My pre & post sauna routine
I love a good sauna session. If you know me, you know I’ve been going to Glow Sauna for over 2 years now. I feel like I cracked the code for how to maximize each session and really get the most out of my membership, let’s get into it!
Mineral Rich Water
Hydration is key to preparing your body for the sauna's heat. The day before your session, aim to drink plenty of water to ensure you're properly hydrated. I find that sipping on himalayan water throughout the day helps replenish essential minerals lost through sweating.
Drybrush
Before I head into my sauna session I always dry brush. I like to bring it with me and do it literally right before. Dry brushing helps stimulate the lymph flow and is incredible when it comes to detoxification. (Did you know dry brush is one of the easiest ways to get rid of waste?) Start at your feet and work your way up, always brushing towards your heart. Then do the same with your arms, starting at your hands and brushing towards your heart. Continue with the rest of your body (except your face) always brushing in the direction of your heart.
Taking a Binder
While going to the sauna has many benefits, the main reason why I go is to detox. My body loves feeling lean and clean. We are all absorbing toxins, no matter our environment. We have a few main ways of detoxification: sweating, bowel movements and breathing. All of these need to be functioning optimally for our bodies to help rid us of the daily toxin intake we encounter. It is when these toxins build up over time, from lack of proper elimination, that we can become sick.
Something many people don’t realize is the importance of taking a binder about 30 minutes prior to going into your sauna. This helps extract any toxins that you might be detoxing and prevent your body from re-absorbing them and making you sick.
There are many types of “binders” you can use but my favorite is activated charcoal. You can either take a capsule or powder ( I like powder because then I can make a latte out of it). Other binders that are great would be Spirulina, Chlorella, or Blue Green Algae.
Wipe Off Sweat
One of the best tips I’ve received is that while in the sauna, you will want to continually be wiping the sweat off with a towel as you sweat. Doing this helps to ensure that any toxins you are ridding are not being reabsorbed by the body.
Replenish
After you sauna, be sure to drink at least 60 oz of water with some form of minerals to keep your balance of electrolytes. I personally like adding a pinch of Himalayan salt to my water for its high mineral content but choose your favorite form.
Cold Shower / Plunge
Post infrared sauna, I immediately rinse off and finish with cold water. The change in temperature creates a shift in the body and mind, helping us to be more adaptable to change, increasing circulation, blood flow and the release of endorphins that can instantly revitalize your mood and boost your metabolism.
If you have a cold plunge then you already know the many benefits of it but if you don’t, a one minute cold shower will do.
Nourishing Food
Fuel your body with nourishing foods an hour or so after your sauna session. Opt for hydrating fruits and vegetables, along with lean proteins to support your body's detoxification process. Avoid heavy, processed foods that can leave you feeling sluggish. I often incorporate leafy greens into my post-sauna meals to boost my body's natural detoxification pathways.
The next time you step into the sauna, take a moment to try these.
Is there anything you do pre/post sauna that I didn’t cover? Let me know!
If you are in Dallas, I highly recommend checking out Glow Sauna Studios.
