I have used sauna suits while exercising for the last few years and I can tell you that if you use them as intended, yes, sauna suits are safe! I’ll explore this question a bit further because if you don’t use them as they’re supposed to be used, you can end up with some serious health risks.
On the one hand, sauna suits can help you sweat more during a workout, which can lead to increased calorie burn and weight loss. They can also help improve cardiovascular fitness by increasing heart rate and oxygen consumption.
On the other hand, there are also risks associated with using sauna suits. Wearing a sauna suit can lead to dehydration, overheating, and even heat exhaustion or heat stroke if not used properly. These suits can also cause skin irritation, rashes, and other skin problems if worn for extended periods of time.
To ensure your safety while using one, it is important to follow some guidelines:
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water before, during, and after your workout.
- Use a sauna suit for short periods of time and take frequent breaks to cool down and rehydrate.
- Do not wear a sauna suit if you have any medical conditions that affect your ability to sweat or regulate body temperature.
- Monitor your body temperature and stop using the sauna suit if you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or experience any other symptoms of overheating.
Benefits and Serious Risks
As someone who has used sauna suits for years, I can attest to their effectiveness in promoting weight loss, fat burn, improving VO2 max, and overall endurance.
However, like any fitness equipment, sweat suits come with their own set of health concerns and precautions that must be taken into consideration. In this section, I will discuss the benefits and risks of sauna suits in detail.
Promoting Weight Loss and Fitness
One of the main benefits of sauna suits is that they can help promote weight loss and fitness.
According to a study published on Research Gate, wearing a sauna suit during exercise can increase maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) and improve aerobic fitness.
This is because the sauna suit causes the body to sweat more, which in turn increases calorie expenditure and fat oxidation. These suits can also help athletes lose extra pounds before competitions, as they can help reduce water weight.
Read This Before Exercising in a Sweat Suit!
According to the American Council on Exercise, sauna suits should only be worn for short periods of time and with proper ventilation to prevent overheating. It is also important to stay hydrated while wearing a sauna suit, as excessive fluid loss can lead to severe dehydration and kidney or liver damage.
Lastly, sauna suits are not recommended for individuals with certain health conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, individuals with these conditions are at a higher risk of heat-related illnesses, such as hyperthermia and heat stroke, when exposed to high temperatures.
It is always best to consult a doctor before using a sauna suit, especially if you are taking any medication or have any underlying health conditions. You can never be too safe.
How long is it safe to wear a sauna suit during exercise?
It’s safe to wear a sauna suit for the duration of a workout session, typically not exceeding 30-60 minutes.
However, it is essential to stay hydrated and listen to your body's signals. Prolonged use or excessive heat can lead to dehydration, overheating, and even heat stroke.
If you’re a beginner, start by wearing one for 10 minutes and slowly increasing the minutes every week.
Is it safe to wear a sauna suit every day?
While sauna suits can be used safely for short periods by healthy individuals, it’s not recommended to wear them every day.
Overuse of sauna suits can lead to dehydration, overheating, and even heat stroke. It is essential to listen to your body's signals and take breaks as necessary.
I use them for at least half of my workouts during the week but never more than that.
Can sauna suits aid in reducing belly fat specifically?
While sauna suits can increase perspiration and aid in water weight loss, there is no study that shows that they can specifically target belly fat.
However, by combining HIIT workouts and sweat suits with a good diet, I’ve lost most of my belly fat.