Do Saunas and Wirlpools have any advantages for a bodybuilder

**Toenail Juice Z** · 07-08-2004, 07:40 AM

My gyms got saunas, worlpools, etc, but i've never used them.

What benefits do each of these 2 have (if any)

Can they help with water retention? And if yes, at what rate.

Secondly, could someone switch cardio with sauna?

Thanks

**doby48** · 07-08-2004, 08:19 AM

I got a hottub at home and the only benefits I have found is thereputic benefits.

**Toenail Juice Z** · 07-08-2004, 08:42 AM

Originally Posted by doby48

I got a hottub at home and the only benefits I have found is thereputic benefits.

Isn't a hot tub the same thing as a bath?, or is it like a jacuzzi?

**doby48** · 07-08-2004, 08:49 AM

Hottub, Jaccuzzi, Spa, Whirlpool... all the same thing basically. Technically I have a Spa (with 48 jets), just use the slang term hottub though.

**Hypertrophy** · 07-08-2004, 11:21 AM

Don't switch your cardio with a sauna visit. That would not be beneficial.

**symatech** · 07-08-2004, 11:26 AM

they are nice and relaxing. thats beneficial to everybody, bb or not.

**MikeyZ23** · 07-08-2004, 05:17 PM

i'm sure the warmth stimulates more blood flow which is good. but yea should be a good relaxing time.

**Toenail Juice Z** · 07-08-2004, 10:53 PM

ok thanks a lot bros

**MMC78** · 07-09-2004, 01:04 AM

They can reduce inflamation, which can be good or bad.

**Toenail Juice Z** · 07-09-2004, 01:07 AM

Originally Posted by MMC78

They can reduce inflamation, which can be good or bad.

inflamation of the muscles?

**Mealticket** · 07-09-2004, 01:09 AM

Originally Posted by MikeyZ23

i'm sure the warmth stimulates more blood flow which is good. but yea should be a good relaxing time.

Agreed! Sip on the post-workout protein drink while chillin in the hot-tub. It will deff promote better and faster recovery

**kman** · 07-23-2004, 02:59 PM

like mealticket said, sip on water or something, cause to much time in the hot tub can dehydrate you..

**t-money** · 08-30-2004, 10:36 AM

Actually, immediatley after a workout is a bad time to sit in HOT water as this will increase inflammation. When you train hard, you cause micro-tears in the muscle which leads to inflammation and repair. This process cause heat. Bascially too much inflammation is a bad thing and can even make you sick. Trust me, I have my degree in Exercise Physiology. A better idea for recovery is to sit in a tub of...ICE. BRRRRRRRR!

**t-money** · 08-30-2004, 10:38 AM

I will admit sitting in a hot tub after a workout feels good though...

**Tock** · 09-06-2004, 01:29 AM

Originally Posted by Toenail Juice Z

My gyms got saunas, worlpools, etc, but i've never used them.

What benefits do each of these 2 have (if any)

Can they help with water retention? And if yes, at what rate.

Secondly, could someone switch cardio with sauna?

Thanks

No idea what benefits either have, but they sure do feel good, especially on a cold winter night.

I read a while back that if you have a pump going, you don't want to jump in a hot tub. Supposedly, the extra heat makes your blood vessels constrict so they don't pump any more warm blood through your body. Then I read that the hot water would open up your blood vessels so your blood could flow and remove the excess heat. So, I dunno . . . I've heard it both ways.
I do know that winos in winter will drink a whole bottle of vodka (or whatever) before sleeping, as the alcohol dilates the blood vessels and allows more heat-bearing blood to flow, and it makes 'em feel warmer. Experts in cold weather survival will tell ya not to do that, though, as it will speed the loss of bodyheat, and you'll freeze quicker.

I'd like to hear something on this from someone who really knows what's going on, 'cause I sure don't know . . .

--Tock