Infrared Sauna Benefits for Muscle Recovery
The Sauna! Here at Primitive x Swole AF we have a small infrared sauna sitting in the left corner of our private gym. To the average eye you might find yourself thinking, well what is that? How does it work? What does this even do for me and how do I turn it on? These are all fair questions, and we are here to answer all of the sauna inquiries and discuss how you can safely incorporate it into your fitness recovery routine.
An infrared sauna, as opposed to a normal sauna, does not heat the air around you. They only heat the body itself and it is a solid addition to anyone's muscle recovery plan when used correctly. It uses, as the name implies, infrared light to penetrate below the surface of the skin and access the muscle tissue that was strained during training sessions. The sauna is meant to boost blood circulation, reduce muscle soreness and allow you to stay ahead of your recovery game.
How it works in relation to reducing soreness and boosting blood circulation has a lot to do with the lactic acid build up that happens post workout. That build up of lactic acid, an organic acid that is accumulated in the muscles during intense workout, is what causes your muscles to have that tight and sore feeling. By using the infrared sauna, you are aiding in the vasodilation (or opening up of) your blood vessels which is what causes that flushed or warm feeling. That dilation allows more oxygen and nutrients to get to your muscle tissue while also improving blood circulation. What it has to do with lactic acid directly, is that it helps move those “toxins” away from your muscles so that sore feeling does not last or affect athletic performance. Other benefits of infrared therapy may include reduced pain post workout as well as increased skin elasticity, fat loss and improved sleep quality. All of these different benefits have the ability to help athletes train at a higher caliber and get back into the gym faster than they would normally be able to.
Our infrared sauna is turned on by flipping the switch in the top left corner of the machine. It is very easy to use and we suggest that if you want to start incorporating it into your routine that you start out with a 10 minute session once a week and gradually increase to no more than four times weekly for no longer than 30 minutes per session. We also recommend that with any workout routine, but especially with the infrared sauna worked in, that you stay hydrated and pay attention to what your body is telling you. If you find yourself feeling uneasy inside the sauna then maybe opt for a shorter session or consult one of our trainers on how our sauna would best fit into your training schedule.
Ready to try something new in your recovery routine?
Come in for a workout and stay for a sauna session. We’ll walk you through how it works and help you figure out the best way to build it into your week.
>>> Try the Sauna in the Open Gym <<<
FAQs
Q: What exactly is an infrared sauna?
It’s a sauna that heats your body directly using infrared light instead of heating the air around you. It’s great for muscle recovery and boosting circulation without feeling overwhelmingly hot.
Q: How do I turn it on?
There’s a switch in the top left corner inside the unit. Flip it on and give it a few minutes to warm up.
Q: How often should I use it?
Start with 10 minutes once a week. If your body responds well, you can work up to 3 or 4 sessions a week for 20–30 minutes.
Q: What should I bring?
Bring a towel to sit on and plenty of water. Hydration is key, especially post-workout.
Q: Can I use it before or after a workout?
Most people use it after training to support recovery, but some use it beforehand to warm up. It depends on what feels best for your body.
Keep Reading:
- What to Expect From Group Classes at Primitive x Swole AF
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- Mental Reps Matter: Training the Inner Voice
Learn why your mindset can be your strongest tool in and out of the gym and how to make it work for you.
- Group Training vs Personal Training vs Private Gym: Which Is Right for You?
Compare the benefits of each training style so you can build the setup that fits your lifestyle.
Written by the Primitive Movement x Swole AF Team
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