Does the sauna/steam room have the same effects as a cardio workout?

[GymFeeder]

Question:

Hi Marc

I remember reading somehwhere that using the sauna and/or steam room has the same effect as a cardio workout, i can see how this might work as they certainly raise your heart rate, is there any truth in this and if so, to what degree ?

Thanks

Joe
P.S. your podcast is excellent, i've got some very good advice over the last few months, keep it up.

Answer:

Joe,

While I can see your metabolism and heart rate being boosted by using the sauna or steam room, it simply does not have the same cardiovascular benefits or the same fat burning effects that a HIIT style cardio workout would have.

Bottom line, there are health benefits to both and some may even overlap but a cardio workout is vastly different from using the sauna or steam room. You will not simulate the effects by sitting in a warm/hot location.

A combination of both would be ideal. One for the cardio benefits and the other for the relaxing and cleansing effects.

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