If there’s one thing we love, it’s sweat.  Probably because sweating is so good for you.  It’s your body’s natural way to rid itself of toxins and stay healthy.  That’s why were never trying to stop it.  If anything, we’re always looking for new ways to sweat.  And so, enter: infrared saunas.

Obviously, saunas are hardly a “new” concept.  They’ve had their place in the health and wellness world for a while now, with particular popularity in Scandinavian culture (“sauna” is a Finnish word, after all). 

And whether your goal is to ease pain after a tough workout, relieve stress after a long day, or to simply sweat it out, there’s a few things you should know before stepping into the sauna.

All saunas aren’t created equal

Infrared saunas are different than traditional dry saunas and steam saunas.  Dry saunas rely on temperature primarily, clocking in the highest at around 185 to 195 degrees Fahrenheit.  Steam saunas are lower in temperature because they use steam and humidity to create a different kind of heated environment. 

An infrared sauna differs from both of these however, because it uses infrared heaters, which are able to penetrate the body, inducing a more vigorous sweat at a lower temperature.  The type of sweat that helps rid your body of toxins.

Sweating as a form of detox

Because infrared saunas heat from within to make you sweat, detoxification is one of the main benefits. 

Our skin is our largest organ, meaning it’s like a sponge for different toxins.  This is why it has natural methods to rid itself of them.  Sweating being one of them.  Along with that, infrared saunas and sweating together help relieve pain and purify skin.

Helpful hints for first timers

Okay, so you’re ready to get your sweat on in the sauna.  But it’s your first time.  Before you step in, just remember to always listen to your body.  If you start feeling clammy, light-headed, or tired, then it’s time to step out.  Like most things, you should work your way up to a sauna session lasting longer than a couple minutes. 

Sweating is a beautiful thing, and it’s a crucial part of staying healthy.  So, if you’re looking for another way to get sweaty, with a bunch of added benefits, then we recommend jumping on the infrared sauna train.  We’re already on board.