Saunas have become a popular recovery tool for many fitness fans, and there’s a lot of chatter about the differences between traditional and infrared saunas. Each type offers its own unique benefits and experiences, so if you’re wondering which one might suit you better, you’re in the right place. Let’s break down what each sauna type is all about and how they stack up against each other.
Key Takeaways
- Traditional saunas use steam and high heat, while infrared saunas directly heat the body at lower temperatures.
- Infrared saunas may provide deeper tissue penetration, making them popular for detox and muscle recovery.
- Traditional saunas are great for quick, intense sessions, ideal after a workout.
- Infrared saunas are better for longer, gentler sessions, perfect for relaxation and recovery.
- Consider your personal health needs and comfort with heat when choosing between a traditional sauna vs infrared sauna.
Understanding Traditional Saunas
How They Work
Traditional saunas, also known as Finnish saunas, have been around for centuries. They use a heater to warm the air inside the sauna room, which in turn heats your body. This heater is usually filled with rocks, which are heated to a high temperature. Water is then splashed onto these rocks to create steam, increasing the humidity and making you sweat like crazy. The goal? To raise your body temperature, open your pores, and get you sweating out those toxins.
Common Features
When you picture a traditional sauna, you’re probably thinking of a wood-lined room. That’s pretty standard. Most traditional saunas feature:
- Wooden benches for sitting or lying down.
- A heater, usually electric or wood-burning, with rocks.
- A thermometer to monitor the temperature (usually between 70°C and 90°C).
- A bucket and ladle for pouring water on the rocks.
- A timer to help you keep track of your session.
The wood used is often cedar, redwood, or pine, chosen for their heat resistance and pleasant aroma. The design is simple, focusing on creating a hot, enclosed space.
Health Benefits
So, why do people love traditional saunas? Well, besides feeling incredibly relaxing, they offer a range of potential health benefits. The heat helps to improve circulation, which can ease muscle soreness and joint pain. Some studies suggest regular sauna use can also:
- Reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Improve sleep quality.
- Boost the immune system.
It’s important to remember that while saunas can be beneficial, they’re not a cure-all. Always check with your doctor before using a sauna, especially if you have any underlying health conditions. And remember to stay hydrated!
Exploring Infrared Saunas
Mechanism of Action
So, how does an infrared sauna work? Unlike traditional saunas that heat the air around you, infrared saunas use infrared lamps to directly warm your body. Think of it like basking in the sun, but without the harmful UV rays. These lamps emit infrared radiation, which penetrates your skin and heats you from the inside out. This process allows you to sweat at a lower temperature compared to a traditional sauna, typically between 40°C and 60°C. This can make it a more comfortable experience for some people.
Unique Characteristics
Infrared saunas come in a few different varieties, each with its own specific infrared wavelength. You’ll generally find near-infrared (NIR), mid-infrared (MIR), and far-infrared (FIR) saunas. Each type offers slightly different potential benefits, with FIR being the most common. One of the biggest differences between a traditional sauna vs infrared sauna is the temperature. Infrared saunas operate at lower temperatures, which many find more tolerable. They also tend to heat up faster than traditional saunas, so you can jump in sooner. Plus, they often use less energy, which is a win for your wallet and the environment.
Potential Health Advantages
There’s a lot of buzz around the health benefits of infrared saunas, and while more research is always good, some studies suggest they can be pretty helpful. Some people find that infrared saunas help with muscle recovery after workouts. Others use them for relaxation and stress relief. And then there’s the big question: does infrared sauna help with detox? While your body naturally detoxifies itself, some believe that the deep sweating induced by infrared saunas can aid in the removal of toxins. It’s important to remember that these are potential benefits, and individual results can vary.
It’s always a good idea to chat with your doctor before starting any new health regimen, including using an infrared sauna. They can help you determine if it’s right for you, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.
If you’re looking for an infrared sauna, there are a few things to consider. Think about the size of the sauna, the type of infrared technology used, and the materials it’s made from. Also, check out reviews and see what other people are saying about their experiences with an infrared sauna in Perth.
Here’s a quick comparison table:
| Feature | Traditional Sauna | Infrared Sauna |
| Heating Method | Heated air | Infrared lamps |
| Temperature | 70°C – 90°C | 40°C – 60°C |
| Heat-up Time | Longer | Shorter |
| Energy Usage | Higher | Lower |
| Perceived Comfort | Can be intense | Generally milder |
Comparative Benefits of Each Sauna Type
Detoxification Effects
Both traditional and infrared saunas promote sweating, which is believed to help the body eliminate toxins. However, they achieve this in different ways. Traditional saunas heat the air around you, causing your body temperature to rise and triggering sweat. Infrared saunas, on the other hand, use infrared lamps to directly heat your body, potentially leading to a more intense sweat at a lower ambient temperature. Some argue that the sweat produced in an infrared sauna contains a higher percentage of toxins, but more research is needed to confirm this. Ultimately, both types can support detoxification as part of a healthy lifestyle. If you’re looking to join online for sauna sessions, consider what temperature you prefer.
