Sauna Question

I know most of you are runners from the posts I have read. I am not there yet and not sure if I ever will but will wait to see on that. I have been walking abt 2-2.5 miles a day abt 5 days a week and just  started a step class. Will be adding a turbo kick class in a couple of weeks. I just dont want to over do it. After my workout I usually enjoy sitting in the sauna for abt 15 to 20 minutes to relax before leaving the gym.
 
My question is does anyone know the benefits of using the sauna? Which is better the Wet or Dry sauna? Should you use the sauna before or after you work out? Just curious. I was a member of LOA for a few months (have since changed to 24 Hr Fitness) and they really push the dry sauna and make you pay extra for it. Says there are a lot of benefits for people who suffer from rheumatoid arthrits (which I do). They also claim you can "burn" up to 600 calories in 30 minutes while sitting in there. I really dont "drip" sweat in there so I'm not sure about that claim.

Have a great Sunday!

Debby

Hey There fellow Dr Kim Patient! Dry sauna is nice to stretch out in, and open up the pores and sweat some toxins out... I am curious to know how in creation they claim it will help arthritis! I enjoy going in there to sweat it out a bit after a long workout, I find it gives me a chance to meditate and contimplate what I have done, what I need to do, and how I am going to do it. As for burning 600 calories... I have to call BS on that! I burn about 1000-1200 cals an hour running... I guess if every obese person just sat in the sauna for 1-2 hours a day, AMERICA would be fit! Problem solved. Sounds like a terrible salesman looking to sell ocean front property in Kentucky!  I go to the 24 HR on Western Center... Where bouts are you going?

Hi Dan! I go to the Rufe Snow location but will occasionally go the Western Center location when I meet a friend to workout. I kinda figured I was being swindled but when you are 230 lbs and someone is offering you a "quick" fix I guess you will jump on it, right? Especially if all we had to do was sit on our butts! That was before I my first visit to Dr Kim's office. So thankful I found them, by luck and not the commercials! LOL! Saw the commercials after that visit. Thank you so much for the info! I really do appreciate it!

Have a great day!
Debby

If you have seen his commercials, then you have seen me...  :) I am the guy who talks about Ironman, marathons etc in his commercials. Have an awesome day!

I actually have gone to the support group at his office the last 2 months so I know who you are. I think it is amazing what you have done and are doing! If I can be 1/4 as active as you are I would be happy with it. I have been a couch potatoe for 30+years just being able to walk 2 miles is a huge step for me. I dont schedule my life around the TV now, I get out and move first then look to see whats on TV. If I miss something, oh well I can view it later on the internet!

Debby

Hi Debby!

I actually had this same question months ago, and did some research then finally talked to a couple of docs.

Dry heat sauna (some have water to dibble on the stones for a burst of steam/heat) :
    Great after a workout. Opens pores and allows toxins to leave body, whether you sweat or not. Always stay hydrated. I take a bottle of water in with me. Follow the dry heat sauna with a cool shower and loofa/exfoliate for best benefit of your skin. Usually no  more than 20 minutes in the sauna without a break.

Moist air/steam room:
      Great for bronchitis, etc. the moist steamy air opens the pasages of the broncili (lungs).
Think about it...when your child (if you have one or know of anyone who has one) has "the croop", docs recommend steaming up the bathroom and letting the little guy/gal hang in the steam. It loosens phlem, makes breathing easier. 
      The steam is also good for your face/body/pores. 

I use the dry heat sauna, pouring water on the stones, after I work out and sit in the jacuzzi.  Like Dan, I mediate, stretch out my limbs, and clear and focus my mind.

Take care - you future runner!!!

Thanks for the info Kathy! I realize I was fed a line of BS from LOA to pay them more in membership fees. What you stated makes sense. I do have kids (grown) and a grand daughter. The grand daughter suffers with severe asthma. We have spent many nites in the bathroom with a hot shower running. I just didnt relate the two.

I do enjoy the dry sauna after a workout. I def bring my water and sip the whole time I am in there.

Thank you for your words of encouragement. Dont know about the future runner, we will have to wait and see.

Debby