Want to take your time spent in the sauna up a notch? Why not try some simple stretches? Stretching is the prerequisite warm up and cool down to your exercise routine that often gets neglected.
Essential for loosening and preparing cold muscles and joints, as well as keeping you limber, stretching can also help you prevent tightness and avoid injury.
Here at Euphoria Lifestyle, we believe in the value of stretching in the sauna, because it makes your time spent there much more invigorating. Keep reading to learn how!
Should I Stretch in a Sauna?
There are numerous health benefits to stretching. From promoting joint health and reducing stress, to decreasing the risk of injury, stretching is your mild work-out companion that can be performed anytime, anyplace, anywhere.
It’s one of the best things you can do to keep your muscles long, lean and flexible.
When you add a sauna to the equation your flexibility is greatly improved. That’s because time spent in the sauna increases your blood’s circulation, promotes the movement of oxygen around the body and flushes out lactic acid.
This helps the muscles to loosen and perform low-impact exercise while feeling completely relaxed.
So, now you know how stretching in a sauna can help you feel happy, healthy and fit, why not try on some of these simple stretches for size. Be sure to hold each stretch for 30 seconds to a minute.
1. Hamstring Sauna Stretch
Lie on your back and bring one straight leg up towards your head. The goal here is to touch your toes. If you find reaching for your toes a challenge, aim for the level of your leg that you can comfortably reach or bend your knee. Repeat three times.
2. Cat Pose
The cat pose is our favourite stretch! To begin, get on all fours with your shoulders directly over your wrists and hips over your knees. Take a slow inhale and on the exhale round out your back like an angry cat.
Then drop your head to the floor making a C-shape with your spine. Repeat three times.
3. Arm Stretch
Did you know that stretching your arms can help reduce back pain, neck pain and improve posture?
To start, place your hand on your upper back with your elbow bent towards the ceiling. Use your other hand to pull the elbow towards your head. Hold for between 10 and 30 seconds. Switch arms and repeat three times.
4. Neck Rolls
While sitting comfortably, begin with your head straight and looking forward. Then gently tilt your head to the right and start rolling it back to the left, and then down. Next, bring your head to the starting position and repeat in the opposite direction. Repeat three times.
Things to Consider When Stretching In Sauna
Never exceed more than 15-20 minutes in your sauna and always stay hydrated. This means drinking before, after and during your sauna session.
If you decide to take on exercises beyond the mild stretches listed above, talk to your doctor first, especially if you have a medical condition or an injury.
Infrared Saunas for Sale at Euphoria Lifestyle
Are you considering adding a sauna to your home? At Euphoria Lifestyle, we have a fantastic range of designer infrared saunas.
Why not visit our website or stop by our showroom in West Sussex today? Our friendly and efficient staff will be more than happy to serve you.