Training & Nutrition - stupid question: what can I do with a sauna????

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slim_77
02-25-07, 01:13 PM
So as a grad student at UIC, I have access to their gym and an additional perk is the sauna...:D

I am training for the Chicago Triathlon and use the gym twice/week.

How can I work the sauna into the workout...is it better before a workout to warm up, or after to...relax...? I have no idea how to use it (not like that!) and just want to sit in the sauna and not screw up myself or my workouts.

Perhaps I'll just show up...sit...shower and leave. But that is too...yeah...easy.:rolleyes:

...I am not ruling it out, though.

thoughts?

Blue Jays
02-25-07, 01:17 PM
Hi slim-

My suggestion would be to use the sauna post-workout so that if you're running tight on time you can simply eliminate it from the session. Consider it basically a relaxation component of your fitness regimen.

~ Blue Jays ~
Fivetenfrank
02-25-07, 01:54 PM
I would definately use it post workout. I use the one at my gym regularly, post workout. Ten minutes in the sauna with DRY YOU OUT.

If your seriously training, I dont think you want to dehydrate yourself before you train.

slim_77
02-25-07, 03:04 PM
If your seriously training, I dont think you want to dehydrate yourself before you train.

Initially I was thinking it would be great way to loosen up the muscles a bit deeper and faster in this cold weather, but you are absolutly correct, I didn't think about dehydration at all! The time component is valuable, too.

Thanks!
u8myburger
02-26-07, 08:23 PM
the only time i use the sauna is like what everyone else says... post-workout. the reason why i use it during that time only is when i lift weights, my muscles get all fatigued and sore. so what the sauna does is act like a hot treatment, much like a heat pack you apply when you are sore. basically what it does is increase the blood flow to those areas to help speed recovery, and to help your body do away with cell waste in your muscles.