There are many reasons people participate in sports: to be healthier, enjoyment and fun, to be part of a team, the thrill of competition, a sense of achievement, and many others. People are also frequently looking for ways to improve their performance or to become faster, stronger, or have more endurance. Athletes also often desire ways to recover more quickly from intense training or sore muscles. There are many programs, diets, workout regimens, ad supplements that have the potential to impact performance and recovery. So how about using infrared for athletes?
For boosting performance and giving you an “edge” over the competition, infrared sauna may do just that. One study of cyclists found that using sauna following normal training had an impact in just four sessions (Stanley et al, 2015). The study found a large increase in plasma volume in the blood of cyclists, which is an indicator of improved physical performance in all environmental conditions. Another study of male wrestlers found that a single sauna session elevated the amount of oxygen in the blood, and using the sauna once a week for five months gave the athletes increased tissue oxygenation and antioxidant protection that increase their bodies resistance to stress (Zinchuk & Zhadzko, 2012).
Looking at both performance and recovery from training, Mero et al (2015) found that both improved when athletes used sauna after training; they also found infrared sauna to be superior to steam sauna. Similarly, a study of runners found that far infrared exposure helped to heal exercise induced muscle damage (Hausswirth et al, 2011). Even a recent article in Sports Illustrated touts far infrared sauna and lamps as helpful in athletes’ recovery from training and injury (Lisanti, 2018).
Whether you are looking to improve performance, sooth sore and aching muscles, or recover more quickly from training, infrared sauna and lamps may be just what your body needs. Check out the affordable packages for all types of infrared at the Salt Oasis Kingsport.
All information in this article is for educational purposes only. It is not for the diagnosis, treatment, prescription or cure of any disease or health condition. Do not make any changes to your healthcare or treatment without consulting your physician.
Stanley J., Halliday A., D’Auria S., Buchheit M., Leicht A. S. Effect of sauna-based heat acclimation on plasma volume and heart rate variability. European Journal of Applied Physiology. 2015;115(4):785–794.
Zinchuk V., Zhadzko D. Sauna effect on blood oxygen transport and prooxidant-antioxidant balance in athletes. Medicina Sportiva: Journal of Romanian Sports Medicine Society. 2012;8(3):p. 1883.
Mero, A., Tornberg, J., Mäntykoski, M. et al. Effects of far-infrared sauna bathing on recovery from strength and endurance training sessions in men. SpringerPlus 4, 321 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40064-015-1093-5
Hausswirth, C., Louis, J., Bieuzen, F., Pournot, H., Fournier, J., Filliard, JR., Brisswalter, J. 2011. Effects of whole-body cryotherapy vs. far-infrared vs. passive modalities on recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage in highly-trained runners. PLoS One 6 (7), e22748.
Lisanti, J. 2018. Far infrared saunas: explaining the latest trend in athlete recovery. Sports Illustrated. Apr 9. https://www.si.com/edge/2018/04/09/far-infrared-radiation-sauna-recovery-athletes