Sauna/steam rooms and health including effects on nitric oxide in the body

I've been wondering about this topic for a while. I never see huge dudes in the hot boxes at my gym. Well not the "muscular" huge kind. I read that sweat sessions help release excess N.O. I wasn't sure if this is actually something we desire or not. I can't find any information about effects of saunas being negative for muscle growth. So here is a little information and maybe some of you out there have some more. Cheers.


The most well-known benefits of heat sessions or sweat sessions include relaxation and detoxification. But they also have positive effects on the heart, lowering blood pressure and reducing risk of atherosclerosis. Research indicates that saunas’ high temperatures increase the production of a substance called nitric oxide synthase in the arteries. Increased levels of nitric oxide synthase will produce more nitric oxide, which helps dilate coronary arties and, in turn, improves heart function. However, one thing to keep in mind is that the specific type of sauna I wrote about in December 2003 is called a far-infrared sauna. Far infrared waves warm things without actually heating up the air in between the heat source and the object. So in a far infrared sauna, the air is warm and dry, as opposed to the humid heat in traditional saunas. I’m not sure which type they have at your gym, but it’s likely the traditional steam version. As I mentioned above, those still offer the benefits of detoxification and relaxation, but the research I’ve found on the heart-health benefits has all been done using far-infrared saunas. That said, the most economical way to get the benefits of a far-infrared sauna is probably to buy one for your own home. They range in price, so do some research before deciding on a particular brand. One company to consider is High Tech Health, Inc. (800-794-5355, Infrared Saunas - Water Electrolyzers - Nutrition - Detox - High Tech Health). (I am not affiliated with this company in any way, but recommend them based on the thorough citation list they have available.) - See more at: No sweat?

im usually not a fan of saunas but i injured my shoulder last week and have not been able to lift so ive hit the sauna up 3 times and today i noticed how vascular i was without working out or supplements. i always heard saunas were bad for gaining muscle for whatever reason so ive stayed away but will research it and check to see what yalls experience and opinions are

Ive never even heard of a far infrared sauna??

I have both suana/steamer in both mens & womens locker rooms. the men use thiers 10 times more often....the steamers are a bitch to keep clean and the tanks has to be de-limed every 6 months, and the parts are expensive...all in all, they are great selling points as most new people who we tour are impressed BUT when it comes down to actuall usage, they dont get used much

I love the sauna and steam room. I have been using them for over 12 years. 90% of the time I go to gym I get in the sauna. Before a workout it is great to warm up the muscles, tendons, blood, etc. After a workout it is great for relaxation, stretching, and as always a good detox.

There is almost always fat guys in there thinking it is helping them with their weight loss. lol. Poor guys are just to lazy to hop on a treadmill. haha

I am not a fan of the steam room.

I recently used the one in my gym Bc I trained with a buddy who really enjoys it.
I don't get it?
If I really felt like it helped I would use it.

But all I see are fat guys in small towels

I also read that when you are in the sauna it heats up your body creating a fever effect like when you are sick and you have a fever to kill whatever is making you sick. Also it gets rid of shit in your skin that your skin absorbs like smoke, pollution like car exaust and shit.

The Survivor said:

I have both suana/steamer in both mens & womens locker rooms. the men use thiers 10 times more often....the steamers are a bitch to keep clean and the tanks has to be de-limed every 6 months, and the parts are expensive...all in all, they are great selling points as most new people who we tour are impressed BUT when it comes down to actuall usage, they dont get used much

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I don't know why but i always thought you had a small little hard core gym, didn't know you owned and bigger gym with a sauna and shit lol, big pimpin in Wisconsin ay lol

Wisconsin. The best cheese curds every gas station in the state has to offer. Funny I live 30 miles from the border can't get a cheese curd here to save my life. The heart attack snack.

lol @ The Heart Attack Snack!