Exploring the Benefits of Infrared and Traditional Saunas for Health and Longevity

Heat is heat — until you understand what each modality actually does to the body. Infrared and traditional saunas offer distinct pathways to recovery, longevity, and performance.

Exploring the Benefits of Infrared and Traditional Saunas for Health and Longevity

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00:00

let me ask you this what's the benefit of infrared sauna versus traditional song is there a benefit so the idea is it's cooler you know I do have an infrared here no way so you walk into the infrareds like 155 to 158 degrees most of them there's a couple that'll go up to like 170 even though the air is cooler the actual photons of light that are being released by the panel's this year you're surrounded by infrared panels while you're in there those penetrate more deeply into tissue so you wind up getting a deeper sweat you sweat for a longer time you can stay in there longer because it's not quite as hot but you look at like the studies out of Finland all right these these studies that show four to five year lifespan increases from a from a weekly sauna protocol of you know I think it's like four times a week for 20 to 30 minutes and the significant drop in dementia and Alzheimer's and a lot of these these mortality risk factors and you look at the studies that have been done in athletes where you get almost a

01:00

wreath ropo eaten like like a blood doping effect from sauna exposure when done post-workout and right you stay in there for 20 to 30 minutes post-workout all of these were done in a dry sauna yeah that's why I use it dry sauna as per run to Patrick's recommendation I just got that because she said there's no real studies like that on an infrared there's a few metal that so they've analyzed metal and detoxification and some of these infrared saunas and they have found that that you release more through your sweat you get a deeper sweat so if your goal is something like detoxification like when I'm in that I'm [ __ ] drenched like how could I get more out of that have you tried like a like trial like a 30 minute infrared versus yeah I have I I'm an idiot so I don't feel like I'm suffering as much so I don't like it when you're in the infrared you don't feel like yourself exactly yeah see that's the thing is and maybe I'm jaded because I'm my infrared like I've got it I've got a kettlebell in there I've put my bike in there okay

02:00

Olga in there when I go in there at night actually like I was telling you we're talking about those those massage devices those they saw out there yes so right this alas ones are like a PSO RIT you're like a shiv and love those they open up your cellar they open up unique working on a lot of different body parts hmm um anyway so I'll have stuff like that in there and occasionally do body work but I actually move I exercise in the sauna there's a sauna that's designed for that what the [ __ ] is that called again there's a specific sauna that a lot of UFC guys in Vegas and they're building them in gyms I know Winkeljohn gym Mike um like a TV panel in there yeah yeah they have televisions in there so you can even watch things like watch like directionals or watch some sort of instructional video on exercise yeah that's what I think they're doing is they're trying to have you do your workout like you look at a screen and it sauna and you do your workout why you look at this gets a bit spa I think it's called fits something like that yeah but the the the the hot one that I go

03:00

into mean I sweat so much I have a hard time believing I would sweat more anywhere else I mean I'm literally pouring sweat and I keep that [ __ ] around 190 degrees yeah so I'm I'm really ideal scenario I would like it I don't have a dry sauna but I would like to get a barrel sauna because I have the the infrared in my basement it's one of those big ones like the four-person infrared sauna mmm that you can get into an exercise you can you can yo get more people do yoga what not and I'm you know six too but I can get into like a full down dog into lunge or whatever but I'd love to have a dry sauna as well what is it Barris on a barrel sauna is a it's like a big barrel you've probably seen him before there they got benches on either side they're shaped like a like a cylinder they're they're very popular they build up a lot of heat I think even the shape of the barrel somehow allows the heat to be distributed more evenly through the sauna or something like that almost like a treasure grill okay yeah

04:00

looks like yeah so I've got what I did was I bought learn it oh he's on those endless pools that you swim against Jamie go to that one in the upper right-hand corner with the bubble on the outside of it that looks [ __ ] awesome yeah keep that sucker in your backyard I was at a guy's house in Santa mom yeah and it heats up the same way that some sort of a power source attached to that yeah that's pretty badass see I want to get one of those and just put it out in the forest I can look out with the cedar barrel saw yeah looks [ __ ] good yeah yeah yeah especially if you were in like a cold area and you could like like that look at that guys getting set up looking over a lake you could look out into the snow serene yeah

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In the quest for optimal health and longevity, the ritual of sauna bathing has emerged as a powerful ally. With roots in ancient cultures, this practice has evolved, offering various modalities that cater to different wellness goals. Among these, infrared and traditional saunas stand out, each with unique benefits that can enhance your overall well-being.