Muscle Recovery
Saunas can be a great addition to your post-workout routine, aiding in muscle recovery. The heat helps to increase blood flow, which can reduce muscle soreness and stiffness.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Sauna Type | Perceived Muscle Recovery Benefit |
| Traditional Sauna | Increased blood flow, relaxation of muscles. |
| Infrared Sauna | Deeper penetration of heat, potentially more effective for soreness. |
Many people wonder which type of sauna is better for muscle recovery. Some find the higher temperatures of traditional saunas more effective for immediate relaxation, while others prefer the deeper heat penetration of infrared saunas for targeting sore muscles. The benefits of sauna after workout are clear, but the best type depends on individual preference.
Relaxation and Stress Relief
Both types of saunas are excellent for relaxation and stress relief. The heat helps to relax muscles, ease tension, and promote a sense of calm. Many people find the quiet time spent in a sauna to be a great way to unwind and de-stress after a long day. The heat exposure also triggers the release of endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. Whether you choose a traditional or infrared sauna, incorporating regular sauna sessions into your routine can have a positive impact on your overall well-being.
Suitability for Different Users
Choosing between a traditional and an infrared sauna really boils down to individual needs and preferences. What works wonders for one person might not be the best fit for another. Let’s break down which type might suit you best, considering session length, recovery needs, and whether you’re a sauna newbie.
Best for Short Sessions
If you’re someone who prefers a quick in-and-out experience, a traditional sauna might be your go-to. They heat up to higher temperatures faster, meaning you can achieve that intense heat sensation in a shorter amount of time. This is ideal for those with busy schedules or those who simply don’t enjoy prolonged heat exposure. Think of it as a rapid reset button for your body and mind.
- Time Efficiency: Reaches high temperatures quickly.
- Intense Heat: Provides a strong, immediate heat sensation.
- Social Aspect: Often found in gyms, facilitating social interaction.
Ideal for Longer Recovery
For those focused on deep muscle recovery and relaxation, infrared saunas often come out on top. Because they operate at lower temperatures and penetrate deeper into the body, you can comfortably spend more time inside.
Infrared saunas are particularly beneficial for individuals seeking therapeutic benefits, such as pain relief and improved circulation, due to their ability to penetrate deeper into the body’s tissues.
Considerations for Beginners
If you’re new to the sauna world, starting with an infrared sauna is often recommended. The lower temperatures are generally more tolerable, making it easier to acclimatise to the experience. You can gradually increase the session length as your body adapts to the heat. Traditional saunas, with their intense heat, can be a bit overwhelming for beginners, potentially leading to discomfort or a shortened session. It’s always best to start slow and listen to your body.
- Lower, more tolerable temperatures.
- Easier to acclimatise to the heat.
- Reduced risk of overheating or discomfort.
ROAR Active Sauna Facilities
Available Sauna Options
At ROAR Active, we understand the importance of recovery and relaxation, which is why we’ve invested in top-notch sauna facilities. We offer both traditional and infrared saunas, giving you options to suit your preferences and needs. Our traditional sauna uses heated rocks to raise the temperature, providing that classic, intense heat experience. The infrared sauna uses infrared lamps to directly warm your body, offering a gentler, more targeted heat.
Both saunas are meticulously maintained to ensure cleanliness and optimal performance. We regularly monitor temperatures and conduct thorough cleaning to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all members. Whether you’re looking for a deep sweat or a more therapeutic heat, we’ve got you covered. If you’re looking for a gym with sauna in Perth, ROAR Active is a great choice.
Integration into Wellness Programmes
Our saunas aren’t just an add-on; they’re an integral part of our wellness programmes. We believe in a holistic approach to fitness, recognising that recovery is just as important as the workout itself. That’s why we’ve incorporated sauna sessions into various training schedules and recovery plans.
- Post-Workout Recovery: Use the sauna after a tough workout to help reduce muscle soreness and speed up recovery.
- Stress Reduction: Schedule regular sauna sessions to unwind and de-stress, promoting mental well-being.
- Detoxification: Incorporate sauna use into your detox routines to help eliminate toxins through sweat.
We work with our physiotherapists to tailor sauna use to individual needs, ensuring you get the most out of each session. This personalised approach helps maximise the benefits and minimise any potential risks.
