Today's reader question deals with the effect of saunas on your muscles after a workout...
Feel free to leave comments if you ever want to join in on the discussion, friends!
Kim -
One more question now that you have me thinking... I've heard both sides that after a work out you can go to the sauna and it's ok... then I hear 'no' because then you loosen the muscle that you have just worked on to get hard and tight.
Feel free to leave comments if you ever want to join in on the discussion, friends!
Kim -
One more question now that you have me thinking... I've heard both sides that after a work out you can go to the sauna and it's ok... then I hear 'no' because then you loosen the muscle that you have just worked on to get hard and tight.
Which one is right?
Patrick
Another great question, Patrick!
The purpose of weight training is NOT to make your muscles tight. In fact, the healthiest individuals are those who are very strong, yet their muscles are loose and pliable. Really, there should be no tightness or tension in the muscles when you are not working out (which is why stretching, massage, and myofascial release are so important for the avid exerciser!).
The real purpose of exercise is to give your muscles such a strong stimulus that they become somewhat "damaged"... and from that damage, the muscles are required to build up bigger and stronger while you recover.
So, if we work out hard enough to cause some damage, then heat can serve as a rehabilitative measure. It can also help to relax the muscles and get rid of some tightness as well. So, as long as you're hydrated, I'd say that the sauna can be a great method in which to relax after a workout. (the heat definitely cannot reverse the effect of a good workout!).
Thanks so much for taking the time to send in those question marks above your head, Patrick. :)
Cheers!
Kim
**Remember!! Any fitness/nutrition questions can be directed to kim@deliberatemovement.com
Patrick
Another great question, Patrick!
The purpose of weight training is NOT to make your muscles tight. In fact, the healthiest individuals are those who are very strong, yet their muscles are loose and pliable. Really, there should be no tightness or tension in the muscles when you are not working out (which is why stretching, massage, and myofascial release are so important for the avid exerciser!).
The real purpose of exercise is to give your muscles such a strong stimulus that they become somewhat "damaged"... and from that damage, the muscles are required to build up bigger and stronger while you recover.
So, if we work out hard enough to cause some damage, then heat can serve as a rehabilitative measure. It can also help to relax the muscles and get rid of some tightness as well. So, as long as you're hydrated, I'd say that the sauna can be a great method in which to relax after a workout. (the heat definitely cannot reverse the effect of a good workout!).
Thanks so much for taking the time to send in those question marks above your head, Patrick. :)
Cheers!
Kim
**Remember!! Any fitness/nutrition questions can be directed to kim@deliberatemovement.com
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