As the owner of an indoor portable sauna, you want to be sure that you are making the most of your new investment. Perhaps you have questions on how to maximize muscle relief. This happens when you give a little attention to your blood flow. You could be wondering how to completely rid your skin of toxins. This works by simply showering before and after and exfoliating. To help you enjoy your relaxation tool in every way possible, here are 7 ways to maximize the benefits of your indoor portable sauna. 

1. BE SURE TO USE THE RIGHT MATERIALS

If you decide to use some of your materials to build your sauna, you need to be sure that they are chemical-free for your safety. Exposure to harmful chemicals can cause dizziness, headaches, and fainting. Check your wood and materials and make sure that they are free of the following:

• Finishes 
• Plastic
• Varnishes
• Cheap plywood - may have formaldehyde 
• Glues with toxic chemicals
• Paints

Using a pre-built sauna kit will save you time and make your project less stressful to complete. You will not have to worry about choosing your materials or inspecting them for safety. Here are a few portable sauna benefits:

• Parts that you need to come readily available and are eco-friendly.
• Softwoods come with a comforting, inviting smell and durable qualities.
• Materials are non-toxic and inspected before making them to your doorstep. 

For example, the Almost Heaven Worthington 4 to 6-Person Indoor Sauna with Backlit Himalayan Salt makes assembly easy. This sauna also provides plenty of space for relaxation and has a chic, stylish appearance.  

2. GET YOUR BLOOD FLOWING

Try to help your blood vessels dilate before your sauna session. This causes your blood flow to increase, which will help relax tense muscles and soothe tired joints. These benefits are perfect for those who suffer from arthritis or other types of chronic pain. 

Try doing the following before entering your sauna to get your blood flowing:

• A quick gym session
• Yoga 
• Jog around the block 
• Quick exercise session using the stairs in your home  (if possible)
• Jumping jacks

3. DRINK PLENTY OF WATER 

Keeping yourself properly hydrated while on the road to relaxation is extremely important. While sweating in your session, your body loses lots of nutrients. Most sessions will drain you of up to 2% of your fluids. The following tips will help you stay away from the dangers of dehydration and fatigue:

• Be sure to drink enough water, preferably 16 to 20 ounces, before using your sauna. 
• Stay away from drinks that have high sugar content. Avoid sweet juices, carbonated sodas, and coffee beverages. 
• Sports drinks and coconut water are ideal for keeping your body prepared for the sauna. They have plenty of electrolytes to replace what your body will lose. 

4. TAKE A SHOWER BEFORE YOUR SAUNA SESSION

Taking a nice, relaxing shower beforehand is another tip to help you maximize the benefits of your sauna. Bathing before your session:

• Cleans any lotions, oils, makeup products, sweat, or dirt off your skin
• Ensures that you begin your session without any chemicals on your skin  
• Saves time cleaning afterward by cutting back on sweat and grime left behind

5. CHOOSE THE BEST POSITION

Your sitting position and movements can affect the benefits of your sauna as well. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of each session:

• If using an infrared sauna, you want to be sure that your body is properly absorbing heat and light. 

• Try sitting straight up so that the heat can reach both sides of your torso. 
• Rotate your body in quarter turns every 5 to 7 minutes if the infrared bulbs are only on one side of the room. 

• Use a bath brush or sauna whisk to brush your skin gently. This stimulates your pores, which helps with blood circulation and works to rid your body of toxic chemicals. 

• Be extra attentive to your arms, stomach, back, and legs. 

6. DON’T LEAVE YOUR SAUNA UNTIL YOU FEEL TIRED

Science proves that staying in your sauna until you feel tired will help you get the most out of your session. Here’s why:

1. Norepinephrine levels increase up to 3 times. Prolactin levels increase up to 10 times. 
2. This assists your body with myelination, which helps your nervous system work the right way. 
3. Hyperthermic conditioning is what keeps your body temperature regulated. Making use of this conditioning outside of exercising helps to boost your endurance. Sauna use is perfect for this.

Be sure to only stay in your sauna as long as you can. Sauna session times are not “one size fits all,” so the length of your sessions may differ from others. Most sessions last between 15 to 20 minutes, but some sauna fans prefer 30 to 45-minute sessions. No matter how long you decide to relax, simply build your tolerance gradually and increase the length of your sessions as needed. 

7. FINISH WITH A COLD SHOWER.

After using your sauna, your pores are rejuvenated and open. To close your pores and get rid of any toxins that are still on your skin, taking a cold shower after your session is important. You will avoid taking the toxins back in if you rinse them off immediately. 

Here’s how taking a cold shower after your session helps:

• Gets rid of sweat, salt, bacteria, and sebum left behind that can cause acne or clogged pores 
• Returns your pores to their natural state
• Helps boost the blood circulation to your vital organs
• Leaves your body feeling refreshed

Use a loofah or other exfoliating shower products to help you loosen up dead skin. To up the ante, try going back and forth between the sauna and the shower or using your pool for quick dips in between. This gives your immune system an extra boost. 

SUMMARY

There are several ways to ensure that you are getting the most out of your prized possession. If using your materials, be sure that they are chemical-free. This will help you enjoy your sauna safely without the risk of headache or dizzy spells. Maximize muscle and joint relief with exercise. It will get your blood flowing before you enter your session.

By sitting the right way, you maximize benefits by helping your skin absorb heat. Remember to brush your skin gently. This helps your sauna work even better for improving your blood circulation. Give your immune system and skin an extra boost by taking a cold shower after your session has ended. By following these simple steps, each sauna visit will end in complete bliss. Your body will thank you for the never-ending list of health benefits.

For more information on getting the most out of your indoor portable sauna, continue to trust the experts here at My Sauna World.