One new local franchise HOTWORX (Athens, Ga) claims that sauna workouts increase the hormone irisin, a hormone in the body that converts white fat cells into brown fat cells.
White fat helps to insulate our organs, and secretes important hormones. But excess white fat can increase overall unhealthy body fat and composition, and can lead to obesity, type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Brown fat helps burn off excess white body fat and can be created through exercise and exposure to cold temperatures.
Exercise and shivering cause your muscles to secrete irisin. Brown fat burns white fat to create heat when your body is COOL. So tell me, how does an overheated workout help your body shiver and create heat? The answer is: It doesn’t.
What CAN an infrared sauna or hot HIIT workout do for you? Well, for starters, it can increase dehydration and core body temperature which puts your central nervous system and internal organs (including your brain!) at risk, increase your risk of joint, tendon and muscle injuries, and quite literally lead to burnout.
What can you do to safely get the exercise you need to burn white fat and calories, create more brown fat, increase muscle strength and tone, and feel happier and healthier in your body? Participate in exercise and activities that bring you JOY! Do your research before you dive into the newest fitness fad. And stay cool! 😎💜