You’ve probably noticed infrared saunas being all sorts of buzzy in the wellness world, and to be honest for a long time I wasn’t exactly into the idea of trying one. I thought, do I really want to sit and do nothing in 150+ degrees for 30+ minutes? Thanks but no thanks. But my best friend Sydney had been swearing by it, so a few weeks ago I went with her to try an infrared sauna session for myself. Lo and behold, now I’m hooked on the heat.
So, what exactly is an infrared sauna?
Unlike a traditional sauna that just warms the air, infrared heats the body directly, which produces a deep, sustainable sweat at the cellular level. In an infrared sauna the light directly penetrates your skin but does not warm the air around you, so the temperature in your body goes up quickly, yet the light has no effect on your surrounding environment. source 1, source 2
Typically an infrared sauna uses a red light (which in itself I find to be very relaxing), but if you go somewhere like HigherDOSE they have multiple light colors that provide different therapeutic effects.
As you’d expect, the sauna is hot and you’ll sweat a lot, but I have found that the heat isn’t as uncomfortable as traditional saunas. In fact, it’s actually quite enjoyable.
What are the health benefits?
According to various different sources, infrared saunas can have the following benefits:
- lower inflammation
- improved circulation
- increased metabolism
- calorie burning
- anti-aging/collagen boosting
- detoxification
- improves heart function
- stress relief
- improved sleep
- reduce joint/muscle pain
What I’ve experienced so far from using an infrared sauna
I’m going to be completely straight up with you (‘cuz that’s what I do) – so far I’ve only truly experienced one noticeable health benefit from using an infrared sauna, but for me it’s 100% enough to make me obsessed and continue using them, and that is:
S T R E S S R E L I E F
Seriously. It has become my ultimate mental detox. The zen feeling of sitting in the sauna with the calming changing colors of the lights, my music of choice playing, *not being on my phone or computer,* and feeling like I’m sweating out all of my cares in the world…I’ve never experienced anything quite like it. It truly is a natural high.
As someone who lives in NYC and has the 24/7 job that is social media, the aspect of feeling completely disconnected from the outside world, even if just for 30 minutes, is truly therapeutic for me. Not to be dramatic, but oftentimes during my infrared sauna session I find myself crying as I have the opportunity to think through/pray into things in my life that I’ve been suppressing or putting off. Tears and sweat are a glorious combination, in case you didn’t know.
And hell, maybe it’s the placebo effect of thinking I might be experiencing all of those health benefits listed above too. Of course I like to think that I am, but since I haven’t been visiting the infrared saunas longterm I just think it’s too early to tell. With that being said, I’m going to continue with my sessions 1-2 times a week.
The downside of infrared saunas
Yeah sooo infrared sauna sessions…they ain’t cheap. For a 60-minute session you’re looking at $50-$60 or $30-$45 for 30 minutes, depending on where you go. Some ways I’ve found around this is intro deals, skipping expensive boutique fitness classes, and even utilizing ClassPass credits. There are also Groupon deals, but I’d always suggest researching those locations/reviews beforehand.
The other downside is that you’re obviously super sweaty after using an infrared sauna, so you’ll want to schedule it accordingly. Most that I’ve been to have a shower you can use afterward, but unlike a fitness class where you have all the time in the world to get ready after your workout, your “refreshing” time is included in your session so I always find myself wanting to get the most time out of being in the sauna itself. I usually try to pick a time where I can just go home to shower after.
Infrared saunas in NYC
HigherDOSE (my favorite)
Modrn Sanctuary
Clean Market
ReCover
Chill Space
Floating Lotus
**********
Please note that I am NOT a health/medical/mental expert, and this is just my own experience/opinions. Please seek a professional before making any changes to your health routine.
**********
You might also like:
How I Lost Weight Practicing Food Freedom
10 Healthy Habits That Have Changed My Life
My Story Of Discovering Healthy Living
My Favorite NYC Fitness Classes On ClassPass
My Ride Or Die Beauty Products
