Sauna bath in training?
 

Noticed that Lance was hitting the sauna after rides while training in Kona. Just wondering what the possible benefits might be from baking yourself after a nice 100 mile training ride.

Any ideas?

I know for me, taking a sauna after physical workout reduces stiffness and muscle soreness that I would otherwise experience during the next couple of days. The warmth, humidity and relaxing help in that regard. But I'm not a pro athlete nor am I training regularly in any way. Apparently Lance thinks there's some benefit for him too.

--J

If you mean Hot Tub (as opposed to the dry sauna which I rarely use) a hot tub is amazingly relaxing for muscles and will promote the best sleep. I love getting in a hot tub just before bed.

He was hitting the sauna because they were doing tests on methods to regulate his internal body temperature.

I would second the notion that the sauna was to reduce post work-out soreness and improve recovery time.
Probably the best I ever felt was when I was working out in a pool that had a sauna adjacent to it. I'd turn on the sauna, do a couple thousand yards, then jump into the well heated sauna for a good sweat out. After a nice shower and getting dressed, I felt like a million bucks and dinner never tasted so good. Of course being in my late 20's didn't hurt.

I like my answer better. ;-)

The word "dry" really shouldn't come into mind in a proper sauna, but I've experienced it too. Some of these modern electrically heated abominations can be dry, especially if built/heated wrong.

--J

+1 for hot tubs or a tub bath. home tub baths can include Epsom salts where hot tubs don't.

maybe the sauna was a regional thing