Saunas are very interesting, but I think it's important to keep it in perspective: Many of the sauna papers theorize that the sauna might mimic some, though not all, of the positive effects of exercise:
> Interestingly, many of the physiological responses to sauna use (described in detail below) are remarkably similar to those experienced during moderate- to vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise, and sauna use has been proposed as an alternative to aerobic exercise for people who are unable to engage in physical activity due to chronic disease or physical limitations
If you don't have a sauna but you're looking for positive health benefits, some moderate intensity aerobic exercise could provide more health benefits anyway.
Even heat shock proteins, which many people have come to associate with sauna use, are expressed during exercise.
Of course, it's easier to sit in a sauna than to jog or run, but we should keep it in perspective: Saunas are currently at the peak of their hype cycle due to popularization on certain outlets like the Joe Rogan podcast. It's reminiscent of a few years ago when Reservatrol was all over podcasts and the news as a wonder supplement after popular media exaggerated the research. Exercise is still king.
EDIT: Of course, both can be better than either one alone, but if you're limited on time and/or resources then don't feel left out: Exercise is much, much cheaper than a sauna.
I agree with this and was wondering the same thing. Would love to see randomized studies comparing a) control, b) sauna c) exercise d) sauna + exercise.
On the other hand, anecdotally, lots of Russian weighlifters swear by sauna benefits and have been doing it for decades as a recovery from grueling daily heavy sessions.
> Interestingly, many of the physiological responses to sauna use (described in detail below) are remarkably similar to those experienced during moderate- to vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise, and sauna use has been proposed as an alternative to aerobic exercise for people who are unable to engage in physical activity due to chronic disease or physical limitations
If you don't have a sauna but you're looking for positive health benefits, some moderate intensity aerobic exercise could provide more health benefits anyway.
Even heat shock proteins, which many people have come to associate with sauna use, are expressed during exercise.
Of course, it's easier to sit in a sauna than to jog or run, but we should keep it in perspective: Saunas are currently at the peak of their hype cycle due to popularization on certain outlets like the Joe Rogan podcast. It's reminiscent of a few years ago when Reservatrol was all over podcasts and the news as a wonder supplement after popular media exaggerated the research. Exercise is still king.
EDIT: Of course, both can be better than either one alone, but if you're limited on time and/or resources then don't feel left out: Exercise is much, much cheaper than a sauna.