5 Health Benefits from Saunas in Winter

Winter is a time for resting and nurturing our bodies and minds in preparation for the year ahead. An easy and effective way to support the temple of your body is by utilizing the ancient heat therapy of saunas. Originating in Finland, saunas are wood-lined, heated rooms filled with steam or dry heat generated by water on hot stones. At CGI Holistic Fitness & Spa in Closter, NJ, our saunas are designed to help you combat the winter chill while experiencing their unbeatable advantages. Here are five benefits you can gain from using saunas in winter.

1. Saunas Boost Mood & Fight Winter Blues 

Winter is infamous for inducing seasonal blues due to the shorter days and colder weather. The heat of a sauna triggers the body to release endorphins, which are natural mood elevators that create feelings of euphoria and well-being. Infrared saunas, in particular, can also increase serotonin, a neurotransmitter that is crucial for regulating mood and sleep. Since saunas additionally induce relaxation, they can assist in lowering cortisol, which is the stress hormone and is responsible for feelings of anxiety and exhaustion.

2. Strengthens Immunity 

Everybody knows that winter is flu season, meaning that a strong immune system is crucial for the colder months. By inducing a controlled “artificial fever” through its heat, saunas aid in sickness prevention by boosting white blood cell production, activating immune-boosting heat shock proteins, improving circulation to deliver these immune cells, and reducing stress hormones like cortisol, which trains the immune system to fight pathogens more effectively. “Exercising” the immune system through the use of frequent sauna visits can thus reduce the risk of respiratory infections. 

3. Improves Cardiovascular Health: 

Since sauna bathing mimics moderate exercise, regular sauna use can improve circulation and reduce blood pressure, as heat causes blood vessels to open. Heat also enhances the health of the blood vessel lining, which reduces stiffness and improves blood flow. Sauna use can additionally reduce risk factors associated with lower total cholesterol by improving HDL (good cholesterol) and reducing triglycerides. Frequent use (4-7 times/week) significantly lowers the risk of sudden cardiac death, coronary artery disease, and stroke, as well as improves the heart's pumping ability, benefiting conditions like heart failure.

4. Relieves Muscle Soreness & Stress

Winter activities such as skiing or even snow shoveling can cause aching muscles and tension, which saunas can soothe and relieve through heat-induced vasodilation. By increasing blood flow to deliver oxygen and nutrients to tired muscles while flushing out waste products like lactic acid, a common cause of post-exercise soreness, saunas relax tight muscles and trigger endorphins for pain relief, all while the quiet, warm environment calms the nervous system for deep relaxation and better sleep. This enhanced circulation aids muscle repair, reduces stiffness, and promotes overall physical and mental recovery, making it great after exercise. 

5. Enhances Sleep Quality

Sleep can be elusive in winter, especially due to the lack of sunlight hours and excessive amounts of darkness. The significant rise and subsequent drop in core body temperature after a sauna session mimics the natural temperature drop before sleep, signaling the brain to produce more melatonin, the sleep hormone. Heat additionally deeply relaxes muscles, reduces tension, and promotes the release of endorphins, easing the body and mind into a state of calm. The physiological changes, including increased melatonin and relaxation, lead to more time spent in deep, restorative sleep stages. Additionally, the quiet, screen-free environment provides a rare opportunity for mental downtime, reducing mental clutter before bed and providing a much-needed retreat due to the sleep-impaired months of winter.

Private Gym at CGI Holistic Fitness & Spa

At CGI Holistic Fitness & Spa, fitness and wellness meet. Our intimate, small setting creates a non-intimidating atmosphere, allowing you to focus on adding fitness to your overall wellness. With personal training available, cardio machines, weight training, free weights, in addition to therapy room amenities such as saunas, oxygen therapy rooms, and showers, we have everything you need to achieve your fitness goals comfortably and effectively.

Schedule a consultation today to learn more about our private gym services, our facility, and how CGI can help you become the best version of you this year!