This past year, I fell in love with the steam room. While training for my first triathlon, I would be in the pool getting my water workouts in and notice other members at my gym leaving the steam room with a glisten of sweat all over their bodies. As I former college athlete, I love sweat! You just feel like you’ve put some work in when you finish a workout and you’re drenched! One day after my pool workout, I ventured into the steam room for a trial. WOW, did I sweat! I loved it, the warmth and how it cleared my nasal passages. I also noticed how my skin was much softer after regular bouts in the steam room and became a huge fan, rewarding myself with a “steam” after a workout! As with all new adventures, I wanted to know more about the risks/benefits of my latest find! I was also a bit concerned about being dehydrated and wanted to make sure I wasn’t setting myself up for a plethora of diseases while sitting in a hot steamy room, conceivably filled with other peoples sweat as well as my own. I went home and began to research the benefits of getting hot n’ steamy!!!
The use of steam dates back thousands of years to the ancient Greeks! Today most steam rooms are tiled, enclosed areas where steamed is released and enclosed with temperatures over 80 ⁰C! This heat creates an elevated body temperature which kind of works like a fever. This response boosts the body’s immune system to increase white blood cell production. It also increases the heart rate, blood circulation and metabolic rate. This causes muscles to relax and some studies show it expedites muscle repair post exercise, so you are less sore.
Steam has also been found to benefit the respiratory system. The inhalation of steam helps loosen mucus and alleviate congestion and inflammation brought on by allergies and other respiratory conditions. Steam has long been thought to help promote healthy skin as well, acting as a natural exfoliator. The steam and sweat help to open skin pores and release trapped oils and dirt. It also increases blood circulation to the skin and promotes healthier, clearer skin.
First timer? Don’t be surprised if you struggle breathing at first, especially if you are not used to humidity. Try short trips of 5-10 minutes until you get used to the steam room. As with all exercise, if you are pregnant or have serious medical issues, consult your doctor before using the steam room! With all the benefits of steaming, there is no better time to add steaming to your health promotion regimen! Enjoy getting your sweat on!
