Using The Gym Sauna vs Having An In-Home Infrared Sauna

Saunas are not new, they have been around for many years. In fact, remnants of saunas have been found in archeological sites across the globe, and they are also rooted deep in various cultures from hundreds of years ago. However, infrared saunas, a fairly new and emerging variation of traditional saunas, are beginning to make a name for themselves as well. In recent years, they have continued to become a growing wellness trend - but science is proving they deserve a permanent spotlight. A lot of people prefer to use public saunas, such as ones in salons and gym locker rooms. But with infrared saunas making personal, in-home saunas affordable, more people are opting into having their very own. So, what exactly should you know before you buy? Below we discuss using a gym sauna versus an in-home sauna; but first, let’s take a brief look at the benefits provided by infrared sauna use.

The Benefits of An Infrared Sauna

Infrared saunas offer a wide array of benefits, and they can be a great asset to your regular wellness routine. The benefits of using an infrared sauna further include:

• Decreased fatigue
• Improved sleep
• Reduced muscle soreness and improved recovery
• Decreased blood pressure
• Decreased symptoms for individuals with rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and other inflammatory conditions
• Improved athletic performance
• Enhanced skin health
• Detoxification
• Improved mood and decreased stress
• Improved overall health and wellness

Research and studies continue to provide evidence of further benefits of infrared sauna therapy all the time. It comes as no surprise why so many people boast about their infrared sauna sessions [1][2][3][4].

The Gym Sauna vs. An In-Home Sauna

Should you or shouldn’t you install an in-home sauna? While gym saunas offer similar benefits, there are various perks of having an in-home sauna that the gym sauna just can’t beat. Check out the advantages of having an in-home sauna over a gym sauna below:

1. You Choose The Hours

Using an infrared sauna might help you recover better post-workout, making the gym a potentially ideal location to bask in your infrared sauna sessions [5]. You get a chance to relax and refresh after your workout before heading to shower and then heading home. The downside? You’re restricted to timing your infrared sauna sessions with your gym schedule and the gym’s hours. 

When you have an at-home infrared sauna, this isn’t an issue. You choose the hours. Whenever you feel like using it, it’s there for you; no one can tell you otherwise, which means you won’t have to rely on opening/closing hours at the gym. Instead, you get to enjoy infrared sauna sessions on your own schedule.  You can also conveniently take a relaxing sauna session right before bed, helping you ease into sleep; or super early in the morning before starting your day.

2. It Can Cost Less

The cost associated with your infrared sauna usage at the gym is potentially a two-in-one deal. You get access to the gym equipment and classes, as well as to the sauna. However, this may vary from gym to gym. In some cases, gyms will charge more to incorporate sauna usage into your membership, which means this could potentially cost more in the long run. In contrast, the upfront costs of an in-home sauna may seem like it’s not worth it, but remember, you’re making an investment into your health. If you look at the bigger picture, you won’t have to pay pricey memberships over the long-term - meaning you could save money by having your own in-home infrared sauna.

3. You’re Fully Aware Of The Cleanliness That Goes Into The Sauna

Having an in-home sauna means you won’t have to worry about the hygiene of the last individual that used it because it was likely you anyways. It also requires minimal regular cleaning since an infrared sauna is a dry sauna. This means mold and bacteria are less likely to grow. So you can relax in your sauna without fear or thoughts of someone else’s germs disrupting your session.

4. You Get Uninterrupted Me-Time

In a gym sauna, you’re more than likely going to have to share it with other people. If you’re after some much-needed me-time, this probably isn’t going to work out for you. When you have your own personal sauna, you get it all to yourself. You can unwind and de-stress, without interruption or having to make polite conversation. Plus, nothing quite beats having all that extra leg and elbow room.

How Do You Decide?

Your decision may ultimately come down to your lifestyle. Perhaps you rarely use your gym membership for exercise and opt for home workouts instead. In this situation, an in-home sauna is likely the optimum choice. You can finally cancel your gym membership, save money and use your sauna within the comforts of your own home on your own time. Look at your habits and lifestyle choices, and make an informed decision from there. Either way, as long as you're infrared sauna’ing, you’ll be gaining all the health benefits they have to offer!

Resources:

[1] Masuda A, Miyata M, et al. (2015). “Effects of Waon therapy on chronic fatigue syndrome: a pilot study.” ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, Intern Med., 2015, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25748743.

[2] Mero, A., Tornberg, J., Mäntykoski, M., & Puurtinen, R. (2015). “Effects of far-infrared sauna bathing on recovery from strength and endurance training sessions in men.” ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, SpringerPlus, 7 July 2015, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4493260/.

[3] Crinnion WJ. (2011). “Sauna as a Valuable Clinical Tool for Cardiovascular, Autoimmune, Toxicant-induced and other Chronic Health Problems.” foundationalmedicinereview.com, Altern Med Rev, 2011, http://archive.foundationalmedicinereview.com/publications/16/3/215.pdf.

[4] Hussain J., and Cohen M. (2018). “Clinical Effects of Regular Dry Sauna Bathing: A Systematic Review.” ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine, 24 April 2018, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5941775/.