How to Acclimate to Heat with Sauna Time

Now that the weather forecast is consistently boasting triple-digit temps, it’s time to stay inside for the South Texas reverse-hibernation season, right? Nahhhh. Don’t miss out on those outdoor bbqs, baseball games, tee times and pool parties (or sometimes you just need to survive the dash from the house to the car!). You can teach your body to acclimate to the heat! It might sound counterintuitive, but the best science-backed way to beat the heat is with…more heat. It’s true! One of the most effective ways to get your body used to the heat is with a few sauna sessions a week. Keep reading to find out how sauna time can help you acclimate to heat and how to get your sauna routine started.

Start Gradually

When you're new to using a sauna, it's essential to start slowly and to allow your body to adjust to the heat. Begin with shorter sessions of around 10-15 minutes and gradually increase the duration as your body becomes more comfortable.

Consistency Is Key

To effectively acclimate to heat, you should aim to use the sauna consistently. Ideally, you should do 2-3 sauna sessions per week. Consistent exposure to heat will help your body adapt and improve its responses to high temperatures.

Hydrate Before and After

Hydration is crucial during heat acclimation as it helps regulate your body temperature and prevent dehydration. Be sure to drink plenty of water before and after each sauna session. Also, be sure to get plenty of electrolytes after you sweat.

Monitor Your Body's Signals

Pay close attention to how your body reacts to the heat during sauna sessions. If you start to feel dizzy, nauseous, or excessively uncomfortable, it's essential to leave the sauna and cool down. Over time, your body will adapt, and you'll be able to tolerate higher temperatures for more extended periods.

Combine Heat Acclimation Methods

To enhance your heat acclimation, you can combine sauna use with other techniques, such as exercising in hot environments, taking hot baths, or spending time outdoors in warm weather.

Track Your Progress

Keep track of your sauna sessions including the duration and temperature; this will help you monitor your progress and determine if you need to make any adjustments to your routine or if you've successfully acclimated to the heat.

By incorporating sauna time into your routine, you can effectively train your body to handle heat better. This can lead to improvements in cardiovascular function, immune system responses, and sweat electrolyte concentrations.

If you're ready to start acclimating to heat with sauna time, consider scheduling a session in either our seated sauna or our yoga sauna; in either one, you can experience the benefits of heat acclimation and relaxation. To learn more about sauna, to book your session or to look into any of our other services at Float, visit floatsa.com. Don't wait – start your journey to better heat acclimation today!