According to a recent study, a 25-minute session in a steam room can be just as beneficial as moderate exercise for the heart. Here’s how.
For the longest time, it was believed that in a steam room, blood pressure would relax and drop. Contrarily, blood pressure actually rises in a sauna or steam room. As BP levels rise so does heart rate. Why the scientific community used to think blood pressure would lower is because heat dilates the blood vessels. For this reason, people with already low blood pressure were advised against using a steam room or sauna under the belief that their blood pressure would lower, causing them to faint. Now we know the reality is far from this.
The study that discovered the effects of a steam room on blood pressure did this by exposing participants to either a 25-minute sauna session or a short workout on an exercise bike. Comparatively, blood pressure and heart rate reached the same level during the sauna session as it did on the exercise bike. These were the only two metrics monitored. What this ultimately instructs us to believe is that, if one cannot tolerate physical exercise, a sauna or steam room is just as effective.
Let’s say if you have chronic pain from either nerve damage, arthritis, or another source. For individuals with pain or mobility issues, exercise can be incredibly difficult. Compacting these difficulties are the medications which are taken to diminish the pain which can cause weight gain. Diet and exercise are really the only two ways to successfully lose weight in a safe, effective manner. Considering a steam room raises BP levels, this now means these people can exercise without having to go through the impact on their bodies of lifting a weight or having to undergo cardio.
Another category of individuals this could prove to be helpful with are athletes who have experienced an injury. If it’s something like a shoulder, elbow, or knee injury, this can severely limit one’s capabilities in a fitness setting. If it’s more serious like a neck or back injury, it can be downright dangerous to try any fitness while you’re healing. Thankfully, through a steam room, blood pressure and heart rate can rise to the point where, although you may not be gaining muscle, you can control your weight and keep your heart strong while you rehabilitate.
The health benefits of steam rooms aren’t just limited to blood pressure and heart rate, either. Improve circulation, especially to the extremities. Decrease and regulate the production of cortisol, a stress hormone produced in the body. Clear congestion and encourage deep breathing, which is perfect for someone with a respiratory illness or who has difficulty with their sinuses. Sweat out toxins through the skin and promote better skin health. Loosen stiff joints, minimize the effects of delayed onset muscles soreness post-workout, and boost the immune system.
As studies continue to examine the value of heat therapy in a steam room, there’s benefit for people who are limited with how much exercise they can do. Even if you can’t lift weights, do intense cardiovascular work, or can’t participate in the day-to-day fitness activities, through a steam room or sauna, there’s still a lot you can accomplish. Get your heart rate up, get your BP levels where they need to be, and improve your health with a steam room.