Infrared Sauna Benefits For Weight Loss

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When I was asked to do a review and write about the benefits of infrared saunas. I thought, “seriously?” Is this going to be one of those things that people can buy into like fat loss pills where they don’t have to do anything and still get to look awesome?

Then I started thinking. Native Americans have been doing sweat lodges forever. Not that an infrared sauna and a sweat lodge are even close to the same thing from a spiritual and cultural stand point but physically, well kind of!

So an infrared sauna for weight loss. That put a smirk on my face. Why don’t you go do a barbell complex of power cleans, front squats and bent over rows if weight loss is what you’re after I was thinking. Oh, and do it in a descending then ascending pyramid style like 6,5,4,3,2,1,2,3,4,5,6. Then I read this:

“U.S. Army research shows infrared sauna use can burn as many as 300 to 600 calories during one sauna session. This happens due to the sweating process itself, as well as increased heart rate. Even though most of the weight lost in infrared saunas is water, regular sauna use can complement a weight-loss program. Sauna removes water from body as well as salt. One may question what has salt to do with weight loss. Well, salt in our body is deposited beneath the skin and for the salt to remain nontoxic, it requires water. Hence to keep the body intoxicated, lot of water is required and this adds to the bulk. Now the sauna helps reduce weight by removing the excess salt in the body, which is deposited under the skin along with water.”

Journal of the American Medical Association, August 1981

Really? Well that was 1981. But then this:

“Saunas are an important aid to weight loss and thyroid repair because as you lose weight, fat tissue releases stored toxins such as PCBs and pesticides.”

Dr. Mark Hyman, author of NY Times best selling book “Ultrametabolism”

I guess that sounds pretty reasonable doesn’t it? I mean, this is exactly one of the reasons I do Bikram or hot yoga as some call it.

Actually, when you compare the claimed benefits of Bikram Yoga and infrared saunas they state the same list pretty much:

Detoxification
Weight Loss
Pain & Arthritis Relief
Skin Purification
Cardiovascular Workout
Lower Blood Pressure & Improved Circulation

What about the downsides? Well, besides overheating and dehydration, I can’t really see any. There’s just health benefits and being warm. Which sounds pretty great after the last couple days of -30 weather here in Calgary.

What do they cost you though? About $1500 U.S. And up starting at a basic two person model. If you are in the U.S. You can check out these guys http://www.crystalsauna.com If you are in Canada then it will cost you another $250 for shipping to get it up here. They have pictures of all their models and from basic to high end stuff.

So what do I actually think about the whole deal? Well, if health benefits are all you are after then I personally think that a good workout gets you pretty close to everything a sauna has to offer. Someone will probably argue that point. If you want those benefits, enjoy the relaxation factor of the heat and have the money to afford one, then by all means. Knock you socks off.

Disclaimer

This post has been a paid review. I hope if you read the post it’s clear that I actually looked at the product pros and cons, and didn’t just give it a rubber stamp of approval. I’m hoping this kind of review benefits everyone, the owner gets some honest straight up feedback and you get an in depth look at a new site or product without having to do it yourself. If you find these reviews to be something you don’t like please drop me an email.