Ever feel like you have no way of enjoying some relaxation? For those of you who have gym memberships, you might just be in luck. Your gym might have a steam room, which is accessible to members. If this is the case, you can take advantage of the benefits of a steam bath.

Benefits of using a steam room:



  • Increases blood flow and circulation
  • Relaxes stiff joints and muscles
  • Helps to reduce stress
  • Improves your complexion

What Can A Steam Room Do For You?

Many steam rooms have different oils that create scents that fill the room, which help to relax, alter moods, ease muscle tension, cure and prevent cold and flu symptoms, combat stress, and clear the sinuses.

The nice thing about steam rooms are that no matter what you are looking to accomplish, a steam room can help get you there. A steam room will help you reduce stress, raise your metabolism, improve your complexion, alleviate pain due to sports injury, prevent injuries, and can also ease the symptoms of a cold.

The steam helps relax stiff joints and muscles after workouts and can help with the recovery process. Steam also helps cleanse your skin, boost your immune system, and helps remove toxins.

Cardiovascular Health & Steam Rooms

During a steam bath there is an increase in blood flow and circulation. This is due in part by heat causing the blood vessels in the skin to expand. Blood pressure does not change during a steam bath even though heart rate can almost double.

Fever? Will This Make Me Sick?

No, you will not get sick by using a steam room. However, a steam room will force your body into a state where it thinks you are sick. The body's natural defense when sick is to raise the body's temperature above normal (hence a fever) to try and destroy invading organisms and sweat out impurities. The raising of the body's temperature is called hyperthermia.

How Does Hyperthermia Work?

The body's normal temperature is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. When the body raises its temperature higher than normal it goes into a state of hyperthermia. Many invading organisms that enter the body cannot live in the body when its temperature is raised-therefore, when the body goes into hyperthermia, those organisms die.

Even though hyperthermia doesn't kill off all the organisms, they do reduce the number to a level where the immune system has a better chance of fighting them off and killing them.



Benefits Of Using A Steam Room (Expanded)

  • Soothes mind & body to relieve stress & relax muscles
  • Increases body metabolism
  • Deep cleanses the skin
  • Helps eliminate toxins
  • Boosts your immune system
  • Relieves discomforts of asthma, allergies and arthritis
  • Keeps mucous membranes from excessive drying
  • Relieves throat irritation by moistening the air
  • Relaxes muscles
  • Relieves coughing
  • Relieves inflammation and congestion of upper respiratory mucous membranes
  • Loosens secretions and stimulates discharge of mucous from the throat and lungs

Beauty Benefits Of Using A Steam Room

  • Intensive and comprehensive cleansing effect on skin
  • Enhances circulation and blood flow to skin
  • Nourishes skin with nutrients
  • Superior to body wraps in treatment of cellulite
  • Increased body metabolism
  • Emulsifies fat of sebaceous glands
  • Enhance the development of collagen
  • Hydrates dry skin

Hydration

When in the steam room you will find your skin getting wet, this is not only because you will be sweating, but it is also from the steam. When the room fills with steam, it is not uncommon for your hair/skin to have a white appearance-this is normal due to the water particles on your hair.

It is very important to stay hydrated when using a steam room. This will ensure proper hydration and ensure bodily functions will work properly. Dehydration can come about quickly and is something you want to avoid at all costs.

Make sure prior to using the steam room that you drank an adequate amount of water. Then after exiting the steam room, make sure you drink some more water to get your fluid levels back up to normal.

Shaving

Most gyms and health clubs will not allow you to do this (there are some exceptions), but if you have the chance to shave in the steam room (men as well as women) you will find it to be effortless. The steam bath allows you to get a closer shave and the steam helps the pores open up and the blade to run smoothly over the skin giving you a shave like you have never experienced before.

Shaving in the steam room will make shaving more tolerable to those who get irritated by the razor blade. If you get the chance, this is something you definitely want to try out. Make sure you leave the shaving cream canister outside of the steam room though due to it being pressurized.

Conclusion

Hopefully this article has shown some light on a topic that not many people know about (especially the benefits). Many steam rooms are becoming obsolete so finding one might be challenging. However, if you find one you are in luck. So enjoy yourself and blow off some steam... Within no time you will be feeling more relaxed and reap the benefits of a stream bath.

About the Author

Matt Weik, CSCS

Matt Weik, CSCS

Matt graduated from Penn State with a degree in Kinesiology. He is a fitness expert, strength and conditioning specialist, and sports nutritionist.

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