Check any number of resources and you’ll find the number one health concern in the U.S., if not globally is…not cancer. It’s heart disease and stroke. Shockingly, one person dies every 34 seconds from cardiovascular disease, per recent CDC reports. While there are many contributing factors, there are small and simple things we can do to improve our hearth health. Having multiple tools as natural alternatives is ideal, and a personal home sauna is one. That said, you may wonder, cardio workout vs. infrared session; which is better?
After a little investigating, here’s what we learned…
Advantages of Infrared Therapy For Your Hearth Health
Our body is reliant on a strong, well-functioning heart. Obviously, that ties together with our circulation and blood pressure. The heat in an infrared sauna causes your blood vessels to dilate, improving circulation and delivery of oxygen to your tissues and organs. As you lean back and enjoy, your muscles untighten as they heat up, but your heart will kick into higher gear.
Medical studies have long indicated that sauna bathing is a good choice for reducing risk of heart failure or serious heart conditions, concluding that “Participants with a higher frequency of sauna bathing per week also had a lower risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality.”
Infrared therapy is especially advantageous if you are injured and unable to perform high-impact workouts. You can still gain desired cardio benefits and its completely non-impact and non-invasive as a treatment. You may, however, choose to stretch or do some yoga in the sauna at your own discretion.
Bonus Tip: Always drink plenty of water before and after your sauna session to stay properly hydrated and maximize the benefits. You don’t want to become nauseous or faint as you’re relaxing and benefiting from the infrared heat.
Advantages of Cardiovascular Workouts For Your Heart Health
Starting with P.E. class in school, we were reminded to get up and get moving. It’s essential to our longevity to keep our bodies fit. Whether you walk, run, swim, bike or do other activities, choosing one or more as regular exercise can add years to your life. The more intense activity causes you to breathe deeper which increases blood flow to your muscles and back to your lungs. The more frequently you practice aerobic-type exercise, the more endurance you’ll build, especially if you work at a gradual pace.
Plus, cardio activity can lift your mood! Your movement will trigger endorphin release at the same time combatting anxiety, stress and increasing stamina. In addition, aerobic exercise activates your immune system, leaving you less susceptible to viruses like the flu. The Mayo Clinic even credits aerobic activity with lowering cholesterol.
Another benefit often overlooked is that cardio movement helps you retain mobility and strengthen muscles, which as you age helps with stability. Often, concerns with aging include the risk of falls. By doing regular cardio workouts, you can reduce the chances of breaking a hip or other injury. Of course, all exercise should be done with caution based on your condition and any medical issues.
Balancing Cardio Workouts and Infrared Therapy
Many people find that incorporating both infrared sauna therapy and cardio exercise in their fitness routines offers the best of both worlds, allowing them to enjoy the benefits of each.
The key is finding activities that you enjoy. No point in exercising if it’s boring! But just like you might stretch after a run or bike ride, there are benefits to using sauna sessions to recover after your workout. Again, it’s all about your heart. UCLA Health reported that, “A higher cardiovascular respiratory fitness (CRF) level can decrease your risk of heart disease and death. Adding sauna bathing to your post-workout routine can reduce your risk of heart-related death, including sudden cardiac death.”
So, cardio workout vs. infrared session; which is better? Ultimately, the choice between sauna and cardio exercise comes down to your personal preferences, goals, and needs. While saunas offer a relaxing and therapeutic experience with plenty of health benefits, cardio workouts provide a dynamic and effective way to burn calories, improve cardiovascular health, and boost mood.
As you consider the convenience of a personal home sauna, review our sauna models to learn what style and type would best meet your lifestyle and budget. It’s an investment that pays off in the long run, and what’s better than investing in your hearth health?