I will put music or a podcast on to pass the time (with the speaker outside the tent), and try to increase my time in the sauna very slowly. It also helps to start with a temperature you can tolerate, and work your way up to something hotter. Focusing on the breath becomes very meditative!

Hi! I've been using sauna for a while now, not necessarily as post-workout recovery, but to take care of my body and complement my workouts in general. I feel that sauna + massage have been important for allowing my muscles to relax and recover. My only evidence is anecdotal: I feel better and have less injuries while doing both regularly vs not 😅

The other training-related benefit I've experienced is improved thermal regulation. I also practice breathing exercises, and I've found the sauna (especially when very steamy) to be quite useful for training my breath under more extreme conditions. I find that training the bod, breath, and mind to tolerate extreme conditions like sauna and cold plunge helps in dealing with tough workouts and uncomfortable situations more generally.

As far as time sitting in the sauna, like others here I recommend practice and building up to it. Cold immersion between rounds is essential for me. I also find I last longer when there's something to keep me occupied, like chatting with friends, listening to music, or following a routine for breathing exercises, massage, whisking, etc.

Practice! Like anything else, slowly building a tolerance will help you endure longer sessions. Following the Japanese Totonou protocol is good for endurance as well. It allows ample time to rest and cool down.

Thoughts @freerangepapa @crossfitkt @sabreebs @ty_ty @emma @andy ? Think you'd have great insight to share too!

Thoughts on laying down in the heat? Honestly I find it so much more relaxing to lay down in the sauna instead of sitting up.