Sauna

A sauna is a heated environment—either infrared or traditional—designed to raise core body temperature and promote sweating. Often paired with cold plunge as part of contrast therapy, sauna use is one of the oldest and most widely studied practices for supporting physical resilience, relaxation, and overall wellness.

The Science

Saunas work through hormesis—a controlled, beneficial stress that challenges the body and stimulates adaptive responses. Heat exposure increases heart rate and circulation, placing a mild cardiovascular load on the body similar to moderate exercise. This heat stress stimulates the release of heat shock proteins, which play a role in cellular repair, protein maintenance, metabolic function, and stress resilience. Infrared saunas heat tissues directly using specific wavelengths of light, while traditional saunas heat the surrounding air, leading to rapid sweating and cardiovascular activation. Both approaches train the body to become more adaptable and resilient when used consistently and appropriately.

Evidence-Supported Benefits

Improved circulation and cardiovascular function
Support for detoxification through sweating
Reduced muscle soreness and inflammation
Stress reduction and enhanced relaxation
Support for metabolic health and longevity markers

How to Integrate into Your Routine  

Session Duration

  • Infrared sauna: 20–40 minutes at ~120–140°F
  • Traditional sauna: 10–20 minutes at ~170–190°F

Frequency

  • 3–5 sessions per week, or up to ~60 minutes total per week depending on tolerance and goals.

Timing

  • Often used post-workout or in the evening to support relaxation and sleep.

Tips

  • Hydrate before, during, and after sessions. Start gradually, listen to your body, and allow natural cooling after each session.

Product Ranking

The following are the top three cold plunges in this category. Products are not ranked in order.

HPO Tech 

Delivers medical-grade hyperbaric oxygen systems capable of providing 100% oxygen at pressures of up to approximately 2.0 ATA. Its monoplace and multiplace chambers are d...

View Product Review
Rating icon4.3

Oxyhelp 

OxyHelp chambers deliver approximately 90–95% oxygen at pressures ranging from 1.3 to 2.0 ATA, depending on the model. The product range includes both soft-shell chambe...

View Product Review

APA Hyperbarics  

APA Hyperbarics offers a broad selection of soft-shell and hard-shell hyperbaric chambers designed primarily for wellness and recovery. Most systems operate at 1.3–1.5 ...

View Product Review