Unlock the Ultimate Sweat Session: Sauna as a Workout on Apple Watch

AvatarByGenny Wilkinson Priest

Imagine being able to get a full-body workout without even leaving the comfort of your own home. Sounds too good to be true, right? With the rise in popularity of at-home fitness, the Apple Watch has become an essential tool for tracking and monitoring our workouts. But have you ever wondered if a sauna session could count as a workout on your Apple Watch? In recent years, saunas have become increasingly popular for their potential health benefits, but can they also give us a good sweat sesh? Today, we’ll delve into the question that many curious fitness enthusiasts are asking: is sauna a workout on Apple Watch? Let’s explore the facts and uncover the truth behind this increasingly popular trend.

Sauna has been used for centuries as a form of relaxation and rejuvenation. However, with the advancement of technology, we now have access to devices that can track our daily activities and fitness levels. The Apple Watch is one such device that has gained popularity in recent years for its ability to track various exercises and workouts. But the question remains, can sauna be considered a workout on the Apple Watch?

The Benefits of Sauna

Before diving into whether or not sauna can be considered a workout on the Apple Watch, let’s first understand the benefits of this ancient practice. Sauna involves sitting in a room with high temperatures and low humidity, typically using dry heat from rocks or infrared lamps. This heat causes your body to sweat, resulting in various health benefits.

One of the main benefits of sauna is its ability to promote relaxation and reduce stress levels. The heat allows your muscles to relax and eases tension throughout your body, leading to a calm state of mind.

Another benefit is improved circulation. As your body sweats in the sauna, blood flow increases which can help improve your cardiovascular health by strengthening blood vessels.

Sauna also helps with detoxification as sweating eliminates toxins from your body through the pores. This helps improve overall skin health and can even aid in weight loss.

Can Sauna Be Considered A Workout?

The short answer is no. Sauna cannot be considered a workout on the Apple Watch as it does not involve any physical activity or movement that would increase heart rate or burn calories. However, it does have similar effects as light exercise such as walking or light stretching.

While sitting in a hot room may not seem like exercise, sauna does have beneficial effects on our bodies similar to those of a workout. The increased heart rate from sitting in high heat has been compared to that of moderate-intensity cardiovascular exercise.

Additionally, sauna can aid in muscle recovery after a workout. The heat helps relax muscles and alleviate soreness, making it a great post-workout activity.

The Role of Apple Watch

The Apple Watch is equipped with various sensors such as an optical heart rate monitor, accelerometer, and gyroscope, making it a powerful fitness tracking device. It can accurately track your movements and heart rate, making it the perfect companion for exercise.

However, when it comes to sauna sessions, the Apple Watch may not be as accurate. This is because the high heat and humidity levels can affect the sensors’ readings. Sweat can also interfere with the watch’s ability to track heart rate accurately.

Some users have reported that their Apple Watch automatically pauses their workout session when they enter a sauna due to the elevated heart rate readings. Others have found that their heart rate readings were inaccurate during or after a sauna session.

How To Track Sauna Sessions On Your Apple Watch

Despite the challenges with tracking sauna sessions on your Apple Watch, there are ways to still log this activity. One option is to use a third-party app specifically designed for tracking saunas or hot yoga sessions.

You can also manually track your sauna session by starting an “Other” workout on your Apple Watch and selecting “Open Goal.” This will allow you to set a calorie goal for your session.

While these methods may not provide highly accurate data, they can still give you an idea of how many calories you burned and how long you were in the sauna.

Tips For Safe Sauna Use

While saunas offer various health benefits, it is essential to use them safely. Here are some tips to keep in mind before entering a sauna:

1. Stay hydrated: Ensure that you drink plenty of water before and after your sauna session to avoid dehydration.
2. Limit time spent in the sauna: It is recommended to limit saunas to 15-20 minutes at a time. Spending longer periods in the sauna can lead to heat exhaustion.
3. Listen to your body: If you start feeling lightheaded or dizzy, it’s time to exit the sauna.
4. Cool down properly: After a sauna session, take a cool shower or rest in a cool room for a few minutes before resuming your regular activities.

While sauna may not be categorized as a workout on the Apple Watch, it still offers numerous health benefits. As with any physical activity, it is crucial to listen to your body and use caution when using saunas. While the Apple Watch may not accurately track sauna sessions, it can still be used as an extra tool for monitoring your overall fitness levels. So go ahead and enjoy the relaxation and rejuvenation that saunas offer but remember to prioritize safety above all else.

What is Sauna?

Sauna refers to a hot room or facility that is specifically designed for the purpose of relaxation and health benefits. It usually involves sitting in a heated room with temperatures ranging from 140-200 degrees Fahrenheit. Typically, saunas are made of wood and the interior is equipped with wooden benches for people to sit on. The heat in the sauna can be created by pouring water on hot rocks or using an electric heater.

The origins of saunas can be traced back to Northern Europe, particularly Finland, where it has been a significant part of their culture for centuries. Today, saunas are popular all over the world and have evolved into various forms such as steam rooms, infrared saunas, and even portable saunas.

The Health Benefits of Sauna

Aside from providing relaxation, sauna also offers numerous health benefits. The primary advantage is that it promotes sweating which helps detoxify our body by eliminating toxins through our skin. This process can help improve blood circulation and boost our immune system.