Understanding the nuances between these two sauna types can empower you to make informed choices about your recovery and self-care routines. Whether you seek deeper detoxification, improved athletic performance, or simply a moment of stillness, exploring the science behind sauna therapy can illuminate your path to greater health.

4 times a week recommended sauna use for health benefits 20 minutes recommended for sauna sessions 155 degrees Fahrenheit for infrared saunas 190 degrees Fahrenheit for traditional dry saunas

you get almost a blood doping effect from sauna exposure when done post-workout

Infrared vs. Traditional Saunas

Saunas have long been celebrated for their health benefits, but understanding the differences between infrared and traditional dry saunas is essential for maximizing their effects.

Infrared saunas operate at lower temperatures, typically between 155°F and 170°F. This lower heat allows for longer sessions, as many find it more comfortable. The infrared panels emit light that penetrates deeply into the body's tissues, leading to a more profound sweat. As one expert noted, "You wind up getting a deeper sweat."

In contrast, traditional dry saunas reach higher temperatures, often around 190°F. While these saunas are more widely studied, they also offer significant benefits, particularly for athletes seeking recovery after intense workouts. The higher heat encourages a vigorous sweat, which can be invigorating and rejuvenating.

"You wind up getting a deeper sweat." — Ben Greenfield

Health Benefits of Sauna Use

Regular sauna use has been linked to numerous health benefits, particularly when incorporated into a consistent wellness protocol. Research from Finland suggests that using a sauna four to five times a week can increase lifespan and significantly reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

For optimal results, sessions lasting 20 to 30 minutes are recommended. This duration allows the body to fully engage with the heat, promoting cardiovascular health and enhancing overall resilience. As the speaker emphasized, "The shape of the barrel somehow allows the heat to be distributed more evenly," which can enhance the sauna experience and its benefits.

Athletic Performance

Sauna therapy is not just a passive experience; it can actively contribute to athletic performance. Studies indicate that sauna use post-workout can mimic the effects of blood doping, enhancing endurance and recovery. Athletes who incorporate sauna sessions into their training regimens often report improved performance metrics and quicker recovery times.

The heat exposure from traditional saunas can facilitate muscle relaxation and reduce soreness, making it an ideal addition to an athlete's recovery protocol. For those who prefer infrared saunas, the ability to engage in light exercise during the session can further amplify the benefits, creating a unique synergy between heat and movement.

Detoxification and Sweating

One of the most touted benefits of sauna use is its role in detoxification. Infrared saunas, in particular, may enhance this process through deeper sweating. The mechanism behind this is simple: as the body heats up, it releases toxins and heavy metals through sweat.

As noted in the discussion, "I sweat so much I have a hard time believing I would sweat more anywhere else." This deep sweating is not only satisfying but also contributes to a sense of clarity and rejuvenation. Regular sauna sessions can help maintain a healthy internal environment, supporting the body's natural detoxification processes.

Innovative Sauna Designs

The design of saunas has evolved to enhance the user experience. Barrel saunas, for instance, are gaining popularity for their aesthetic appeal and functional benefits. Their cylindrical shape promotes even heat distribution, creating a more comfortable and effective sauna experience.

These innovative designs not only serve as a sanctuary for relaxation but also integrate seamlessly into outdoor environments, allowing users to connect with nature while enjoying the therapeutic benefits of heat. As the speaker remarked, "I would love to have a barrel sauna," highlighting the growing trend of personalized wellness spaces.

Words Worth Hearing

"I sweat so much I have a hard time believing I would sweat more anywhere else." — Ben Greenfield "The shape of the barrel somehow allows the heat to be distributed more evenly." — Ben Greenfield

Practical Takeaways

  1. Incorporate sauna sessions into your routine four times a week for optimal health benefits.

  2. Consider the type of sauna that aligns with your wellness goals—infrared for deeper sweating and detoxification, or traditional for post-workout recovery.

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