Is it better to go in the steam room before or after a workout?

Author: Cleora Ankunding Sr.  |  Last update: Friday, January 16, 2026

Still, if you do want to hop in the sauna before or after a workout, experts typically suggest doing so afterward. In some cases, a pre-workout sauna might alleviate a little joint or muscle stiffness before exercise, but preliminary studies point to greater recovery benefits from post-exercise saunas.

When should I steam before or after a workout?

Yes, you can take a steam bath after working out. It can help relax your muscles, improve circulation, and promote recovery. However, it's important to hydrate before and after your steam bath, as the heat can lead to fluid loss.

Is it better to go in the hot tub before or after workout?

Soaking in the hot tub before your workout can help you put work-related and other stress behind you, so you can focus on-and get excited about-your wellness routine ahead. A 20-minute soak after your workout can help dissolve muscle and joint stress brought on by exercise.

When should you go to a steam room?

Post-workout relaxation is another plus, as [the sauna/steam room] is like meditation; it helps with your physical and mental health.” But you have to be strategic with your use, he emphasizes. The sauna/steam room should be used “2-3 times a week for no more than 10-20 minutes at a time,” Jay says.

What is the best time to go to the sauna?

Morning: Taking a sauna in the morning can help wake you up, improve circulation, and prepare your muscles for the day ahead. It can also be a refreshing start to your day. Afternoon: A sauna session during the afternoon can be a great way to break up the day, relieve stress, and enhance relaxation.

The Benefits Of Using The Sauna Pre And Post-Workout

Is a steam room good before a workout?

While steam therapy may not replace your pre-workout supplement, it may help enhance its effectiveness. And for those who don't like the idea of using these products, a steam room may be a great alternative.

Can I bring my phone in a sauna?

The short answer is that it's generally not recommended to bring your phone into a sauna. The high temperatures and humidity levels can cause damage to your phone's internal components, and the risk of overheating or even explosion is not worth the convenience of having your phone with you.

What not to do after steam room?

And they often rush to the shower right after stepping out of the steam room. This is the most unhealthy practice as your body needs at least 10-15 minutes to naturally cool off.

Should you steam or sauna first?

While there's no hard and fast rule for which is best to use first, some people prefer to start with the sauna and end with the steam room. Before you enter the sauna, drink one to two glasses of water and rinse off in a shower. Warm yourself in a dry sauna for up to 10 minutes without adding humidity.

How many calories do you burn in a steam room for 30 minutes?

There are different estimates as to how many calories you can burn in a sauna, with some being as high as 300 calories in 30 minutes and others with estimates as low as 25 calories in the same time period. Let's be clear in saying that your body is burning calories all the time.

Why do I weigh more after a hot bath?

“Your skin is the largest organ in the body and absorbs fluid easily,” says Dr. Keith Kantor, a leading nutritionist and CEO of the Nutritional Addiction Mitigation Eating and Drinking (NAMED) program. “After a swim or a shower, your body can absorb 1 to 3 cups of water, increasing your true weight by a few pounds.”

Is it better to hot tub in morning or evening?

Experiencing a hot tub in the morning can be an ideal way to start your day. As you soak in warmth, your body and mind awaken, prepping you for the day ahead. The increased blood circulation helps loosen your muscles, easing tension and providing a relaxing hydrotherapy experience.

Which is better for sore muscles, hot tub or sauna?

Is a Hot Tub or Sauna More Beneficial for Easing Sore Muscles? A hot tub is superior when it comes to easing and preventing sore muscles. While a sauna does heat you up, the results are only temporary.

Can I go to steam room after workout?

Steaming in a sauna or steam room can be incredibly beneficial for those seeking RELIEF from muscle soreness after exercise. Not only does it provide PHYSICAL benefits such as improved circulation and relaxation of tense muscles, but also psychological benefits that come with taking time out to RELAX and de-stress.

What's better, a sauna or a steam room?

Saunas, with their dry heat, are renowned for improving circulation, promoting detoxification through sweat, and inducing muscle relaxation. On the other hand, steam rooms excel in respiratory benefits, providing relief for conditions like asthma and sinus congestion due to the moist, steam-filled air.

Is it better to steam before or after stretching?

You may find that a combination of both approaches works best for you, incorporating pre-sauna stretches to prepare your body and post-sauna stretches to prolong relaxation. The key is to listen to your body, pay attention to how it feels, and adjust your routine accordingly.

Is it okay to steam room every day?

While it is possible to use a steam room every day, it will not be as effective as using it more sparingly or intermittently with a sauna, such as a few times a week.

Is it better to workout or sauna first?

Still, if you do want to hop in the sauna before or after a workout, experts typically suggest doing so afterward. In some cases, a pre-workout sauna might alleviate a little joint or muscle stiffness before exercise, but preliminary studies point to greater recovery benefits from post-exercise saunas.

What is the best order for sauna and steam room?

Some experts suggest starting with the sauna to induce a deep sweat and kickstart the detoxification process. Following this with a steam room session can then help to hydrate the skin and relax the muscles.

Should you shower immediately after a steam room?

Relax, recover, refresh

Sauna-goers should leave enough time to cool down before warming up again. If you can, don't have a shower straight after the sauna. It's better for the body if you cool off in the fresh air first. Take slow deep breaths once outside, to fill up on oxygen.

Does steam room detox your body?

Just a single session in the steam room could help your body to eliminate up to 30 per cent of its waste and toxins through perspiration. Although it is worth noting the more regularly you visit the steam room the better the results. Your immune system will benefit from regular steam room sessions too.

Can I take my phone in the sauna?

The combination of moisture and heat can lead to irreversible damage, such as corrosion and circuit board wetting. Even phones with water-resistant ratings can be susceptible to harm. Our Verdict: Leave your phone outside the steam room to fully enjoy your sauna experience.

What is sauna etiquette?

Shower Before You Enter

Not only is this hygienic—rinsing off sweat, body oils, and any cosmetics—it also preconditions your body for the heat. Don't: Use heavy soaps or fragrances before entering. The hot air intensifies smells, and you don't want to overwhelm your fellow sauna-goers with a potent scent.

Can I wear AirPods in a sauna?

Don't swim with or otherwise submerge your AirPods. Don't put AirPods in the washing machine or dryer. Don't wear AirPods in a sauna or steam room. Don't expose AirPods to high-velocity water, such as while water skiing.

Can you go in a sauna with clothes on?

In general, the best clothing to wear in the sauna (after nothing at all!) is loose, cotton clothing, whether a towel, swimsuit, or t-shirt. Cotton clothing is ideal for allowing your body to sweat properly.

Previous article
What not to do after a tanning bed?
Next article
Does hairspray have to be washed out?