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Infrared Sauna

3/19/2024

What is an infrared sauna?

An infrared sauna is a type of sauna that uses infrared heaters to emit infrared light experienced as radiant heat, which is absorbed by the surface of the skin. Traditional saunas heat the air around you, while Infrared light waves penetrate the skin and heat the body directly. The infrared heat penetrates deep into the body, reaching several inches beneath the skin's surface. This deep heat warms the body from the inside out, inducing a sweat response similar to that of exercise or traditional sauna use.

What are the benefits of infrared sauna?

Enhanced Recovery: After a challenging run, our muscles are fatigued, and our bodies are in need of recovery. Infrared sauna sessions can help expedite the recovery process by increasing circulation and blood flow to muscles, which promotes oxygen and nutrient delivery, and waste removal. The deep, penetrating heat of infrared rays also helps to relax muscles and alleviate post-workout soreness, leaving you feeling rejuvenated and ready to tackle your next run.
Pain Relief: Infrared sauna therapy has been shown to reduce inflammation and alleviate chronic pain conditions such as arthritis and fibromyalgia. For runners dealing with nagging injuries or persistent discomfort, regular sauna sessions can provide much-needed relief, allowing for greater mobility and freedom of movement on the run.
Stress Reduction and better sleep: Running can be both physically and mentally demanding, and managing stress is crucial for optimal performance. Infrared sauna sessions offer a tranquil oasis where you can unwind, relax, and let go of the day's stressors. Sauna use elevates body temperature. After exiting the sauna, the body's core temperature gradually decreases, signaling to the brain that it's time to initiate the sleep cycle. This natural drop in body temperature is thought to help regulate circadian rhythms and promote the onset of sleep. We all know how important a good night of sleep is to recover from the run and get ready for the next day.
Heat acclimation: it is no secret that many pro runners used sauna to help their bodies to adapt to heat while prepping for the Olympic Trials in Orlando this year. For runners preparing for races or events in hot climates, infrared sauna sessions can serve as a valuable tool for pre-race heat acclimation. By incorporating sauna use into their pre-race routine, runners can optimize their heat adaptation and improve their ability to perform well in challenging environmental conditions.

When to book your sessions?
Get it in at the end of your busy day. Rewind and relax and get to a good night's sleep. Double it up with the cold plunge for extra boost to the recovery!

BOOK HERE

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Cold Plunge

3/12/2024

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What is a cold plunge?

A cold plunge, also known as cold water immersion or cold water therapy, involves immersing oneself in cold water for a short period of time, typically ranging from a few seconds to several minutes. The water temperature is usually significantly lower than normal body temperature, often around 50 to 59 °F or even colder. Our cold tub goes as cold as 39 °F for the brave ones!

What are the benefits of cold plunge?

Accelerated recovery: a cold plunge can significantly speed up the recovery process by reducing inflammation. The cold temperature causes blood vessels to constrict. When you get out, the drastic temperature change causes the blood vessels to open quickly, increasing blood flow and circulation, allowing the metabolic waste products to flush out your system faster, oxygen and nutrients to deliver faster and ultimately help muscles to recover faster.
Reduced muscle soreness: as an athlete, you are probably not unfamiliar with the soreness/muscle pain the day after a hard workout or long run – delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS). Cold plunge can provide relief by numbing the affected areas and dulling pain receptors, easing the discomfort and reducing DOMS.
Enhanced mental status and alertness: cold exposure has been shown to increase the release of endorphins and neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, which are associated with feelings of happiness and well-being. Exposure to cold stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, which can lead to increased alertness, improved cognitive function, and enhanced focus, making cold plunges beneficial for mental clarity and productivity.

All in all, cold plunge therapy offers a myriad of benefits for runners, including accelerated recovery, reduced muscle soreness, improved circulation, enhanced mental toughness, stress reduction, injury prevention, and active recovery facilitation. By embracing the cold and incorporating regular cold plunge sessions into your training regimen, you can optimize your performance, minimize the risk of injury, and enjoy a more fulfilling running experience.

When to book your session?

Ideally you want to book the cold plunge session after a challenging run - a workout day or after a long run — your body and mind will thank you for it!
The cold plunge session is for 15 minutes but the duration is going to be dependent on the person. Ideally, it should be completed for about 10 min. However, remind yourself to breathe and focus on relaxing while in the plunge. You can slowly acclimate yourself to the cold – try 60 seconds at first and then eventually build up to 5+ mins over time. Remember, we can control the temperature, so perhaps it’s better to start at 60 degrees and over time work yourself down to a colder temperature.

BOOK HERE

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