Warming up before a workout is not just a ritual, but a necessity for those who are most concerned with longevity away from injuries. Proper warmups ensure your joints and muscles are ready to take on the more physically demanding exercises of your workout, not only enhancing performance in eventual muscle recruitment but also decreasing the chance of strains and improper use from insufficient blood flow. Unfortunately, many individuals skip the full warm-up routines to conserve time, or simply because they don’t have enough energy to include warm-ups. This is where the advantages of an infrared sauna can help.
The heat of an infrared sauna can prep the body just as well as a physical warm-up can. Explore how and its benefits with our team at Sun Stream Saunas AUS in the article below.
Boosting Circulation for Enhanced Muscle
Workouts naturally stimulate increased circulation as you go through them; however, it’s better to go into those sets with a prepared cardiovascular system. Infrared saunas excel in this area by increasing blood flow through vasodilation, or the widening of blood vessels. The targeted heat of infrared saunas that directly heat your body’s core temperature is responsible for this process, helping to provide an immediate supply of oxygen and nutrients to your muscles.
Enhanced circulation energises muscles and activates their readiness to contract efficiently. Taking note of this – well-oxygenated and energised muscles are less likely to experience fatigue quickly or cramping. Additionally, with improved blood flow, your body can flush out metabolic waste products, such as lactic acid, which can build up during strenuous activity, more effectively.
Infrared Heat and Muscle Flexibility
No one wants to work out with tight or stiff muscles. Not only can this significantly impair your range of motion, but it can also increase the likelihood of injury. Infrared sauna sessions counteract this by warming up the collagen fibers in tendons and fascia with deep heat, improving elasticity.
This effect is particularly great for individuals with joint issues or muscular imbalances. For instance, if you often experience tight hips or hamstrings, a 10 – 15 minute infrared sauna can reduce tension in those areas and improve movement.
Combined with dynamic stretching, this process ensures your muscles are not only warm but flexible and ready to perform workout movements with ease.
Thermal Preconditioning for Enhanced Endurance
Exposure to the deep, penetrating heat of an infrared sauna before a workout enhances your body’s ability to regulate temperature during the workout. This process, called heat acclimation, improves circulatory efficiency and sweat response, which allows your body to cool down more efficiently during exercise sessions.
This is especially helpful for those engaging in cardio routines or endurance training as it can also translate into greater stamina and reduced fatigue.
Aside from allowing the body to cool off more efficiently, this pre-conditioning process also prepares your heart for any kind of intense activity.
How to Maximise the Advantages of Infrared Saunas for Your Pre-Workout
Experts recommend using the sauna for 10 to 20 minutes before exercising. Remember, however, that hydration is also key. Sweating during the session can lead to fluid loss so make sure to drink water before and after to maintain electrolyte balance.
Pairing your infrared sauna session with dynamic stretches or low-impact movements can further enhance its effects. For instance, while in the sauna, do gentle arm circles or stretch your neck to help your muscles grow limber with the sauna heat.
Key Takeaway
For those who may have injuries, joint issues, or those who simply want to enjoy the benefits of heat therapy, having infrared sauna sessions before your workout can present many advantages. Altogether, these benefits equate to enhanced muscle performance and lesser risks of injury, allowing you to maximise your workouts as well.
For those ready to experience these benefits firsthand, Sun Stream Infrared Saunas Australia offer premium-grade infrared saunas tailored to meet your fitness and wellness goals. Our products are designed to help you integrate the practice seamlessly into your routine. Contact us today for more questions or inquiries.