

In our research, post-exercise sauna use can support muscle recovery, reduce soreness, and improve cardiovascular conditioning. Studies show that sauna bathing helps reduce delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) by increasing circulation and helping clear metabolic waste from the body. For professional and recreational athletes alike, this means faster recovery and improved performance.
Not all these findings are as recent as we think. In this 2007 article, post-exercise sauna use and endurance performance found that sauna bathing after training significantly improved the running performance of competitive male athletes. sauna and cold plunge near me
Cold plunging has been gaining popularity in Vancouver, and across British Columbia, with many people searching for "cold plunge and sauna near me" to experience the emotional, spiritual, and physical health benefits of contrast therapy. Whether you're visiting a cold plunge in Vancouver or trying an ice bath before or after a workout, knowing what to do after emerging from the cold depths is essential to maximize the benefits and support a mind-body-spirit integration.
Modern scientific research supports these traditional practices. The concept of hormesis—where exposure to mild stressors strengthens the body's ability to withstand greater stress—explains how contrast therapy enhances circulation, promotes detoxification, and boosts immune function. Hormesis, a biological phenomenon, occurs when a low-dose exposure to a stressor, such as exposure to temperature extremes, induces adaptive benefits, leading to improved resilience and cellular health.