Combine sauna and sport in a healthy way

Healthy living: combine sauna and sport in a meaningful way

07/02/2015

In numerous fitness studios and swimming pools, a sauna is also on offer. In the cold winter months, sauna is one of the popular pastimes in this country anyway. But does it really make sense to sweat another round after the sport? Basically, sports and sauna can be well complemented, but some advice should be followed.

Not before exercising
For many Germans, sauna is one of their regular pastimes, especially during the cold winter months. Since many gyms have a sauna on offer, it seems to offer to continue to sweat after the sport. Is this combination really a good idea? „A sauna visit before training is counterproductive“, Uschi Moriabadi from the German University for Prevention and Health Management / BSA Academy in Saarbrücken told the news agency dpa. The sauna was already one „training load“, because it leads to an increased heart activity and the pulse increases by more than half of the normal value. „In addition, the loss of fluid through sweating has a negative effect on the functionality of the muscles.“ As the health expert explained, already a fluid loss of two percent worsened the performance significantly. In addition, both the psyche and the body after the sauna are set to relax.

Half an hour break between sports and sauna
After a workout, however, a walk in the sauna is highly recommended. But only if you follow some rules. „If you go to the sauna after the sport, not only the relaxation of body and mind, but also the general regeneration is actively promoted. The increased temperature improves blood circulation and relaxes the muscles“, so Moriabadi. In the longer term, it can strengthen the immune system and reduce the risk of diseases such as colds. The expert recommends a break of 30 minutes between the training and the first session in the sauna: „This time is necessary to lower the cardiovascular burden and normalize the pulse.“ In addition, this break can be used to wash off the grease film on the skin while showering and to rest in a deck chair.

Sauna is good for your health
It also states that, depending on tolerability, one to three sessions of sauna should take place with a duration of eight to 15 minutes each. Between the individual courses, a short fresh air stay, a cold water application and possibly a warm foot bath are pleasant. Even a 15- to 20-minute rest is good. If you follow these rules of thumb, then sauna is an optimal after-sports supplement and promotes good health. „People with illnesses should first consult their doctor for advice. Basically, if you are not overwhelmed and listen to your own body, it increases your well-being“, so Moriabadi.

In case of illness seek medical advice
In the past, health experts have often pointed out that it is necessary to abstain from using the sauna for certain illnesses. For example, patients with rheumatoid arthritis should only take a sauna in periods free of inflammation and epileptics should be completely avoided, since seizures could trigger convulsions. Even persons with strong varicose veins and other venous vascular diseases should be careful and follow certain rules of conduct, such as raising their legs whenever possible. Especially in cardiovascular or vascular diseases such as coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, arrhythmia (heart palpitations, tachycardia), hypertension or asthma, patients should seek medical advice before a sauna session. (Ad)

Picture: roesli48