With so many myths and legends surrounding the real benefits of cooking yourself after a work out and bouncing in bubbles, Richard decided to explore some of the benefits associated with the infamous relaxation and recovery zone we know so well in our gyms.

Part One: Is The Steam Room “just a load of ole hot wet air”?
Part Two: Reasons To Have A Jacuzzi?
Part Three: The Sauna – Is it a just steam room without steam?

Is The Steam Room Just “A Load Of Ole Hot Air”?

After every workout I always use the club’s steam room because I have heard loads of rumours that it is good for you. But I have never really known the real benefits, if any, a steam room provides – so I have done a bit of research to find out more and thought it might help you too:

Relief from muscle tension and stiff joints

The heat in steam rooms relieves pain much the same as any hot environment or climate does because heat causes blood vessels to expand and increase blood circulation which results in more oxygen and nutrients reaching damaged parts of the body

Helps repair damaged muscle caused by exercise

For the same reasons as outlined in the above paragraph – that is why many people use a steam room after a workout.

Boosts the immune system

Some experts claim this. However can it really have such powerful qualities? I doubt it because it didn’t boost mine - that’s why I am taking Vitamin B supplements. However Steam does help me with colds, ear infections and throat problems

Lymph Detoxification

Mucous from the colon is easily excreted in a steam room according to some theorists and experts – not that I am going to try!

Sinus and Congestion Relief

Steam is a common treatment for colds and bunged up sinuses, very good for healing and preventing ear infections and this is from my personal experience.

Skin Cleanse

Heavy sweating in a steam room cleanses your skin more thoroughly than soap and water because the hot steam opens your pores and allows the deep seated dirt to flush out and run free!

Skin Conditions

Helpful with treatment of acne and other skin conditions, so they say! Steam deeply cleanses the skin’s pores which may help with some skin conditions

Stress Relief

Steam rooms apparently aide stress relief and help provoke a good night sleep. Calming misty hot atmosphere in a steam room combined with muscle relaxing properties of the hot steam create a perfect stress busting treat for anyone and helps provoke a good nights sleep – speaking from experience!

Daniel Singh (aka Gladiator Warrior), professional wrestler and TV presenter uses the power of steam regularly.

And here is what Dr. J. Lidder, top Harley Street Medical Expert, has to say:

“Steam rooms have a major benefit in relaxing the mind and easing the natural stress levels by automatically suppressing stress hormones in the body. This activity also plays a major part in reducing toxins in the body and therefore helps to suppress disease and illness.

The heat in this environment also stimulates the sympathetic system which increases blood flow to the organs of the body, especially the skin! This helps to get more nutrients to the skin, thereby keeping it healthy. It also promotes the regeneration of skin fibre and pores – the surface of the skin is dead skin so the increased heat and blood flow act as a natural exfoliation!

Again due to the heat, blood flow increases and therefore oxygenates all parts of the body. This helps tendons, ligaments and joints repair after exercise because of the increased nutrient flow and removal of lactic acid products. There is some evidence that this environment eases sinus and congestion problems, either in the nose or the facial bone areas.

However, this environment can also cause problems and exacerbates certain infections, such as opportunistic skin fungal infections. We all have fungus in and on our bodies and mostly it is not a visible infection. Hot, warm environments are excellent for encouraging the growth of these organisms.

I would also strongly caution those with underlying medical conditions such as high blood pressure, thyroid problems, and ear nose and throat conditions to exercise care when considering using steam rooms, and perhaps to seek medical advice.