General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Saunas & Steam Room!! Rss Feed  
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2019-11-06 11:31 AM

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Bolivar, OH
Subject: Saunas & Steam Room!!
OK...My question is what is the point of these and do people incorporate them in their training? I do my swimming at my local YMCA and they have both. I have never been in either one and have always wondered what the point was. Looking forward to hearing what people say about them.

Chris


2019-11-06 1:14 PM
in reply to: TRIMAN413

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Subject: RE: Saunas & Steam Room!!
They feel good and are relaxing.
2019-11-06 1:15 PM
in reply to: #5263869

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Subject: RE: Saunas & Steam Room!!
Minimal benefits for triathlon training UNLESS you are doing a hot and humid race and want to get some heat acclimatization training.

If you’re just wanting to do it for your general health, there aren’t any negatives. I just wouldn’t sacrifice any swim, bike or run workout time for sauna or steam room time.
2019-11-06 10:30 PM
in reply to: Parkland

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Eugene, Oregon
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Subject: RE: Saunas & Steam Room!!
There are some heat acclimatization protocols that you can use if you happen to be preparing for a hot, humid race while living in a temperate or cold climate. People use them to prepare for Kona, for example, or tropical destination races. I followed one my coach gave me last year when training for IM Malaysia through the fall and early winter in Idaho (which definitely isn't tropical)! I thought it was helpful but I had lived in the tropics for several years previously (though not in the five months prior to the race) and generally race well in the heat anyway. It doesn't involve actual training in the sauna or heat room, just spending some time there after workouts.
2019-11-07 7:38 AM
in reply to: Parkland

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Bolivar, OH
Subject: RE: Saunas & Steam Room!!
Ok so it sound like the benefit is heat acclimation. Are there any recovery benefits?
2019-11-07 8:52 AM
in reply to: TRIMAN413

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Subject: RE: Saunas & Steam Room!!
Not sure what the evidence is for benefits, but I like to hit the sauna for 5-10 minutes after a swim and do some stretching. The warm temps tend to make your muscles a bit more flexible and stretching is more comfortable then. Maybe that's part of the idea behind hot yoga? If I have access to a hot tub and no one else is in there, sometimes I will do a few stretches there, too. It's also nice if the pool was a bit cold; helps relax your tired muscles and get your body temperature back up.


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General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Saunas & Steam Room!! Rss Feed