Sauna suits can be found in most sports stores and even regular shopping centers across the country. Typically sauna suits are used for athletic training or in an attempt to lose weight, but it's important to weigh the few benefits against the many potentially serious disadvantages of using the piece of equipment during your training.
The Sauna Suit
Sauna suits, also called plastic suits, are pieces of alternative weight loss equipment made from water-proof materials such as nylon cloth or polyvinyl chloride, more commonly known as PVC. Sauna suits are commonly seen in areas of fitness where participants must meet a certain weight, such as in wrestling or the military, but also are used by those trying to lose weight.
How it Works
Sauna suits are made from materials that trap in heat as you exercise. This process causes the body's temperature to quickly rise above normal levels. The defense mechanisms of the body kick in to return homeostasis to the body by reducing the temperature through sweating. This is seen through the profuse sweating experienced by those who use sauna suits as they work out.
Benefits
The only benefit a sauna suit provides in regard to training is the ability to cut weight rather quickly. This is only a temporary weight loss due to water loss from sweat. Any weight loss experienced due to the use of a sauna suit will return once you drink water again.
Dangers
Sauna suits come with many dangers and typically are not suggested to be used at any time due to the possibility that your body temperature could reach dangerous temperatures, suggests the National Heart, Blood and Lung Institute. High body temperatures can cause your body to over-sweat, resulting in dehydration, loss of electrolytes, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and even death in some cases.
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