Saunas, steam rooms, hot springs... page

[thaijinx]

I know Mark has posted about hot water, and how it might not be beneficial to have too shot showers, but I wondered how that relates to saunas, steam rooms and hot springs - all of which I enjoy on a very regular basis.

Many cultures have these, and view them as 'healthy'. But after reading Mark's post about hot water, now I'm not so sure.

Any thoughts about the benefits of sweating it out, vs the negatives of hot water?

[Sanctus Real]

Someone told me once (he was a salesman, but he wasn't trying to sell me anything, lol) that saunas are useful when you're starting to get ill. He said that raising your core temperature helps kill germs, comparable to when the body gets a fever to kill critters in the bloodstream. This article on LiveStrong seems to support that, The Effects Of A Sauna Bath | LIVESTRONG.COM, FWIW.

I know Mark has a deep and abiding love of the benefits of cold showering, but I can't do it. The best I can manage is a tepid shower with a refreshing blast of cold shower just before I get out. I'll be interested in seeing what others think about this issue.

[bryanccfshr]

I could never giveup my hot tub! Nothing like walking outside in my swim trunks when it's 9 degrees and slipping into 101 degree water and watching falling stars at night.

[thaijinx]

I could never giveup my hot tub! Nothing like walking outside in my swim trunks when it's 9 degrees and slipping into 101 degree water and watching falling stars at night.

Sounds like heaven!

[bryanccfshr]

It's my way of disconnecting from the TV-computer electronic day and preparing for sleep..

[Chochobo]

to me taking hot showers or sauna is great to open up the pores and release the crap on ur skin. but i mainly take slightly cold showers for the muscle relief from weights.

[OneDeltaTenTango]

I could never giveup my hot tub! Nothing like walking outside in my swim trunks when it's 9 degrees and slipping into 101 degree water and watching falling stars at night.

Wll, naked with a wee dram of scotch is a bit of an improvement.

[bryanccfshr]

Didn't want to mention other unmentionable hot tub activities, lets suffice to say it's nice.

[Sanctus Real]

Wll, naked with a wee dram of scotch is a bit of an improvement.

Glass of wine for me, but, otherwise, +1.