The Science of Sauna: Pre-Workout vs. Post-Workout Benefits - Key Takeaways

Key Takeaways

Sauna use can have different effects when used pre-workout versus post-workout.
Pre-workout sauna may lower heart rate and blood pressure, potentially hindering workout performance.
Post-workout sauna usage has been shown to improve recovery, increase red blood cell count, and enhance antioxidant production.
Heat shock proteins are increased after sauna use, aiding muscle recovery and amino acid utilization.
Sauna sessions can significantly improve heart rate variability, indicating better recovery and reduced stress.

Increase in running time to exhaustion post-sauna

7.1

Percentage increase in plasma volume post-sauna

Percentage increase in heat shock proteins after sauna usage

"The stress of going into a sauna is stimulating this anti-stress response to be able to deal with it."

"When we increase catalase, it breaks down hydrogen peroxide into oxygen and water."

"At the end of the day or at the end of the workout it comes down to sauna time baby."