The Huge Benefits of Having an Indoor Sauna (and how to win one!)

Today I'm going to share some research notes about the health benefit of infrared saunas. Once you've devoured this blog you'll find a link to a competition where you could be the proud owner of your very own infrared sauna, The Helios, worth a whopping £1,300! 

Can you imagine winning this amazing Wellis Helios infrared Sauna for someone this Christmas? (prize includes delivery and installation). 

My personal thoughts on Saunas

Over the years I've enjoyed many sessions in saunas, either in wellness spas, gyms, hotels etc. One of the biggest thrills I get in a sauna is being able to stay in longer than anyone else. I know it's egotistical, but I thrive on the challenge of being able to mentally push myself. 

'Just another 10 seconds. And another 10 seconds. And another'. This is my mantra and almost a microcosm of my philosophy in live just to chip away and deal with things incrementally. 

Of course, when someone caves and gets up to leave I follow them out and do a victory lap around the locker room. (I joke). 

I'm also conscious that this is a therapeutic, relaxing environment. I appreciate the stillness and I loathe people nattering away in a communal sauna. That's why this Wellis Helios infrared Sauna is right up my alley as a one person sauna. 

Health benefits for an infrared sauna

The electromagnetic heat from the Wellis infrared saunas embraces and penetrates into your joints, muscles and tissues, thus enhances oxygen flow. 

You may heard several people tell you when you have a cold to jump into a sauna right? Well that’s because it's a great detoxifier, it improves blood circulation which as a result boosts your immune system. 

So what's the difference between traditional and infrared? 

With a traditional sauna the process begins with heating the rocks. This then heats the air and the air heats you. The heat has to travel through many different mediums. With infrared it heats the body directly. Infrared is the body natural heat signature, its what we emit as human beings. We've all seen Predator right? 

In a traditional sauna your body goes into survival mode. Like I mentioned above, it's how long can you stand the heat! Sometimes the heat can be so intense that your body doesn't have the ability to relax, just survive. In this situation your body doesn't get a chance to truly detoxify like it should. It's not prioritising on detoxifying, it's focusing on getting through the process alive. 

The infrared sauna is a more peaceful, meditative, environment for your nervous system. You can open all your channels of detoxification and because the heat is gentler you can stay in the sauna for longer stay in longer. 

Can I incorporate this into my workout routine? 

Absolutely! Some people that are unable to partake in physical exercise can really utilise the benefits of a sauna. Spending 15-20 minutes in a sauna is equal to a one-hour brisk walk or to a lighter training session! 

I'm personally going to look into getting one for my post KOBOX workout. Especially after the sparring sessions as the heat helps soothes aching muscles. In fact I'm already in talks with the gym in the hope of persuading them to get a Wellis Helios infrared Sauna installed. Watch this space. 

What music should I listen to? 

The Helios Hemlock sauna has two speakers and a bluetooth connection so you can play music in there and relax. As it's a one person sauna you won't run the risk of being exposed to someone else's horrible taste in music. 

To relax you can't go wrong with classical music. Here are some of my recommendations: 

• John Barry: Anywhere in Time

• Vangelis: Bladerunner soundtrack (original) or find the 3 hour 'rain loop' on YouTube.

• Chopin - Nocturne op.9 No.2

• Erik Satie - Gymnopédies

• Debussy - Clair de Lune

• Vivaldi Recomposed by Max Richter

That should get you going for starters. I should warn you however, although The Helios can be connected to your phone/iPad etc  through bluetooth, it's advised you don't take your gadgets in.

Even though infrared saunas have all the benefits of a traditional sauna without the extreme temperatures, your gadgets would still get heat damage in there. (The Wellis Helios works at a lower temperature between 40-60 celsius, while a conventional sauna typically operates between 65-85 celsius.)

For your chance to win this fantastic prize and add a luxurious accessory to your own home, simply enter the competition through the Helios website. It's free and you only have to answer a few questions. Best of luck!