Infrared workouts gently heat your body from the inside out. That’s the idea behind infrared fitness studios, where short, high-intensity workouts take place in an infrared-heated environment. The combination of exercise and heat has become popular with people looking for more from their workout than simply burning calories.
INCREASED SWEATING
Sweating itself isn’t a magic “detox,” but it is an important part of the body’s natural cooling system. The increased heat can also make a workout feel more challenging, potentially elevating heart rate and cardiovascular demand.
MUSCLE RECOVERY AND FLEXIBILITY
Heat can increase blood flow and help muscles feel looser, which may make stretching and movement more comfortable. For people who tend to feel stiff before or after workouts, exercising in a warm environment can be particularly appealing.
WHAT ABOUT YOUR SKIN?
The increased circulation and sweating associated with exercise can give skin a temporary healthy glow. Heat also increases blood flow to the skin, while perspiration helps move oil and debris toward the surface. However, sweating isn’t a substitute for cleansing, and anyone exercising in infrared heat should wash their face and body afterward to help prevent clogged pores.
Infrared light itself is also being studied for potential skin-related benefits, particularly certain wavelengths of near-infrared and red light.
AND YOUR HAIR?
The story is similar with hair. Better circulation may support a healthy scalp environment, and infrared light is being researched for its potential effects on cellular activity and hair growth. But there isn’t strong evidence that simply exercising in an infrared sauna will directly make hair grow thicker or faster. Think of any hair benefit as a possible bonus rather than a proven result.
Perhaps the biggest benefit is the combination of exercise, heat and relaxation. A warm workout can leave you feeling accomplished and relaxed at the same time. Add regular resistance or cardiovascular training, good nutrition, hydration and adequate recovery, and infrared workouts can be an enjoyable addition to an overall healthy lifestyle.
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