After an exercise session, you might consider sitting in a sauna to help speed up weight loss. Post-exercise saunas might improve endurance to help you perform better during your next exercise session. However, no evidence exists that proves a sauna burns fat to help you lose weight. Because you are exposed to high heat in a sauna, speak with a doctor before use.

Sauna Vs. Couch

Sitting in a sauna or a hot tub increases your body temperature. Circulation increases and your heart rate increases because your blood pressure drops. These changes mean that you could burn slightly more calories in a sauna session than sitting on the couch at home, but not more than exercise burns, according to a "Los Angeles Times" article.

Water Loss

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You won't burn fat from sitting in a sauna after exercise. Most of the weight loss during a sauna session occurs because of fluid loss. You should immediately replace the fluid to prevent dehydration by drinking plenty of water, at least six to eight 8-ounce glasses daily.

Improves Endurance

You might experience an increase in performance by using a sauna after exercise. According to a 2007 study published in the "Journal of Sports Science and Medicine" and performed at the University of Otago in New Zealand, post-exercise sauna could improve running endurance. If you can run longer, you can increase the amount of fat burned and lose weight at a higher weight. The study suggested that the improvement results from an increase in blood volume.

Warning

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Speak with a doctor before using a sauna after exercise. He might recommend that you avoid the sauna after participating in any strenuous forms of exercise because of the potential for adverse health effects. Saunas, because they increase the heart rate and can lower blood glucose, can be dangerous if you are diabetic.

Other Benefits

Sitting in a sauna has health benefits. Some people feel energized with sharpened senses and a heightened sensitivity to touch, according to Columbia Health's Go Ask Alice site. Saunas also relieve depression in some people and leave then relaxed and anxiety free.