Sauna bathing after fitness training helps your body to recover by increasing the amount of antioxidants and by counteracting free radicals.
During intense aerobic exercise the body's oxygen uptake increases by 20%, while the oxygen consumption in skeletal muscles can increase by as much as 100-200%. The difference between oxygen uptake and oxygen consumption causes a condition called oxidative stress in the body. Ultimately oxidative stress has a destructive effect on the muscles and bones. There are enzymes known as antioxidants that function as a defense against oxidative stress. Antioxidants prevent damage by triggering chemical reactions that counteract free radicals and harmful oxides.
A Polish research study has found that sauna bathing after aerobic training helps the body with this process and reduces the harmful effects of free radicals. The study enrolled 43 men who two days in a row performed a 30-minute aerobic exercise on an ergometer cycle. After training the first day they rested half an hour at room temperature, while after the training the second day they spent the same amount of time in the sauna. Blood samples were taken at three occasions during both days: before exercise and 20 and 40 minutes after recovery. The results clearly showed an increased amount of antioxidants in the blood after resting in the sauna compared with resting in room temperatur. The researchers' conclusion was that sauna bathing after aerobic exercise is an effective way to counteract oxidative stress and help the body to recover.
"Sauna after exercising counteracts the destructive effects of free radicals and helps the body to recover."
