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Runner's Training Tips: Sauna

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  1.  
    • CommentAuthorFree Memberbeckfield
    • CommentTimeMar 27th 2008
     
    beckfield

    Is going to the sauna any help in recuperating after a long run?

    My friends recommended that to me and said it has its benefits, however I'm not sure how true is that.

    Any comments?

  2.  
    fatrunboyfat
    Everything I've read suggests that it's counter-productive as your muscles and ligaments are already inflamed  and swollen after a long work out.  Adding heat increases the swelling.  If might feel better, but in terms of recovery, adding cold (ice packs, ice baths) is the way to go.
    • CommentAuthorFree Memberdrkonijn
    • CommentTimeMar 27th 2008
     
    drkonijn
    I wouldn't recomend it, the whole thought of getting all salted up and sitting in a warm dry sauna is too much like the process of making jerky. I have heard the whole inflamation bit but I would think running  is probably  worse for inflamation than sitting in a bit of  heat and the advice is always to not sit in the heat never stop running. I would say if you are worrying about inflamation don't do either. Unless you are training for training for Badwater any benefit you'd get was probably achieved during the run.
    • CommentAuthorFree MemberBendy
    • CommentTimeMar 27th 2008
     
    Bendy

    Maybe on a rest day, if you are also dipping in the cold plunge bath as well.

    After a long run, I can't see the point you are already hot and sweaty. Why get hotter and sweatier? Just for the kick? ;o)

    I feel it could cause heart problems by over-straining your temperature-control systems.

    • CommentAuthorFree MemberCCorina
    • CommentTimeMar 28th 2008
     
    CCorina

    For me a weekly/ fortnighty sauna session ( on a non-run day) is a  great recovery, as it relaxes the muscles and the intensive  sweating flushes out of my body a good deal of toxines. I also have loadsof water with me to make up the balance. AFter sauna always comes a deep nights' sleep and the next day I feel like new.

    I think Bendy is right, it's not a good idea to have a sauna or very hot shower/bath after intensive exercise.

    • CommentAuthorFree Memberiiv
    • CommentTimeMar 28th 2008
     
    iiv
    steam-rooms are a lot better for you than 'dry' saunas. plus they're easier on the lungs. I quite enjoy sitting in a steam-room after a workout and just relaxing... Tongue out

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