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Gentlemen, we have officially entered sauna season—not only because it's colder than Dan Marino's trophy case outside, but also because gyms are practically giving away memberships to scoop up New Year's resolutioners. We at GQ Fitness are very pro sauna. That broiling, cedar-scented room warms you to the core like a piping-hot bowl of chili or a smoky glass of scotch, and we're pleased to report that it comes with actual health benefits, too.
Michele Olson, a professor of ercise physiology at Auburn University Montgomery, breaks it all down for us:
Saunas are good for your heart!
"Saunas may enhance the tissue in your coronary arteries," Olson says. "But the sauna is _not _a replacement for ercise."
**Saunas promote circulation!
**"Saunas and steam rooms are a great environment post ercise," Olson says. "They both increase your core temperature and blood flow to your deeper muscle tissues."
**Saunas improve flexibility!
**"Muscles that are warmer are easier to stretch, and also enhance the mobility of your joints—making them less stiff and more fluid when they move," Olsen says. And it requires minimal effort to get the payoff. **"**Don't just sit in the heat," Olson says. "Let it work to your advantage, keeping your muscles and tendons pliable and more elastic for better quality stretching. The deep tissue warmth provided by sauna or steam provide a nice environment for flexibility enhancement."
Next time you're sweating it out, try five 20-second reps each of the below stretches, all of which are innocuous enough to do even if you're not alone in there.
HAMSTRINGS: Sit with your legs straight on the bench and gently reach to your toes.
QUADS: Stand and place your right hand on the wall, then pull your right foot to your ass with your left hand. Now switch legs and hands.
LOWER BACK: Fold your towel under your lumbar to add more cushion. Lay on your back and pull your knees up to your chest. Try not to flash your junk to everyone else in the room.
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