What Is a Sauna Suit?

Check out this answer from Consensus:

Sauna suits are versatile garments that can be used to simulate sauna conditions, promoting increased sweating and offering various health benefits. They are particularly useful for heat acclimation, improving body composition, and enhancing fitness routines. However, it is important to use sauna suits safely and consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating them into a regular exercise regimen.

A sauna suit is a specialized garment designed to simulate the effects of a sauna by trapping heat and increasing perspiration during physical activities. These suits are typically made from waterproof materials like neoprene or PVC, which help to retain body heat and promote sweating.

Purpose and Benefits

The primary purpose of a sauna suit is to enhance the body’s natural sweating process, which can lead to several potential benefits. These include accelerated weight loss, improved cardiovascular health, and enhanced detoxification. By increasing the body’s temperature, sauna suits can also aid in heat acclimation, which is beneficial for athletes looking to improve their performance in hot conditions1.

Use in Heat Acclimation

Research has shown that wearing a sauna suit can be an effective strategy for heat acclimation. For instance, a study involving female participants demonstrated that using a sauna suit prior to short-term heat acclimation sessions resulted in significant physiological adaptations. These included reduced heart rate, lower core temperature, and increased sweat rate, which collectively contributed to improved heat tolerance1.

Impact on Body Composition

Sauna suits can also influence body composition. A study on healthy young men found that regular exposure to high temperatures, similar to those experienced when wearing a sauna suit, led to increases in muscle mass and bone mineral density. This suggests that sauna suits might not only aid in weight loss but also contribute to muscle and bone health2.

Applications in Fitness and Wellness

Sauna suits are often used in fitness and wellness routines to enhance the effects of exercise. For example, incorporating sauna yoga, which involves performing yoga exercises in a sauna-like environment, has been shown to improve flexibility, strength, and balance in older adults. This indicates that sauna suits could be beneficial for individuals looking to improve their physical fitness and overall quality of life3.