A new study out of Western State Colorado University revealed that exercise in a neoprene sauna suit can help you lose weight, lower your blood sugar levels, and boost your aerobic fitness. ACE, the American Council on Exercise, sponsored the study, and its results indicate that these portable heat stress devices could be useful to those struggling with obesity.
How long should I wear sauna suit?
One of the most commonly heard benefits of sauna suit while exercising is that it can help you shed a few pounds, or what’s known as “water weight.” This is because the trapped heat increases your body’s sweat production.
It also helps you hydrate and preserve your electrolytes during your workout. Using a sauna suit for your workouts is not without its risks, however.
Increase Your Heart Rate and Performance
Research shows that sauna suits can actually increase your heart rate and intensity of your workout. This is because the increased demand placed on your heart by the suit causes it to pump harder and harder. The resulting increase in your oxygen consumption is known to boost your blood flow, which leads to improved heart function and endurance, says Lance Dalleck, Ph.D, an ACE researcher and coauthor of the study.
Improve Your Muscles and Recovery
The increased circulation from the sauna suit can help your muscles recover faster after a rigorous workout, says Dalleck. During heavy resistance training, for example, the heat produced by a sauna suit can help fight muscle tightness and rigidity by reducing lactic acid buildup.
