Sauna Suits for Women: Benefits, Risks, Tips for Safe Use

The Benefits of Using Sauna Suits for Women

Sauna suits have become an increasingly popular workout accessory for women looking to optimize their workouts. Often made of thick, multilayered neoprene or plastic material, sauna suits are worn over regular workout clothes to induce profuse sweating during exercise. While sauna suit use is controversial in some fitness circles, many women swear by their benefits when used appropriately.

The main proposed benefit of using a sauna suit during exercise is increased calorie burn. The heavy material traps heat close to the body, increasing your core body temperature and heart rate. This forces your body to work harder to cool itself down, burning more calories in the process. Studies confirm that wearing a sauna suit during cardio exercise can increase calorie expenditure, sometimes significantly.

Boosts Cardiovascular Health

The increased heart rate and body temperature boosts cardiovascular health similar to using a sauna. The extra workload strengthens the heart and improves circulation. For women specifically, sauna suits may provide cardiovascular benefits related to healthy estrogen levels since using saunas has been linked to improved estrogen activity.

Promotes Sweating

Exercising in a sauna suit promotes profuse sweating leading to significant water loss. Saunas suits wick moisture away from the skin rather than trapping sweat inside like plastic wrap techniques. This water loss results in a temporary reduction in body weight, largely from fluid loss. The immediate number drop on the scale can boost motivation and feelings of success when trying to lose weight.

May Improve Metabolism

Some personal trainers and fitness enthusiasts claim sauna suits improve metabolism leading to more fat burning. The logic is that making the body work extra hard raises your metabolism after the workout too. However, there is limited research supporting sauna suits as a metabolism booster specifically.

Leads to "Cut" Appearance

The water loss from profuse sweating often makes muscles look more defined and "cut." This appearance of increased muscle tone motivates many athletes, bodybuilders, and physique competitors to use sauna suits during workouts before competitions. However, it leads to a temporary artificial change in appearance only.

Downsides of Using Sauna Suits

While sauna suits provide some benefits, there are also significant drawbacks and risks to consider.

Dehydration Risk

Excessive sweating leads to dehydration and loss of electrolytes like sodium and potassium. Dehydration negatively impacts athletic performance, cognition, mood, energy levels, and many aspects of physical health. To counteract these effects, it becomes extra important to rehydrate by drinking more water and electrolyte beverages when using a sauna suit.

Overheating

The moisture-trapping material greatly increases the risk of overheating and heat-related illness. Using sauna suits during intense exercise is not recommended since your body cannot properly cool itself. At best, you may have to end your workout early. At worst, you risk heat stroke which requires emergency medical treatment.

Masks Overtraining

The increased sweating makes workouts feel harder than they actually are. This can mask symptoms of fatigue that signal your body needs more rest and recovery. Ignoring these warning signs increases injury risk and the potential for developing overtraining syndrome.

Causes Skin Irritation

The constant moisture and friction from sauna suits often leads to skin chafing. Bacterial and fungal infections can also develop from the warm, moist environment inside the suits. Always wear proper undergarments and thoroughly wash your skin after use.

Water Weight Regain

The rapid water weight loss from sweating inevitably leads to regain once you hydrate and electrolytes balance returns. Sauna suits promote unsustainable weight cutting rather than lasting fat loss. You lose water, not body fat, making the number on the scale drop temporarily.

Sauna Suit Materials

Sauna suits come in a variety of materials although thick cotton or plastic polymers are most common.

Nylon

Nylon sauna suits have a soft, comfortable feel. The material wicks moisture away from the skin well. However, nylon tends to have larger pores that do not trap heat as efficiently as other fabrics.

Neoprene

Wetsuit-like neoprene is a common sauna suit fabric. The synthetic rubber insulates heat effectively. Neoprene is prone to causing skin irritation and rashes for some wearers though.

Vinyl

Vinyl sauna suits provide insulation and sweating with a lower cost. Unfortunately, vinyl also tends to be the most uncomfortable and restrictive material due to its non-breathability.

Cotton

Thick cotton sauna suits absorb moisture and seal in heat. Cotton is typically more comfortable than other fabrics. The drawback is cottons heavy weight, especially when wet with sweat.

Tips for Safe Sauna Suit Use

Keep the following safety tips in mind if you choose to use a sauna suit:

• Drink extra water before, during, and after workouts when wearing a sauna suit.
• Lower the workout intensity since your body is already working harder from the heat.
• Listen to your body's signals and immediately stop if you feel overheated or dizzy.
• Avoid use in hot, humid environments that could hinder sweat evaporation.
• Choose loose-fitting suits and wear proper undergarments to minimize skin irritation.
• Remove the suit immediately if you feel nauseous, lightheaded, or unwell.
• Do not use sauna suits for high-intensity cardio, just lower intensity activities.

The Bottom Line

Sauna suits can provide some benefits when used properly, mainly increased calorie burn and temporary "cut" muscle appearance. However, sauna suits pose substantial health risks that likely outweigh potential rewards for most women. Always prioritize safety, hydration, and moderation when considering using sauna suits during exercise.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.