The summer weather in Montana is beautiful and we can soak up the sun with our favorite outdoor activities (wearing sunscreen of course!). You may not think that hopping in for an infrared sauna session is still important in the summer, but it is a valid modality to support:

• Healthy skin
• General detoxification
• Muscle recovery
• Sports performance 

Near Infrared Waves for Healthy Skin

Whether a year-round resident or a visitor to Big Sky, higher temperatures and low humidity (especially for visitors) introduce changes to your skin. Your ability to stay hydrated may be harder and your skin might become drier, inflamed and even oilier.

The Near Infrared (NIR) wavelengths emitted from our sauna interact with the layers of your skin to an optimal depth for skin health. Collagen production is stimulated; helping to fight the effects of aging, and circulation and cell oxygenation is boosted; helping with cell health and detoxifying. 

Detoxify with Infrared Waves

Different infrared wavelengths penetrate your body to different degrees while enjoying a sauna session. Far Infrared Wavelengths (FIR) reach deep into the body, where toxins are stored. When you are in an infrared sauna, your body temperature is increased by two or three degrees. The FIR basically heats you from the inside out, eliciting your body’s immune functions to expel toxins through your skin. Your skin is your largest organ so when you sweat in an infrared sauna your sweat might feel thicker. You can help your body expel more toxins by wiping your skin with a provided small towel to promote more sweating.

Support Your Sports with Infrared   

At Reset Big Sky we have a Clearlight sauna, the official partner to the US Ski Team! In a great article about how Olympic athletes use the sauna as part of their routine, it is reported that sauna sessions are used to prevent injuries and speed recovery. Benefits include:

• Increased flexibility by loosening muscles and joints before a workout.
• Increased tolerance for anaerobic activity.
• Elimination of harmful toxins that might hinder performance.
• Reduction of lactic acid buildup in muscles.
• Boosted blood circulation to promote muscle repair.
• Easing of muscle and joint pain.
• Increased feelings of positivity and feeling refreshed.
• Extra caloric burn and retention of cardiovascular fitness while recovering from injuries that inhibit full workouts.

From our sister company in Ohio, Personal Trainer and Cyclocross athlete Korin wrote about her sauna protocols for both injury recover and strength training. 

Infrared Sauna for Muscle Recovery

When in the Big Sky area, it’s time to get after it and recreate! An infrared sauna, specifically the mid infrared (MIR) waves helps generate heat within the body to relieve temporary pain and inflammation in support of recovery by penetrating into the joints, muscles and tissues. Common theme with all these infrared waves - increased circulation and blood flow. Blood cells help rebuild muscles by delivering oxygen and nutrients. When in your sauna session the increased blood flow delivers more relief to the site of strain or soreness.

All of these physical benefits are terrific. Beyond that, an infrared sauna session is a mood booster! There are so many great reasons to enjoy our sauna. Book your appointment now!