Calories Burnt in Sauna

A sauna is a small room that has temperatures up to 185 degree Fahrenheit. It is used as a place for rest and relaxation. As temperatures get very high, people can use the sauna for only limited periods of time. The use of a sauna has been a part of alternative healing practices for ages. The Finnish were the first known people to use saunas many centuries ago.

Saunas are mostly used to relax and detoxify the body. In recent times, it has been gaining popularity as a means to lose weight as well. The number of calories burned in the sauna depends on the time spent there as well as the age and weight of the person. The high temperatures make the body increase its metabolism and this eventually leads to weight loss.

In today’s day and age, technology has made it possible to have different sauna experiences. A steam sauna is a classic method of using heat and steam to make the body perspire. This method has been in use for centuries. A dry sauna is also an ancient method of using heat as a means of relaxation. Temperatures are usually higher than that of a steam sauna. An infrared sauna uses infrared radiation to achieve high temperatures. This is a modern phenomenon.

Calories burned in the sauna?

As mentioned earlier, certain lifestyle practices believe that sitting in a sauna can lead to weight loss. The number of calories burnt in the sauna, however, depends on many factors. A younger person will be able to burn off more calories than an older individual will. The temperature of the sauna as well as the time spent in the sauna will also affect the number of calories burnt. On average, spending half hour in the sauna is said to help you burn 300 to 500 calories.

However, research indicates that the weight lost due to sitting in a sauna is actually only the amount of water that the body loses through perspiration. This kind of weight loss is very easy to gain back. So, the weight loss is actually only temporary. Other than a feeling of contentment and relaxation, saunas do not provide any concrete health benefits.

The best way to lose weight and burn calories is the tried and tested method of eating properly, avoiding foods that are bad for health, and exercising to burn away the excess calories. As they say, no pain, no gain! In addition, saunas can be dangerous for people with heart condition and high blood pressure. Talk to your physician before using a sauna.

References:

http://www.health.harvard.edu/press_releases/sauna_health_benefits
http://extension.umd.edu/publications/pdfs/fs763.pdf

Submitted on January 16, 2014