User Experience
We’ve designed our sauna facilities with your comfort and convenience in mind. The saunas are spacious and well-ventilated, creating a relaxing environment. We provide clear guidelines on sauna etiquette and safety to ensure everyone has a positive experience.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Comfortable Seating: Ergonomically designed benches for maximum relaxation.
- Temperature Control: Adjustable settings to suit your heat preference (within safe limits).
- Cleanliness: Regular cleaning and maintenance to ensure a hygienic environment.
We also offer amenities such as cool towels and water stations to keep you refreshed before and after your sauna session. Our goal is to make your time in the ROAR Active sauna as enjoyable and beneficial as possible.
The Snow Room and Wellness Hub: Completing Your Recovery Journey
While saunas are fantastic for heat therapy and relaxation, true recovery often benefits from a contrast. This is where our innovative Snow Room comes into play, offering a unique cold therapy experience that perfectly complements your sauna sessions. Located within our comprehensive Wellness Hub, the Snow Room provides a refreshing and invigorating contrast to the heat, enhancing circulation and reducing inflammation.
The Snow Room, is designed to provide a controlled environment with sub-zero temperatures and real snow. This cold exposure, known as cryotherapy, works synergistically with heat therapy from our saunas. After a session in the traditional or infrared sauna, stepping into the Snow Room helps to rapidly cool the body, constrict blood vessels, and then, upon exiting, allows for a powerful rush of oxygenated blood back to the muscles. This hot-cold contrast is a highly effective method for:
- Accelerated Muscle Recovery: Reducing post-exercise soreness and inflammation.
- Enhanced Circulation: Promoting blood flow and nutrient delivery to tissues.
- Boosted Immune System: Stimulating the body’s natural defenses.
- Mental Rejuvenation: Providing an invigorating and mood-lifting experience.
Our Wellness Hub is more than just saunas and a Snow Room; it’s a dedicated space for holistic recovery and well-being. It integrates various modalities to ensure you have all the tools you need to optimise your physical and mental health. By combining the deep relaxation and detoxification benefits of our saunas with the anti-inflammatory and revitalizing effects of the Snow Room, we offer a complete recovery solution that goes beyond traditional methods. This integrated approach ensures that whether you’re an athlete pushing your limits or simply seeking a deeper level of relaxation and stress relief, our facilities provide a comprehensive path to optimal well-being.
HOT + COLD THERAPY
The Perfect Pairing: Sauna + SnowRoom
At Roar, we’ve taken recovery to the next level by pairing our infrared saunas with our new state-of-the-art SnowRoom. This combination of heat and cold delivers the full benefits of contrast therapy.
What Is Contrast Therapy?
This hot-and-cold approach isn’t just about comfort — it’s grounded in science. Moving between intense heat and cold creates what’s known as hormetic stress, a controlled form of stress that activates the body’s natural repair and adaptation systems.
How Infrared Heat Supports Recovery
Far-infrared sauna therapy helps to relax muscles, reduce inflammation, and promote deep detoxification. It also boosts circulation and helps activate important cellular repair processes.
The Benefits of the SnowRoom
Stepping into the SnowRoom exposes your body to dry cold at -10 to -20°C. This stimulates blood flow, boosts immune response, and encourages recovery without the harsh shock of an ice bath. It’s a gentler, more comfortable way to cool down post-workout or after a sauna session.
More Than a Wellness Trend
This sauna and SnowRoom duo is more than a luxury. It’s a proven system that helps build resilience, reduce muscle soreness, and support overall physical and mental wellbeing.
Available at Two Locations
You can experience the benefits of the SnowRoom at both our Canning Vale and Cockburn locations. Just ask our team how to incorporate it into your wellness routine.
Personal Preferences and Goals
Choosing Based on Health Needs
When deciding between a traditional or infrared sauna, it’s important to think about your specific health needs. Are you looking for intense heat to potentially help with muscle soreness, or are you after a gentler warmth that might be better for sensitive skin? Understanding what you hope to achieve from your sauna sessions will guide your choice. For example, if you’re primarily interested in muscle recovery after workouts, a traditional sauna’s high heat might be appealing. On the other hand, if you’re seeking relaxation and improved circulation without the intensity, an infrared sauna could be a better fit.
Temperature Tolerance
Your tolerance to heat is a big factor. Traditional saunas can reach scorching temperatures, often between 80°C and 90°C. This intense heat isn’t for everyone. Some people find it invigorating, while others find it overwhelming. Infrared saunas, however, operate at a lower temperature, usually between 45°C and 60°C. This gentler heat can be more comfortable for those who are sensitive to high temperatures or new to sauna use. Consider your past experiences with heat and how your body typically responds. If you tend to overheat easily, an infrared sauna Perth might be the more suitable option.
