Do sauna suits really work?

Sweat more, lose more?

We're here to unravel the science behind sauna suits and share some truths (and some myths) about their effects.

Although serious athletes swear by the benefits of sauna suits, this blog addresses the question:

Do sauna suits really work?

The science behind sauna suits

A sauna suit looks like a tight-fitting tracksuit, but it is the waterproof material that helps to retain body heat and increase sweat production.

The advantage lies in the increased sweating during training, which can have several positive effects, for example:

-         Weight reduction

-         Improved blood circulation

-         Muscle relaxation: However, these benefits also come with potential risks, including

-         Dehydration

-         Overheating

-         Skin irritations

It is important to remember that everyone is different and what works for one person may not be as comfortable for another.

It is advisable to listen to your own body and its limits when it comes to whether and when you want to wear a sauna suit.

What the research says

Sauna suits may seem like just another trend in workout wear, but studies show that they are actually effective in maximising the potential of your workout.

For example, there is evidence that wearing a sauna suit improves heat resistance. This increases endurance and performance through greater sweat loss compared to training without a sauna suit under the same conditions.

There are also reports that sauna suits help with weight loss. Although this is technically true, it should not be considered a long-term solution to weight loss. The weight loss induced by the sauna suit consists mainly of water.

This can be beneficial for boxers and MMA fighters looking to reach their weight class or to support a healthy diet and effective training programme. However, specific studies supporting sauna suits as a long-term strategy for weight loss or detoxification are lacking.

Sauna suits vs. traditional saunas: which is better?

Although both sauna suits and traditional saunas offer their advantages, their purposes and applications are fundamentally different.

A sauna suit is designed to be worn during exercise to increase body temperature and stimulate sweating, which improves circulation. In contrast, sitting in a heated sauna is designed to relax the muscles and relieve pain, typically after a workout.

Both methods are valuable, but not essential for your daily training session. Alternate between the two and make sure to limit your time in the sauna suit and sauna, as overheating can pose potential health risks.

Choosing the right sauna suit

Some athletes wear a full sauna suit, while others opt for a simple sauna shirt. In either case, you should pay attention to certain features, such as

Material and processing

Sauna suits are made of waterproof materials such as neoprene or nylon, which store heat well and at the same time offer a high degree of freedom of movement.

These materials are also robust enough to withstand intensive training sessions without tears or holes appearing.

Fit and comfort

Although sauna suits should fit snugly, they should not be so tight that they make breathing difficult.

Make sure the suit is stretchy and offers sufficient ventilation to allow the body to cool down safely. There is a fine line between intensifying the heat and overheating, so comfort is key.

Style and design

Choose a style and design that matches your personal fighting style. What you wear can be a motivation to stay consistent with your boxing training and spend valuable time in the gym.