In the world of health and fitness, there are many options to choose from to improve your overall wellness. One such option is using a sauna. In this article, we would like to give an overview of using an Infrared sauna vs and traditional sauna. Both have their unique benefits, making it difficult to decide which is the best choice for you. In this blog post, we will explore the key differences between infrared saunas and traditional saunas so that you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you
What is a Sauna?
Before we dive into the differences between infrared saunas and traditional saunas, let’s first take a look at what a sauna is. A sauna is a room or cabinet heated to high temperatures to create an environment that promotes sweating. This sweat can help detoxify the body by releasing toxins from the skin.
What is an Infrared Sauna?
An infrared sauna uses heat lamps that emit wavelengths of light. This technology can penetrate several inches into the body to warm blood vessels and tissues. When these areas are warmed, they release endorphins which help promote feelings of relaxation and reduce tension in muscles while also boosting circulation throughout your body.
What is a traditional sauna?
A traditional sauna uses heaters to produce steam. This type of sauna heats the air, which then heats your body. The high temperatures in a traditional sauna can cause you to sweat more than in an infrared sauna. However, it can be challenging to breathe in a traditional sauna because the air is heated, making it uncomfortable for some people.
What are the Differences?
Now that we have a basic understanding of what both an infrared sauna and a traditional sauna are, let’s look at some of the key differences between them.
- Time: Traditional saunas can take longer to produce results because you are sitting in a heated room with hot air. There is typically less time needed to complete the same benefits as using a traditional sauna in an infrared sauna. This is because infrared light penetrates deeper into your body and heats blood vessels and tissues more quickly – resulting in sweating sooner rather than later.
- Temperature: The temperature in a traditional sauna is typically much higher than that of an infrared sauna. This can be a pro or con, depending on your preferences. A high temperature in a traditional sauna can help you sweat more and detoxify your body faster, while an infrared sauna’s lower temperatures may be more comfortable for some people.
- Cost: Traditional saunas can be much cheaper upfront than purchasing an infrared unit for use at home or even renting one from a spa center occasionally. However, when considering how often you will need or want to use it over several years of ownership, owning an infrared unit might end up being cheaper overall since they heat up faster and do not require heating the entire room.
- Heat: One of the key differences between an infrared sauna and a traditional sauna is that infrared saunas use heat lamps to emit light, while traditional saunas rely on heated air. This means that you will feel hotter in a traditional sauna because all of the heat is coming from the air, whereas in an infrared sauna, some of the heat is being emitted directly onto your skin. If you don’t enjoy feeling too hot when sweating out toxins, then opting for an infrared sauna may be a better choice for you.
Who Should Get a Traditional Sauna?
While infrared saunas are great for many people, they may not be the best fit for everyone. Some of the key groups that would likely benefit more from a traditional sauna include:
Those with respiratory conditions or lung problems
Because traditional saunas heat your entire room instead of just emitting wavelengths of light onto you, it can be easier to breathe in this type of environment. This is especially helpful if you have any lung condition or breathing issue that could flare up when exposed to high humidity and hot air levels.
Anyone looking for an intense detoxification session
Traditional saunas are excellent at inducing heavy sweating, which means toxins will exit your body faster than using an infrared unit where sweat typically does not pour off your body as profusely. If you are looking to detoxify your body quickly and thoroughly, then using a traditional sauna may be the better option for you.
Athletes
Traditional saunas can help increase blood flow and reduce inflammation in muscles post-workout. This can speed up recovery time and help athletes feel less sore after a tough training session.
Who Should Get An Infrared Sauna?
On the other hand, some people would likely benefit more from an infrared sauna than a traditional one. These groups include:
Those with chronic pain conditions
Infrared light has been shown to help relieve pain symptoms caused by conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and migraines. This can significantly reduce the number of pain medications you need to take when using an infrared sauna because it alleviates your symptoms rather than just masking them with drugs.
Anyone who prefers a lower temperature
If you struggle to feel too hot in traditional saunas or have overheating issues, opting for an infrared model may better suit you. This is because they emit wavelengths of light instead of heating the entire room. It also means that there will typically be less humidity in this environment, making it easier to breathe and not feel as overwhelmed by high temperatures.
People who just want to relax
Infrared saunas do not heat the entire room and can be a more soothing and relaxing environment than traditional ones. If you are someone with high blood pressure or uncomfortable in super-hot environments, opting for an infrared sauna may give you a better overall experience.
Conclusion
Now that you have a better understanding of the key differences between infrared saunas and traditional saunas, you can make an informed decision about which is right for you! Both options offer a variety of benefits, so it comes down to what is most important to you and what you hope to achieve from your sauna experience.