12/11/2025
As a Personal Trainer, I don’t encourage zero exercise or movement, however there are times when we need to do what’s right for the mind as well as the body.
If you’ve ever stepped into a sauna and felt your heart start to race, you’re not imagining it — your body is actually responding as if you’re exercising.
When you sit in a sauna, your core temperature rises and your body has to work harder to stay cool. To do that, your heart rate increases — to levels similar to what you experience during moderate aerobic exercise, a brisk walk or light jog. For many people, that means a heart rate of 100–150 beats per minute while simply sitting still.
💓 How it works
The heat causes your blood vessels to dilate, improving circulation and moving oxygen-rich blood throughout your body. Your heart pumps faster, your cardiac output rises, and your body starts adapting in a way that mimics light to moderate cardio training. Over time, this can support:
• Improved vascular function and blood flow
• Lower resting blood pressure
• Enhanced heart rate variability (a key marker of cardiovascular fitness)
• Better recovery and stress resilience
🧘 Sauna vs. Real Cardio
Of course, sitting in a sauna won’t replace your workout. You’re not building muscle or burning as many calories as you would through actual exercise. But the cardiovascular stimulus is real — and when used consistently, sauna bathing can complement your training routine beautifully.
Think of it as passive cardio: a gentle way to train your heart while promoting relaxation, detoxification, and recovery.
🌡️ The takeaway
Regular sauna sessions — even 2–3 times a week for 15–20 minutes — can offer remarkable cardiovascular benefits. It’s like giving your heart a light workout while your mind takes a break.
So next time you’re sweating in the Sauna, remember: your heart thinks you’re out for a run — even if your body’s just sitting still. It is the easiest win you will ever get for your health ❤️🫀
