By Susan Hickey
The YMCA is definitely “more than just a gym.” One of its lesser-known membership benefits is access to a sauna and steam room at select locations. Have you ever taken advantage of this opportunity? If you’re like me, every time you walk past a sauna door, you think to yourself:
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- Hmm, wonder why people do that.
- It’s so hot in there!
- Would using a sauna be good for me?
Admittedly, I knew very little about saunas until I decided to do a little research – and I learned some really interesting benefits of sauna use.
- 99% of Finnish people use a sauna at least once a week!
- Saunas can help increase blood volume which can contribute to improved endurance, particularly for runners.
- Sweating out toxins is a real thing. Multiple studies have demonstrated increased excretion of chemicals like bisphenol A (BPA) and pesticides in sweat as compared to water and urine.
- Sauna use and resulting relaxation may help decrease inflammation and help people with fibromyalgia and other chronic pain syndromes manage their conditions without, or with fewer, medications.
- Sauna use can help decrease blood pressure through dilating the blood vessels – which can help patients with heart disease, diabetes, and memory problems. Saunas can also help lower resting heart rate over time. Sauna use for people with heart conditions should be discussed with a physician prior to a first visit.
- Steam rooms are different than saunas – saunas are typically a “dry heat” where steam rooms use nearly 100% humidity and moist heat. People with sinus congestion or other breathing problems may prefer a steam room to the dry heat of a sauna. Otherwise, the two are very similar in their benefits.
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How does one use a sauna properly? Start slowly, spending a maximum of 5 or 10 minutes in the sauna room the first time to help you acclimate. Increase time gradually, going 1 or 2 days per week, before reaching a maximum time of 20 minutes. Be aware of possible side effects, including dehydration and dizziness. Staying in too long can also increase heart rate and blood pressure. When you are finished in the sauna, be sure to immediately rehydrate with water, coconut water, watermelon, herbal teas or electrolyte-replenishing drinks.
As with any new addition to a regular health routine, it is advised to discuss sauna use with your personal physician prior to first use to evaluate your potential health risks. Definite contraindications include pregnancy, children younger than 6 years old, and use of alcohol. People with certain skin concerns like psoriasis or eczema may also want to discuss sauna use with a physician.
The Fairborn and Downtown YMCA locations both have saunas available to members. Downtown also has a steam room. Additionally, the newest branches of our association, Grand Lake/Premier Health North and South, also have saunas and steam rooms at their locations. Check the website here to find out specific hours for each location.
Consider taking advantage of this little known benefit of your YMCA membership!
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