Infrared saunas are more than a wellness trend — they’re a scientifically backed tool that supports recovery, performance, and overall health. Unlike traditional saunas that heat the air around you, infrared saunas use light wavelengths to warm your body directly, which can lead to deeper therapeutic effects at lower temperatures.
🌱 General Health Benefits
💓 Better Circulation & Heart Health
Infrared heat causes blood vessels to dilate and increases heart rate, which mimics the effect of moderate cardio. Studies suggest improved vascular function, reduced blood pressure, and enhanced circulation — all key markers of cardiovascular health.
🤕 Reduced Muscle Pain & Inflammation
By increasing blood flow, infrared saunas help clear metabolic waste and deliver more oxygen and nutrients to tissues. Athletes and regular users often report reduced soreness, looser muscles, and less joint stiffness after consistent use.
🧘 Mental Relaxation & Stress Relief
The heat and calm environment promote endorphin release and relaxation responses, helping to lower stress and support mental well-being.
🧼 Detoxification
Infrared saunas induce a deep sweat that some research suggests may help the body eliminate toxins more efficiently than passive methods.
🏃♂️ Why Athletes Benefit Even More
Athletes push their bodies hard — and infrared saunas can help them recover and perform better.
🏋️♂️ Accelerated Muscle Recovery
After intense workouts, muscles accumulate metabolic byproducts like lactic acid. Infrared heat boosts circulation, which may accelerate the removal of these fluids and lessen delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS).
🧠 Enhanced Performance & Endurance
Some research suggests regular infrared sauna use could increase mitochondrial function and oxygen uptake — crucial factors for endurance athletes.
A study from the University of Jyväskylä found that athletes using infrared saunas after training attenuated performance decline, experienced less muscle soreness, and improved sprint and jump performance compared with training alone.
🫀 Cardiovascular Conditioning Without Stress
The passive heat stress created in an infrared sauna causes modest increases in heart rate and blood flow, functioning as a type of passive cardiovascular conditioning — which can maintain fitness when muscles need a break.
💡 How to Use Infrared Saunas Safely
To maximize benefits and minimize risks:
- 🔥 Keep sessions 15–30 minutes at moderate temperatures.
- 💧 Hydrate before and after to replace fluids lost through sweating.
- 🗓️ Use 2–3 times per week for optimal results.
- 🧠 Separate from intense strength training (especially if hypertrophy is your primary goal) — sauna later in the day or on rest days.
Infrared saunas aren’t a magic bullet, but when used regularly with intention, they can be a powerful addition to your recovery and performance toolkit.
⭐ Product Review: Artsauna Infrarotkabine Kiruna90 mit Dual-Technologie
Let’s take a closer look at this compact infrared sauna designed for home use (German product):
Why I’m Impressed
The Artsauna Kiruna90’s Dual-Technologie combines four full-spectrum and three surface heaters, delivering deeper penetrating heat with a balanced, comfortable thermal experience.
Here’s what stands out:
- 🪵 Smart, space-saving design – With a footprint of about 90 × 90 cm, it fits into most homes easily. What’s really cool: The assembly doesn’t acquire any tools. You just mount the 4 walls to the base, assemble the bench, put on the cover, clip everything together and connect the plugs. super easy!
- 🎧 Wellness extras included – LED ambient lighting, ionizer for fresher air, and a sound system (Bluetooth/USB/Radio) make sessions feel resort-like.
- 🔌 Easy setup – Plug into a standard 230 V outlet — no electrician needed.
- ❄️ Premium materials – Crafted from quality Hemlock wood with safety glass and a roomy bench for one person.
Who It’s Best For
✔ Solo athletes or wellness seekers who want a reliable, single-user sauna with good heat distribution.
✔ Athletes focused on post-workout muscle relaxation and circulation support.
✔ Anyone seeking a home addition for regular recovery and stress relief.
Minor Notes
⚠ It’s designed for one person — couples or families will need larger models.
⚠ Top session benefits require consistency; a single use isn’t enough.
Overall: A well-built, feature-rich infrared sauna that delivers both comfort and performance benefits at home — perfect for health-minded individuals and athletes alike.
🛋️ Similar Infrared Saunas for the American Market
Here are 2–3 alternative home infrared saunas that are popular and well-reviewed for U.S. buyers:
Albott Infrared Sauna 2 Person
1.931,90 €
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Ubuy
DYNAMIC SAUNAS Andora 2‑Person Low EMF FAR Infrared Sauna
2.587,00 €
•
Ubuy
RESTISLAND Infrared Sauna Room for Home
1.876,83 €
•
Ubuy
🔥 MY Pick
Artsauna Kiruna90 – gives you a compact, high-quality home infrared sauna experience with deep-penetrating Dual-Technologie heat, ambient lighting, built-in sound system, and easy plug-and-play setup — perfect for daily relaxation and recovery without taking up much space.
🔥 Top Picks
Albott Infrared Sauna 2 Person – A spacious 2-person model with low EMF and hemlock wood construction; great for couples or larger users and perfect for routine recovery and wellness sessions.
DYNAMIC SAUNAS Andora 2‑Person Low EMF FAR Infrared Sauna – Highly rated (4.9/5), this unit offers both far infrared and red-light features, expanding therapeutic possibilities for athletes seeking deeper muscle and cellular support.
RESTISLAND Infrared Sauna Room for Home – A premium near-zero EMF indoor sauna that balances comfort and performance, ideal if you want a more tech-focused recovery tool.
🙋♂️ Personal OPINION
I’ve been using the Artsauna Kiruna90 for 3 months now. I have implemented the sauna in my weekly routine along side my workouts, team practices and competitions (pro team handball). I use it between 5-6 times a week. Overall my sleep got a lot better. I feel a lot more rested, with less aches, muscle tension and inflammations. Combined with my ice bath or cold exposure of any kind – I really wound’t want to miss it. 10/10.
📌 Final Thoughts
Infrared saunas are a powerful tool for athletes and health enthusiasts alike. From recovery and muscle relief to better circulation and stress management, the benefits span both physical and mental wellness. Paired with a quality model like the Artsauna Kiruna90 or any of the American alternatives above, regular use can become a cornerstone of your training and wellness routine.