Lifestyle Considerations
Your lifestyle also plays a role in determining which type of sauna is best for you. Do you have time for longer sauna sessions, or are you looking for something quick and efficient? Traditional saunas often require a longer preheating time, whereas infrared saunas heat up much faster. Also, think about how often you plan to use the sauna. If you’re aiming for daily sessions, the gentler heat of an infrared sauna might be more sustainable. Consider these points:
- Time availability for preheating and sessions.
- Frequency of intended use (daily, weekly, etc.).
- Accessibility to sauna facilities (home vs. gym).
Ultimately, the best sauna for you is the one that you’ll use consistently and enjoy. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, so experiment and see what works best for your body and your lifestyle.
Expert Opinions on Sauna Use
Insights from Health Professionals
What do the experts reckon about saunas? Well, it’s not just about sweating it out; there’s a fair bit of science backing up the benefits. Health professionals often highlight the cardiovascular advantages, noting that regular sauna use can mimic the effects of moderate exercise on the heart. They also point to the potential for pain relief, especially for conditions like arthritis and muscle soreness. However, they’re quick to add a word of caution: hydration is key, and those with pre-existing health conditions should always consult their GP before making saunas a regular thing. It’s all about balance and being smart about your health.
User Testimonials
Real-world experiences often paint a vivid picture. You hear stories about improved sleep, reduced stress levels, and even clearer skin. Some athletes swear by saunas for muscle recovery, claiming it helps them bounce back faster after intense training sessions. Others simply enjoy the relaxation and mental clarity they experience during and after a sauna. Of course, everyone’s different, and what works for one person might not work for another. But the sheer volume of positive testimonials suggests there’s something to the sauna experience that resonates with many people.
Research Findings
Research into sauna use is ongoing, but early results are promising. Studies have explored the impact of saunas on everything from blood pressure to immune function. Some research suggests that regular sauna sessions can help lower blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health. Other studies are looking at the potential benefits for mental health, with some evidence suggesting that saunas can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. It’s important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects of sauna use, but the initial findings are certainly encouraging. Should I use a sauna before or after exercise? Some research suggests that using a sauna after exercise may aid in muscle recovery, but it’s always best to listen to your body and consult with a healthcare professional.
Saunas can be a great addition to a wellness routine, but they aren’t a magic bullet. It’s important to approach them with realistic expectations and to prioritise safety and hydration. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new health regimen, especially if you have underlying health conditions.
Here’s a quick look at some potential benefits based on current research:
- Improved cardiovascular health
- Reduced muscle soreness
- Stress relief
- Potential benefits for mental health
Experts agree that using a sauna can be great for your health. They say it helps with relaxation, improves blood flow, and can even help your skin. If you want to learn more about the benefits of sauna use and how to get started, visit our website today!
Making the Right Choice for You
In the end, choosing between a traditional sauna and an infrared sauna really comes down to what you want from the experience. If you enjoy the intense heat and steam of a traditional sauna, it might be your best bet, especially after a tough workout. On the other hand, if you’re after a gentler, more prolonged heat that penetrates deeper into your muscles, an infrared sauna could be the way to go. Both options have their perks, so it’s worth trying them out to see which one suits you best. Why not pop into ROAR Active and give their sauna facilities a go? You might just find your new favourite way to unwind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a traditional sauna?
A traditional sauna is a small room that uses steam or heat to warm the air. It usually has high temperatures and a dry heat environment.
Can I use the sauna and SnowRoom together?
Yes – coupling the sauna and SnowRoom is highly recommended. This form of hot-cold contrast therapy enhances circulation, boosts immunity, and accelerates muscle recovery. Start with 20–30 minutes in the sauna, followed by 3–8 minutes in the SnowRoom for maximum benefit.
How does an infrared sauna work?
An infrared sauna uses infrared light to heat your body directly. This means it can work at lower temperatures while still getting deeper into your tissues.
What are the health benefits of using a sauna?
Saunas can help with detoxification, relaxation, muscle recovery, and joint support. They are great for feeling better after workouts.
Which sauna is better for muscle recovery?
Infrared saunas are often considered better for muscle recovery because they provide gentler heat and can penetrate deeper into the muscles.
Can beginners use saunas?
Yes, beginners can use saunas. It’s important to start with shorter sessions and listen to your body to see how you feel.
What should I consider when choosing a sauna?
Think about your health needs, how much heat you can handle, and how much time you want to spend in the sauna.
When should I use the Snow Room?
Use the Snow Room after a sauna or workout to cool down gently, ease muscle soreness, reduce inflammation, and support recovery. It’s ideal if you want to relax, recover faster, and boost circulation. Regular use can improve overall wellbeing.