Why Infrared Sauna Belongs in Your Recovery Routine
4 min read
Sauna use isn't new, but infrared is a different experience from the traditional steam room, and it's become one of the most popular parts of the XO wellness area for good reason.
What Makes Infrared Different
Traditional saunas heat the air around you, which then heats your body. Infrared panels skip that step and heat your body directly, so you get a deep, therapeutic sweat at a lower temperature: typically 120–140°F instead of 180°F+. That makes it more comfortable to stay in longer, which is exactly where the benefits come from.
The Benefits, Specifically
Deeper detox sweat: infrared heat penetrates further into tissue than ambient heat alone
Improved circulation: your heart rate and blood flow increase much like light cardio
Muscle recovery and reduced soreness: heat therapy is well established for easing post-training tightness
Stress reduction: 20 minutes of quiet, warm, screen-free time does a lot for your nervous system
Better sleep: like cold exposure, many members notice better sleep after a sauna session
Red Light, at the Same Time
Red light therapy panels are also in most of our saunas. Using these further helps reduce muscle soreness and inflammation, improve circulation, and promote faster recovery after exercise. Regular sessions have also been shown to support skin health by stimulating collagen production, which can improve skin tone, texture, and overall appearance.
How Long, How Often
20–30 minutes is the sweet spot for most people, 2–3 times a week. Hydrate well beforehand. Infrared saunas make you sweat more than you'd expect given the lower temperature. If you're combining it with a cold plunge, sauna first, then cold, is the order most members find works best (see our piece on contrast therapy for more on that pairing).
Who It's For
Anyone looking to round out their training with real recovery, not just people chasing a hard workout. It's especially popular with members managing stress, chasing better sleep, or nursing a nagging bit of tightness that a stretch alone isn't fixing.
Give it a try after your next class. Twenty minutes in the sauna gives you deep heat and red light in one session, and it might be exactly what your week is missing.
XO Fitness & Wellness | 1027 S Main St, Centerville, OH 45458