10 Reasons Why You Should Hit the Sauna After a Workout, Backed by Science
Men's Health
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Sauna use after a workout has been shown to offer numerous scientifically-backed benefits that can enhance your fitness journey and overall health. Research highlights that spending 15-20 minutes in a sauna post-exercise boosts training responses, improving oxygen uptake and lactate threshold, which are key indicators of exercise performance. This practice mimics the effects of more intense or longer workouts without adding stress to the body. Additionally, sauna use increases plasma volume, enhancing cardiorespiratory fitness—a critical factor for heart health and longevity.
Regular sauna sessions also contribute to better blood pressure control and cholesterol levels, particularly in sedentary individuals. Beyond physical benefits, saunas help regulate glucose levels by influencing insulin signaling, potentially lowering the risk of diabetes. Furthermore, sauna use supports muscle preservation and reduces inflammation, aiding recovery after intense workouts while promoting vitality over time.
The combination of exercise and sauna therapy has been linked to improved heart health,
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Originally published on Men's Health on 2/23/2026