Is exercising in a sauna suit safe? Let’s take a look at the research and draw our own conclusions!
Sauna suits, commonly made from waterproof fabrics like PVC or neoprene, are designed to mimic the effects of a sauna by trapping heat close to the body.
This design elevates the body’s temperature during physical activity, simulating the intense heat and sweat experienced in a traditional sauna.
The primary intention behind wearing a sauna suit while exercising is to increase the body’s heat, thereby intensifying the physiological responses to exercise.
Due to the intensified physiological response of the body to exercise when performed while wearing a sauna suit, the prevailing belief in the fitness community is that sauna suits significantly enhance workout efficiency.
However, this method of intensifying your workouts does come with some risks.
Let’s learn more about sauna suits then make a decision about whether or not wearing a sauna suit while exercising is safe.
What is a Sauna Suit?
Sauna suits typically consist of two pieces covering the entire body, often including elastic at the wrists, waist, ankles, and neck to trap heat.
The materials used, such as neoprene or coated nylon, are chosen for their heat-retaining properties and are generally lightweight to allow for movement and flexibility during exercise.
Historically, athletes have used sauna suits, particularly in combat sports, to decrease body weight before competitions rapidly.
This practice, known as weight cutting, leverages the rapid water weight loss facilitated by the suits.
In contemporary fitness, sauna suits have gained popularity among the general public as a tool for weight loss and conditioning, with a focus on their potential to intensify a regular workout routine.
Benefits of Wearing Sauna Suits While Exercising
There are a few main potential benefits of wearing a sauna suit while exercising that can encourage people to try this fitness hack.
Here is a look at the research behind these potential benefits:
Increased Calorie Burning Due to Increased Exertion During Workouts
Recent research suggests that wearing a sauna suit can increase calorie expenditure.
The additional heat stress demands more from the body’s thermoregulatory system, which in turn may require increased metabolic and cardiovascular responses, leading to higher energy expenditure during workouts (Matthews et al., 2022).
Enhanced Sweating & Body Detoxification
Sauna suits significantly elevate the perspiration rate by trapping heat and increasing body temperature.
This intense sweating is believed to aid in detoxification, as sweat can carry toxins out of the body.
Moreover, it is often perceived to enhance skin health and elasticity, although scientific evidence supporting these claims is limited.
Short-term Weight Loss (Losing Water Weight)
One of the most immediate and noticeable effects of wearing a sauna suit is rapid water weight loss.
While this type of weight loss is temporary, it can benefit athletes needing to meet weight categories or individuals seeking quick weight reduction for specific events.
Heat Acclimatization
Training in sauna suits could assist in heat acclimatization, an important aspect for athletes who compete in hot environments.
Regular exposure to the elevated temperatures created by the suit may help the body adapt more efficiently to hot conditions, improving performance and reducing the risk of heat-related illnesses during competitions or activities in warm climates.
Risks of Wearing a Sauna Suit While Exercising
Although there are various potential benefits of wearing a sauna suit while exercising, this practice also comes with numerous risks.
Dehydration and Overheating: Analysis of the Risks of Excessive Sweating
Using sauna suits significantly increases perspiration, which can lead to dehydration.
Dehydration, even in mild forms, can impair physical performance, cognitive function, and overall well-being.
Additionally, the trapped heat can elevate core body temperature to dangerous levels, increasing the risk of overheating.
Overheating not only impairs physical performance but also poses serious health risks (Nichols, 2014).
False Sense of Weight Loss
Weight loss experienced while using a sauna suit is largely due to water weight loss through excessive sweating.
This type of weight loss is temporary and is quickly regained once the individual rehydrates.
It is crucial to understand that this does not equate to fat loss or long-term weight reduction, which can lead to a false sense of accomplishment and progress in one’s fitness journey.
Potential for Heat-Related Illnesses
The excessive heat and fluid loss associated with sauna suit use can lead to serious heat-related illnesses, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Heat exhaustion symptoms include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, and muscle cramps.
If not addressed promptly, it can escalate to heat stroke, characterized by a lack of sweating, rapid pulse, difficulty breathing, confusion, and even loss of consciousness.
Safety Guidelines and Best Practices
Hydration
To mitigate the risks of dehydration, it is essential to ensure proper hydration.
This includes drinking water before, during, and after a workout.
It is recommended to drink at least 16-20 ounces of water a few hours before exercise and continue hydrating regularly during the workout, especially when wearing a sauna suit (American Council on Exercise).
Monitoring Body Response
Individuals should be aware of their body’s responses and signs of distress.
