An infrared sauna blanket not only brings relaxation and well-being, but is also said to be a real calorie killer. In just one session, you supposedly burn up to 600 calories. Sounds almost too good to be true, doesn't it? That's why we'd like to find out whether pesky pounds can actually be melted away just by relaxing in a sauna blanket.
What is an infrared sauna blanket?
An infrared sauna blanket is practically a sauna to go. From the outside it looks like a cozy sleeping bag - but on the inside it holds a secret weapon for relaxation and wellness. The sauna blanket is packed with special infrared heating elements that generate a pleasant heat that penetrates deep into the skin. Ideal for releasing tension, relieving stress or recovering from a workout. But what about burning calories?
How an infrared sauna blanket can help you lose weight
A balanced diet and exercise are the pillars of a healthy lifestyle and effective weight loss. Nevertheless, an infrared sauna blanket can play a supporting role in losing weight. What this may look like, you will learn in the following.
Thermogenesis boosts calorie burn
When you use an infrared sauna blanket, the heat raises your core body temperature, a process called thermogenesis. When your core temperature rises, your body's metabolic rate increases, much like it does during exercise.
A higher metabolic rate means that your body burns more calories even when you’re at rest. By simply relaxing in an infrared sauna blanket, you’re able to give your metabolism a noticeable boost, helping you shed those extra pounds more easily.
Infrared heat promotes fat breakdown
Infrared heat can penetrate deep into your body tissues, reaching your fat cells. This heat can stimulate a process called lipolysis, which breaks down fat into free fatty acids and glycerol. These byproducts are then used by your body for energy, reducing your fat stores.
This means that the heat from an infrared sauna blanket can not only help to break down existing fat stores but can also encourage their use as an energy source, further aiding in weight loss. It’s like having an internal fat-burning engine running smoothly in the background, effortlessly assisting you in your fitness journey.
Infrared saunas increase heart rate
Another benefit of using an infrared sauna blanket is its ability to increase your heart rate. When you’re exposed to infrared heat, your cardiovascular system responds similarly to how it would during moderate exercise.
This increase in heart rate means your body is working harder, thereby burning more calories. This heart rate boost can not only help you burn calories but also improve your cardiovascular health, making it a great addition to your wellness routine.
Infrared heat improves circulation
Enhanced blood circulation is another key benefit of infrared sauna blankets. Improved circulation helps in the efficient distribution and elimination of fatty acids from the body.
Better circulation also supports your metabolism, ensuring nutrients are delivered where needed and waste products are removed quickly, helping you manage your weight more effectively.
A sauna blanket helps detoxification
While relaxing in a sauna blanket, the body is embraced by the pleasant infrared heat and slowly begins to sweat. Sweating is like a mini cleanse from the inside, where toxins and waste products leave the body through your pores.
This detoxification process revs up your metabolism and helps burn fat. Effective detoxification can also improve digestion and regulate appetite. This prevents sudden cravings and supports the adoption of a healthy eating habit.
An infrared sauna blanket reduces stress
Stress and weight loss are two things that don't go together. When we're stressed, we often seek comfort in unhealthy, high-calorie foods. Plus, stress messes with our hormonal balance and can cause us to accumulate more fat in the belly area.
This is where the infrared sauna blanket comes in! Its pleasant warmth penetrates deep into the muscles, relieves tension and gives you a feeling of security. You can literally feel the stress leave your body and make room for deep relaxation.
Infrared therapy speeds up regeneration
Regular exercise combined with a healthy diet is the key to sustainable weight loss. But especially workout newbies often suffer from persistent muscle soreness and pain because of the unfamiliar strain.
An infrared sauna session right after training can help alleviate these aches and pains. The infrared heat penetrates deep into the muscles and increases blood flow. This can prevent muscle soreness and reduce pain, so that you are quickly ready for your next workout.
Do you really burn calories in an infrared sauna blanket?
According to various sources, a half-hour infrared sauna session can burn between 200 and 600 calories, which is about the same as a 40-minute jog. Burning calories without exercising sounds tempting, but more research needs to be done to confirm this claim.
Bottom line
An infrared sauna blanket offers numerous benefits for losing weight. It promotes detoxification and reduces stress, which can prevent cravings. Due to the comfortable heat and the increase in core body temperature, the sauna blanket can also stimulate the metabolism and fat breakdown.
Increased energy consumption can help the body burn more calories and assist in weight loss. However, it is important to emphasize that a healthy diet and regular physical activity are still the foundation for successfully losing weight.
