Sauna suits are synthetic bodysuits made to increase perspiration while exercising and promote weight loss. These are some of the common myths and misunderstandings about sauna suits, as well as some additional benefits of wearing them beyond just losing weight.
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1Sauna Suits Are Uncomfortable to Wear During Workouts
Original sauna suits were made of rubber or rubberized cloth, which weren’t as comfortable or as durable as today’s sauna suits. Now, sauna suits are available in several different types of material including PVC, nylon, and neoprene. PVC suits are low-priced but they’re not very breathable and the least durable of the three materials. Nylon suits are more breathable, but aren’t very stretchable and can feel restrictive. However, neoprene sauna suits are flexible, breathable, and washable.
When sized correctly, wearing a sauna suit can be as comfortable as wearing your favorite sweatsuit. Wear lightweight, close-fitting clothes under the sauna suit to improve comfort.
2Sauna Suits Don’t Promote Permanent Weight Loss
Another myth is that when you wear a sauna suit, you only lose the water weight from sweat and you’ll put it back on as soon as you hydrate. However, you can actually permanently lose up to two pounds a week from working out with a sauna suit. When worn consistently, you’ll also boost your metabolism, so the weight is more likely to stay off permanently as long as you continue your fitness routine.
3Sauna Suits Are Unsafe
The misconception about sauna suits is that they’re dangerous because they promote overheating. Sauna suits aren’t meant to be worn for vigorous or high-intensity workouts or workout sessions greater than 60 minutes. The first time you exercise in one, don’t attempt a full workout. Start with just 10 or 15 minutes and gradually add 10 minutes at a time, until you gradually build up to a full workout session. It’s also important to stay hydrated while working out in a sauna suit by drinking sips of water consistently during your workout because as with any workout, you’re more susceptible to dehydration.
Sauna suits provide several additional benefits beyond just losing weight, such as increasing metabolic rate and endurance. Studies also show sauna suits improve aerobic fitness and enhance heart health. When worn consistently, sauna suits promote muscle healing and reduce soreness after workouts because they decrease the buildup of lactic acid in the muscles while exercising. Sauna suits are also helpful when exercising outdoors in cold weather, helping hold in body heat while you workout.
Finally, your higher body temperatures will trigger the release of serotonin in your brain, which has a positive impact on your mood and mindset and will help you feel even better as you work out.
After considering all of the benefits, is a sauna suit the right choice for you? The best way to decide is to test it out yourself. When you’re ready to give sauna suits a try, purchase a high-quality neoprene sauna suit, use it regularly for 30 days, and compare your results to where you were when you started.
