Contrary to popular belief, the weight loss benefit of saunas has little to do with the amount of water you're sweating out. While it may be highly encouraging to test your weight before and after a sauna treatment, take note: the pounds of water that you lost will be returned as soon as you start hydrating your body. According to the web resource Tuberose, the primary weight loss effects of a sauna session have more to do with the increased blood flow to the capillaries in a fat-converting process that can burn up to 600 calories per 30-minute session. Whether you are an experienced athlete or a casual exerciser looking to shed more pounds during your workout, the most effective method is to combine a sauna session with your regular exercise regimen.
Step 1
Drink one to two 32-oz containers of filtered drinking water throughout the day prior to your sauna session. Prepare for morning sauna sessions by hydrating your body before going to bed.
Step 2
Perform your regular exercise regimen before entering the sauna. New exercisers without a regular workout schedule should create an exercise program that includes at least 15 to 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise on an elliptical bicycle, swimming pool or other exercise activity.
Step 3
Drink 16 to 32 ounces of filtered water during your exercise routine, or immediately before stepping foot into the sauna. Remove your clothes and put on a bathing suit so that you are properly clothed.
Step 4
Enter the sauna chamber and find an available seat on the bench-like seating area. Place a towel underneath you and sit down on the towel. Sit for intervals of seven to ten minutes, stepping out to take breaks as needed. Continue until you have spent at least 20 minutes inside the sauna chamber, or longer as desired.
Step 5
Stand up slowly so as to avoid sensations of dizziness and take your time exiting the sauna chamber. Drink 16 ounces of filtered water immediately after leaving the sauna and, if desired, re-enter the sauna chamber after cooling off for 15 minutes.
Tips and Warnings
- Make sure to bring enough water so that you have easy access to a drink whenever you feel the urge.
- Avoid the consumption of diuretics in and around your sauna session. Substances such as coffee, alcohol, tea and dandelion root can create a dehydrating effect which, combined with sweating, could be hazardous to your health. If you experience strong sensations of distress, dizziness, nausea or rapid heart rate, leave the sauna immediately and contact your personal physician.
Things You'll Need
- 32 oz portable drinking container
- Bathing suit
- Towel
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