
It’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle overall to achieve your weight loss goals.
Factors Influencing Calorie Burn In Sauna
When it comes to burning calories in a sauna, several factors come into play.
In this section, we will discuss the three main factors that influence calorie burn in a sauna: duration, intensity, and body composition.
Duration
The duration of your sauna session is one of the most important factors that determine how many calories you will burn.
The longer you stay in the sauna, the more calories you will burn.
However, it is important to note that spending too much time in the sauna can be dangerous and lead to dehydration and heat exhaustion.
A typical sauna session lasts between 15 and 30 minutes.
During this time, you can burn anywhere from 150 to 500 calories, depending on your body composition and the intensity of your session.
Intensity
The intensity of your sauna session also plays a significant role in how many calories you will burn.
The higher the temperature and humidity in the sauna, the more calories you will burn.
However, it is important to be cautious and not push yourself too hard, as this can lead to dehydration and other health issues.
A typical sauna temperature ranges from 150 to 190 degrees Fahrenheit, with a humidity level of 10 to 20 percent.
It is recommended that you start with a lower temperature and gradually work your way up to a higher temperature to avoid any discomfort or health risks.
Body Composition
Your body composition, including your weight, muscle mass, and body fat percentage, can also affect how many calories you will burn in the sauna.
Generally, the more you weigh, the more calories you will burn in the sauna.
According to estimates, a 150-pound person can burn between 150 and 200 calories during a 30-minute sauna session.
However, this number can vary depending on your individual body composition and the intensity of your session.
In conclusion, several factors influence how many calories you will burn in the sauna, including the duration and intensity of your session and your body composition.
It is important to be cautious and not push yourself too hard, as spending too much time in the sauna can be dangerous.
Benefits Of Sauna Beyond Calorie Burning
While the sauna may not be a significant calorie burner, it offers numerous other health benefits.
Here are some of the benefits of sauna:
Flushes Out Toxins From The Body
Sweating in the sauna can help flush out toxins from the body.
When you sweat, your body eliminates toxins through the skin.
Sauna therapy can help to flush out impurities from the body and leave you feeling refreshed.
Improves Cardiovascular Health
Sauna therapy can help improve cardiovascular health by increasing heart rate and blood flow.
It can also reduce blood pressure and improve circulation.
Regular sauna use can help to reduce the risk of heart disease.
Relieves Stress And Promotes Relaxation
Sauna therapy can help to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
The heat from the sauna can help to relax muscles and ease tension in the body.
It can also improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety.
Alleviates Pain And Inflammation
Sauna therapy can help to alleviate pain and inflammation in the body.
The heat from the sauna can help to reduce muscle soreness and joint pain.
It can also help to reduce inflammation in the body.
Boosts Immune System
Sauna therapy can help to boost the immune system.
The heat from the sauna can help to increase the production of white blood cells, which can help fight off infections and illnesses.
In conclusion, while sauna therapy may not be a significant calorie burner, it offers numerous other health benefits.
Regular sauna use can help to improve cardiovascular health, relieve stress and promote relaxation, alleviate pain and inflammation, and boost the immune system.
Potential Risks Of Sauna Use
While saunas offer several health benefits, it is essential to understand the potential risks associated with their use.
Here are some risks to keep in mind:
Dehydration
One of the most significant risks of sauna use is dehydration.
The high temperatures in the sauna cause excessive sweating, which can lead to dehydration if you do not drink enough water.
It is crucial to drink plenty of water before, during, and after sauna use to prevent dehydration.
Heat Exhaustion
Prolonged exposure to high temperatures in the sauna can cause heat exhaustion.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include dizziness, nausea, headache, and fatigue.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is essential to leave the sauna immediately and cool down.
Cardiovascular Stress
The high temperatures in the sauna can cause cardiovascular stress, especially in people with pre-existing heart conditions.
The heat can cause the heart rate to increase, which can put additional stress on the heart.
If you have a heart condition, it is essential to consult with your doctor before using the sauna.
Skin Irritation
The high temperatures in the sauna can cause skin irritation, especially in people with sensitive skin.
If you experience skin irritation, it is essential to leave the sauna immediately and cool down.
Risk Of Infection
Saunas can be a breeding ground for bacteria and viruses, especially if they are not properly cleaned.
It is crucial to ensure that the sauna is clean and hygienic before using it to prevent the risk of infection.
Overall, while saunas offer several health benefits, it is essential to understand the potential risks associated with their use.
It is crucial to use the sauna in moderation and to follow proper safety precautions to minimize the risks associated with its use.
Key Takeaways
If you are looking to burn calories, spending time in a sauna can be a good option.
Sauna use can cause a temporary up-regulation of metabolism, which results in increased caloric burn.
However, it is important to keep in mind that the actual caloric burn is lower than some sources might suggest.
According to a 2017 article, infrared saunas can burn 400-600 calories within 30 minutes.
This is because the infrared light waves heat your body without warming the surrounding air, which allows you to sweat more and burn more calories.
However, it is important to note that these numbers are based on an average fitness level and may not be accurate for everyone.
Regular sauna sessions, especially using an infrared sauna, can aid in calorie burn.
Sweating as you use a sauna not only detoxifies your body but also helps shed unwanted pounds, enhancing the myriad of health benefits.
However, it is important to remember that sauna use should be combined with a healthy diet and exercise routine for optimal results.
Overall, sauna use can be a great addition to your weight loss journey, but it should not be relied upon as the sole method of burning calories.
Incorporating sauna use into a well-rounded fitness routine can help you achieve your weight loss goals while also improving your overall health and well-being.
