How Many Calories Do You Burn in a Sauna?
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How many calories do you burn in a sauna?
This can vary based on factors such as your weight, metabolism, and the duration of the session.
In a half-hour sauna session, you may burn between 46.5 and 62 calories
The average person weighing 150 pounds burns approximately 56 calories sitting in a sauna for 30 minutes
Let’s explore how saunas can be a part of your weight loss journey, the factors affecting calorie burn in saunas, and the difference in calorie burn between traditional and infrared saunas.
How Does a Sauna Help You Burn Calories?
When you sit in a sauna, your body's response mimics that of engaging in light to moderate exercise.
The heat increases your core temperature, causing your heart rate to rise.
A higher heart rate demands more energy, which your body sources by burning calories.
This process is a key player in how saunas help you shed those extra pounds.
The sweating process requires significant energy, contributing further to calorie burn.
While you're relaxing in the sauna, your body is working hard, boosting your metabolism and promoting weight loss. (1)
Related article: The added benefits of using a sauna after your workout.
What Factors Influence Calorie Burn in a Sauna?
Your weight plays a crucial role. The more you weigh, the more calories you'll burn.
Age is another factor. Younger people generally burn more calories.
The temperature of the sauna and the duration of your session also significantly impact the calories you burn.
Higher temperatures and longer sessions lead to more calories burned.
It's essential to balance these factors with safety to avoid dehydration or heat-related issues.
Is There a Difference in Calorie Burn Between Traditional and Infrared Saunas?
Yes, there is a difference in calorie burn between traditional steam saunas and infrared saunas. Both are effective in their own ways.
Traditional saunas operate at higher temperatures, causing a more intense sweating response, which can lead to a higher calorie burn
Infrared saunas penetrate the skin more deeply at lower temperatures, directly heating your body and potentially providing a more efficient calorie burn
Infrared saunas are particularly effective for those who find the high temperatures of traditional saunas uncomfortable.
Ultimately, the choice between traditional and infrared sauna depends on your personal preference and how your body responds to each type.
Related article: The optimal duration for a sauna session.
- Voted Best Infrared Saunas of 2023 by Sports Illustrated, Rolling Stone, and New York Post
- Features advanced full-spectrum heating system providing near, mid, and far infrared wavelengths
- Equipped with high-output heaters and supplemental Halogen heaters for faster heating
- Incorporates EMF/ELF blocking technology for safety; heater panels measure only 0.5 mG
- Utilizes Celliant textile technology in heater covers to convert body heat into infrared energy
- Saunas reach up to 165F, facilitating deep and detoxifying sweats
- Constructed with 100% solid wood, eco-friendly, non-toxic materials
- Innovative Magne-Seal system for easy assembly without screws or nails
- Includes medical-grade chromotherapy and premium Bluetooth surround sound speaker system
- Digital control panel with climate setting adjustment, 24-hour timer, and reservation mode
How Often Should You Use a Sauna for Weight Loss?
To maximize weight loss benefits while ensuring safety, aim for 3 to 4 sauna sessions per week.
Each session should last between 15 to 20 minutes.
It's important to listen to your body and adjust frequency and duration accordingly.
Hydration before and after your sauna session is crucial to replenish lost fluids through sweating.
Can Sauna Use Replace Exercise for Calorie Burning?
In short, no!
Saunas complement your weight loss efforts by burning calories, but the health benefits you get from working out are not to be missed…
Cardiovascular, strength, flexibility, better mood, higher energy levels and so much more.
Incorporate sauna sessions as an additional tool to your weight loss regime.
Related article: How sauna sessions can also benefit your skin.
Are There Any Risks Associated With Using a Sauna for Weight Loss?
Dehydration is a significant concern due to excessive sweating.
Overheating, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke are potential risks if sessions are too long or too frequent.
People with heart conditions, pregnant women, and those with certain medical conditions should consult a doctor before incorporating sauna sessions into their routine.
How to Maximize Calorie Burn During Your Sauna Session?
Stay hydrated before, during, and after your session to support your metabolism
Combine sauna use with exercise; consider using the sauna after your workout for additional calorie burn and muscle recovery
Gradually increase the duration of your sessions as your body adapts, without exceeding 20 minutes
Use the sauna consistently as part of a balanced fitness and wellness routine
Related article: Appropriate attire for your sauna sessions.
What Does Science Say About Saunas and Calorie Burning?
Scientific studies have shown that sauna use can contribute to calorie burn and weight loss. (2)
One study found that a 30-minute sauna session can burn between 300 to 600 calories, depending on various factors like weight and sauna temperature. (3)
The calorie-burning benefits of sauna sessions are a result of increased heart rate and the body's effort to cool itself, not a direct reduction of body fat.
Conclusion
Sauna sessions can offer numerous benefits.
This includes calorie burning, detoxification, improved circulation, and stress relief.
It's important to remember that saunas are not a standalone solution for weight loss.
Follow safety guidelines and combine sauna use with regular exercise and a healthy diet.
