Let’s be honest: there’s something deeply satisfying about sweating on purpose. Whether it’s in a steamy vinyasa class, under the warm sun on one of our yoga adventures, or wrapped in a towel pretending to be a rotisserie chicken in a sauna, sometimes, the sweat is the point.
And lately, it seems everyone’s talking about infrared saunas. Gwyneth loves them (of course she does), your gym probably has one, and maybe you’ve seen those chic “sweat studio” pop-ups where people pay to lie in heated pods like futuristic burritos. But what’s all the heat about?
What Is an Infrared Sauna, Anyway?
Unlike traditional saunas that heat the air around you, infrared saunas use infrared light to warm your body directly. Think of it as sunlight … without the UV damage or need for SPF 50.
Infrared saunas typically run lower than traditional ones (around 110-150°F instead of 180-200°F) and heat the body through infrared radiation rather than super-hot air. You’ll still sweat buckets, but you’ll be able to breathe easier and hang out longer without feeling like your eyebrows are melting off.
The result? A deep, gentle warmth that leaves you with that “just did something amazing for myself” glow (without having to endure furnace-level temps).
The Pros: Why You Might Fall in Love with Infrared Heat
- Detox (but let’s be realistic): Sweating from saunas (or from a solid yoga flow) does release small amounts of heavy metals and other compounds. Some studies have found trace amounts of lead and mercury in sweat, but there’s no solid proof that infrared saunas meaningfully detox your body or remove harmful toxins long-term. Think of it as helping your natural systems along, not replacing them.
- Pain relief & muscle recovery: There’s modest evidence that passive heat (including infrared) can reduce muscle soreness and ease joint pain, probably by increasing blood flow and relaxing tissues. It’s like giving your body a long, slow hug from the inside out — just remember, the research is still catching up to the hype.
- Circulation boost: The heat dilates your blood vessels, improving circulation and delivering more oxygen to your tissues. That’s part of why your skin might look flushed and radiant afterward (it’s basically a spa-day version of a cardio glow).
- Glowing skin: Sweating can help unclog pores and promote smoother, more hydrated-looking skin. Some studies even suggest infrared exposure can support collagen production, giving you that post-retreat, “I drink green juice for fun” radiance.
- Stress relief: When you’re cocooned in warmth with no phone, no to-do list, and no Wi-Fi, your nervous system gets the memo: it’s okay to relax. That soothing, meditative heat can calm your mind as much as your muscles.
The Cons: Because Nothing (Except Savasana) Is Perfect
- You can overdo it: Infrared sessions feel deceptively gentle, but dehydration, dizziness, or fatigue can sneak up if you stay too long or forget to hydrate. (Pro tip: bring water, and drink it like it’s your job.)
- Not for everyone: Skip or get a doctor’s approval if you’re pregnant, have a heart condition, very low or very high blood pressure, or any medical condition that affects how your body handles heat (like multiple sclerosis). If you’re on medications that affect circulation or are trying to conceive (heat can affect sperm health), check first, too.
- They can be pricey: Some yoga studios and gyms include sessions in memberships, but spa-grade infrared treatments can run $30-$100 per visit. You’re paying for the glow — and maybe the eucalyptus towel.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Sweat Session:
- Hydrate before, during, and after. Think of it like hot yoga: you’re losing water, not magic.
- Start small. Begin with 10-20 minutes at lower temperatures and build from there.
- Make it mindful. Leave your phone outside, breathe deeply, and let the heat do the heavy lifting.
- Cool down slowly. Give your body a minute to recalibrate before jumping into a cold shower.
The Bottom Line
Infrared saunas aren’t just another wellness trend — they’re a modern take on an ancient ritual: sweating with purpose. Whether you’re chasing relaxation, muscle recovery, or just a reason to spend 30 quiet minutes wrapped in warmth, this is one ritual that lives up to (most of) the hype.
So go ahead, turn up the heat, and give your body (and mind) the sauna love it deserves. Your skin will thank you. Your muscles will thank you. And let’s be real — you’ll feel smokin’.
Before you jump in, though, it’s always smart to check with your doctor if you have any health concerns or conditions because self-care should feel good, not risky.