In addition, regular sauna use has been linked to improved cardiovascular health. The increase in heart rate due to sauna’s heat exposure puts less strain on the body compared to traditional workouts, making it beneficial for those with heart conditions. Additionally, studies have shown that frequent sauna use can also have positive effects on blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Sauna has also been found to be beneficial for those suffering from chronic pain conditions such as arthritis and fibromyalgia. The heat from the sauna can alleviate muscle tension, joint stiffness, and inflammation resulting in reduced pain symptoms.

Moreover, spending time in a sauna can also have positive effects on mental health. The relaxing atmosphere created by the heat promotes mindfulness and helps reduce stress levels. It has also been found that regular sauna use can improve mood and alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Sauna as a Workout

With the numerous health benefits of sauna, it’s no wonder that people have started to wonder if it can be considered a form of workout. The answer to this question is not a simple yes or no, but rather depends on how you define a “workout.”

Sauna is not a conventional workout in the sense that you do not engage in physical movements or exercises. However, it does increase your heart rate and elevates your body’s temperature which can mimic some of the effects of moderate physical activity. This is because your body works to cool itself down in response to the heat, resulting in increased blood flow and oxygenation.

Additionally, using a sauna after a traditional workout session can offer some benefits. The heat exposure can aid in muscle recovery by reducing soreness and stiffness. It can also help relax tense muscles and improve flexibility.

Is Sauna A Workout On Apple Watch?

With the recent popularity of wearable fitness trackers like the Apple Watch, many people are curious if they can track their sauna sessions as part of their workouts. Unfortunately, most trackers are not able to accurately determine your movements within a sauna due to the lack of physical activity involved.

However, some advanced models of Apple Watch have features that allow you to manually add non-traditional forms of exercise such as yoga or dance workouts. In this case, you could potentially log your time spent in the sauna as a form of exercise.

Keep in mind that using sauna as a workout should not replace traditional exercise routines. While it does offer some benefits and may contribute to overall fitness goals, it is not sufficient as the sole form of exercise.

In conclusion, spending time in a sauna offers numerous health benefits such as detoxification, improved cardiovascular health, pain relief, and mental wellness. While it may not be considered a traditional workout by most definitions, it still provides some cardiovascular and muscular benefits.

However, using sauna as a workout should not be the main focus of your fitness routine. It is best used as a complementary activity to traditional exercises. Lastly, while there may be ways to incorporate sauna sessions into your Apple Watch workouts, it should not be the primary motivation for using the facility. The most important factor is to prioritize your health and well-being above anything else.

1. Is sauna considered a workout on Apple Watch?
Yes, sauna usage can be classified as a light to moderate workout on Apple Watch.

2. How does sauna show up as a workout on Apple Watch?
Sauna usage appears as an “Other” workout option on Apple Watch, which tracks calories burned and time spent in the sauna.

3. Does sauna provide any health benefits on the Apple Watch?
Yes, using the sauna can promote relaxation, improve blood flow, and potentially aid in muscle recovery.

4. Can I accurately track my heart rate while using the sauna on Apple Watch?
No, it is not recommended to wear your Apple Watch in the sauna as high levels of heat can damage the device and decrease its accuracy in tracking heart rate.

5. How do I manually log a sauna session as a workout on my Apple Watch?
You can select “Start Workout” on your Apple Watch and then choose the “Other” option to manually track your time spent in the sauna.

6. Does sauna usage count towards my daily exercise goal on Apple Watch?
Yes, if you log your sauna session as an “Other” workout, it will contribute towards your daily exercise goal of 30 minutes for cardiovascular exercises.

In conclusion, the question of whether Sauna is a workout on Apple Watch can be answered with a resounding yes. While it may not involve physical activity or traditional exercises, sauna sessions on Apple Watch provide numerous health benefits and can contribute to overall fitness. From increased heart rate and improved cardiovascular health to burning calories and reducing stress, sauna sessions offer a range of workout-like effects. Furthermore, the data tracking capabilities of Apple Watch allow individuals to monitor their sauna sessions and track progress over time. However, it is important to note that sauna should not be considered a replacement for regular exercise and should be used as a supplement instead. Overall, incorporating sauna sessions into one’s fitness routine with the help of Apple Watch can lead to improved physical and mental well-being.

Author Profile

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Genny Wilkinson Priest
Genny Wilkinson Priest began her journey into Ashtanga yoga in 2000 while working as a journalist in her native New York City. Initially drawn to the practice for its physical benefits, Genny soon discovered the profound mental advantages, especially during the challenging period following the 9/11 terror attacks.

Which she covered as a journalist for Reuters. Her professional career took her to Singapore, where she wrote for Time Magazine, and then to Paris, before she finally settled in London.

As her family expanded to include four boys, Genny decided to leave full-time journalism to immerse herself in yoga studies. She achieved certification as a Shri K Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute Authorised Level 1 teacher, a British Wheel of Yoga teacher, and a Yoga Alliance-certified teacher.Genny’s passion for yoga philosophy led her to pursue a Master’s Degree in the Traditions of Yoga and Meditation at SOAS in London.

From 2024, Genny Wilkinson Priest has started writing an informative blog on the “Niche Name” niche. She writes informative posts and answers queries on topics that people seek in the niche. This transition marks a significant shift from her previous focus on journalism and traditional media to a more interactive and digital form of communication.

Genny’s blog aims to provide valuable information and foster a community of yoga enthusiasts who can learn and grow together. Her extensive background in both journalism and yoga practice ensures that her content is both authoritative and engaging.