Fat loss in a sauna is not a myth, I was delighted to learn recently.

Relaxing in the sauna is something I’m looking forward to doing much more of, especially since learning that it can result in fat loss after all.

There is a myriad of well documented benefits from unwinding in hot aromatic wooden hut but mostly I just love the refreshed feel it gives me when I finish a 20-minute session.

I often treat sauna or steam room time as a luxury after a hard training session, should I have a few minutes for a little relaxation period.

But having coming across a study which shows that sauna use can actually aid fat loss and even promote muscle growth, I now have whole new outlook on getting a little hot and sweaty in a sauna whether on a training day or recovery day.

Based on what I had read previously; I was always of the mind that you really only lose water weight as you sweat off fluid in hot sauna or steam room. Of course when you step out you’re going to be a little lighter, but not for long because as you start to hydrate once again the weight will return. 

However, there’s a lot more going on in our bodies as a result of the hyperthermia (significantly raised body temperature such as experienced in a sauna) than is immediately apparent. It seems that what some refer to as passive heat training in a sauna or steam room can actually help you tone up and lose fat.

According to tests conducted in the US, Sauna use can help promote fat loss and muscle growth by boosting insulin sensitivity and reducing muscle protein catabolism.

Intermittent hyperthermia has been proven to reduce insulin resistance in obese mice. During one study mice underwent 30 minutes of heat treatment, three times weekly for a 12 week period.

The study found a 31% reduction in insulin levels and a significant decrease in blood glucose levels. Both of these scenarios can help boost muscle growth plus aid weight control and fat loss. (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19203842)

Based on such findings, it seems then that it is possible to both lose fat and gain muscle while relaxing in a sauna.

Although I won’t be ditching the exercise regime in favour of the heat treatment just yet, I’ll certainly make sure to take time to head to the sauna a little more often.

Whether the fat loss benefits of sauna use are big or small it appears they do exist and what’s more I’ll enjoy them while relaxing - that’s good enough for me.