Key indicators of overheating and dehydration include excessive fatigue, dizziness, confusion, excessive thirst, and reduced sweating despite high temperatures.
Immediate action, such as removing the sauna suit, hydrating, and seeking a cooler environment, is vital upon noticing these symptoms.
Gradual Introduction
For those new to sauna suits, starting with shorter, less intense workouts and gradually increasing the duration and intensity is advisable.
This allows the body to adapt to the increased heat and stress associated with sauna suit use.
Medical Consultation
It is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating sauna suits into their exercise routine, especially for individuals with pre-existing health conditions.
Conditions such as heart disease, respiratory issues, or problems related to thermoregulation can be exacerbated by the use of sauna suits.
How to Do Safe & Effective Workouts in a Sauna Suit
Appropriate Exercise Types
Certain types of workouts may be more beneficial and safer when using sauna suits. Low- moderate-intensity cardiovascular exercises such as walking, light jogging, or cycling are recommended.
These activities promote sweating without excessively straining the body’s thermoregulatory system.
High-intensity or prolonged workouts, especially in hot conditions, should be approached with caution due to the increased risk of overheating.
Duration and Intensity
The duration and intensity of workouts should be adjusted when wearing a sauna suit.
Beginners should start with short sessions, around 15-20 minutes, and gradually increase as they become accustomed to the suit.
It is important to listen to the body and reduce the intensity or duration of any signs of discomfort or overheating.
Regular breaks to hydrate and cool down are crucial.
Combining Sauna Suits with Other Weight Loss Strategies
While sauna suits can be a component of a weight loss strategy, they should not be relied upon as the sole method.
Effective and sustainable weight loss involves a holistic approach that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, and lifestyle modifications.
Incorporating sauna suits should be seen as an adjunct to these primary weight loss strategies, potentially enhancing the effectiveness of a well-rounded fitness and nutrition plan.
What Sauna Suit Should You Buy?
In the search for effective sauna suits for enhancing workout experiences, two brands stand out in 2023: HOTSUIT and Kewlioo.
Both brands have garnered attention for their quality, design, and effectiveness, offering a range of options catering to different preferences and workout styles.
HOTSUIT: Quality and Comfort Combined
HOTSUIT has made a significant mark in the sauna suit market with its innovative designs.
Their suits are known for their blend of functionality and comfort, which is crucial for exercise apparel. A notable example from their lineup is a jacket equipped with a hood.
This jacket stands out for several reasons:
- Material: It’s crafted from a special fabric that not only enhances heat retention but also manages to remain breathable, making it suitable for longer workout sessions.
- Design: The inclusion of a hood adds to the functionality, helping to increase the body’s overall temperature more efficiently. Additionally, the design is sleek, avoiding the bulkiness often associated with traditional sauna suits.
- Variety: HOTSUIT offers a range of styles catering to both men and women, ensuring a wide demographic can benefit from their products.
Kewlioo: Lightweight and Effective
Kewlioo takes a slightly different approach with their sauna suits, focusing on a less bulky, more streamlined design. Their thinner pullover is a standout in this category:
- Lightweight Design: The pullover is designed to be less bulky, providing greater ease of movement during workouts. This makes it an excellent choice for activities requiring a higher range of motion.
- Heat Efficiency: Despite the thinner material, it effectively retains body heat, ensuring the core principle of a sauna suit – to promote sweating and heat retention – is not compromised.
- Versatility: Suitable for a variety of exercises, from light cardiovascular workouts to more intense training sessions, making it a versatile option for different fitness enthusiasts.
Both HOTSUIT and Kewlioo have carved out their niches in the sauna suit market, each bringing unique features to the table.
Whether it’s the comfort and comprehensive heat coverage offered by HOTSUIT or the lightweight, flexible design of Kewlioo, both brands provide quality options for those looking to incorporate sauna suits into their exercise routines.
Their focus on accommodating both men and women in various styles further enhances their appeal, making them top choices for sauna suits in 2023.
Final Thoughts – Is it Safe to Wear a Sauna Suit While Exercising?
While sauna suits can offer certain short-term benefits in a workout regimen, weighing these against the significant risks, particularly concerning hydration and overheating, is essential.
The effectiveness of sauna suits should be viewed in the context of a comprehensive approach to fitness and weight loss.
Ultimately, the decision to incorporate sauna suits into a workout routine should be made cautiously and informed by personal health status, fitness goals, and, preferably, medical advice.
It is essential for individuals to make educated choices that align with their unique health needs and fitness aspirations.
Leave a Reply