What is a Sauna?

A sauna is a small, enclosed room or space designed to expose the body to high heat, typically ranging from 150°F to 195°F (65°C to 90°C), to promote sweating and relaxation.

There are two main types:

  • Traditional saunas use heated air and sometimes steam (via water poured on hot rocks).
  • Infrared saunas: use infrared light to heat the body directly at lower ambient temperatures.

How Sauna Therapy Helps Athletes

Sauna therapy enhances athletic recovery by increasing blood flow, reducing muscle soreness, and accelerating the removal of metabolic waste. It also supports hormonal balance by boosting growth hormone and lowering cortisol, aiding in faster muscle repair and stress reduction. Regular use can improve flexibility, joint mobility, and mental focus, while also helping athletes acclimate to heat and reduce injury risk. As both a recovery and performance tool, sauna sessions can better prepare the body and mind for peak performance.

  • Muscle Recovery and Function

    Saunas increase blood flow, delivering oxygen and nutrients to muscles, which can aid in recovery after workouts and reduce muscle soreness.

  • Immune System and Disease Prevention

    Sauna use stimulates white blood cell production, enhancing immune function and potentially reducing the frequency of colds and viral illnesses. 

  • Stress Reduction & Mental Well-being

    Saunas can relax muscles, lower cortisol levels, and promote a sense of calm and relaxation, leading to reduced stress and improved mental well-being. 

  • Cardiovascular Effects

    Sauna bathing mimics the physiological responses of moderate exercise, leading to improved heart health and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. 

Steam & Infrared Sauna's

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Scientifically Proven

Trusted for Centuries, Backed by Modern Science

Infrared sauna therapy has garnered attention for its potential benefits in athletic recovery. Several clinical studies have explored its effects on muscle recovery, neuromuscular performance, and inflammation. Here are three notable studies:

The Science

  • Enhanced Neuromuscular Recovery Post-Exercise

    A study published in Biology of Sport investigated the effects of a single post-exercise infrared sauna session on neuromuscular performance and muscle soreness following resistance training. The findings indicated that participants who used the infrared sauna experienced improved recovery of neuromuscular performance and reduced muscle soreness compared to passive recovery methods. This suggests that infrared sauna sessions can be beneficial in accelerating recovery after intense physical activity.

  • Recovery from Strength and Endurance Training

    Research published in SpringerPlus examined the effects of far-infrared sauna bathing on recovery from strength and endurance training sessions in men. The study concluded that far-infrared sauna sessions facilitated faster recovery by reducing muscle soreness and improving muscle performance post-exercise. These results highlight the potential of infrared saunas in aiding recovery for athletes engaged in both strength and endurance disciplines.

  • Accelerated Recovery from Muscle Damage

    A study featured in PubMed focused on the effects of far-infrared radiation lamp therapy on recovery from muscle damage induced by eccentric exercise. Participants who received far-infrared therapy exhibited quicker restoration of muscle strength and reduced markers of muscle damage compared to those who received sham treatments. This research supports the efficacy of infrared therapy in promoting faster recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage.

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Trusted by Elite Trainers & Physical Therapists

  • Effective Sauna's

    As a licensed physical therapist, I’ve seen the powerful impact sauna therapy can have on recovery and performance. The portable sauna systems offered by PlayMakar.com provide consistent, therapeutic heat that helps improve circulation, reduce muscle soreness, and promote faster recovery for athletes and rehab patients alike. My clients often report feeling more relaxed, flexible, and energized after each session. With their ease of use, quality construction, and proven results, these sauna systems have become an essential part of my recovery toolkit—and I confidently recommend them to anyone serious about recovery and performance.

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FAQ's

How does a sauna help with muscle recovery?

Saunas increase blood circulation, which helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to tired muscles while flushing out lactic acid and other metabolic waste. This reduces soreness, speeds up muscle repair, and enhances overall recovery.

Is sauna use safe after a workout?


Yes, using a sauna after a workout is generally safe and beneficial. It helps relax muscles, reduce inflammation, and promote faster recovery. Just be sure to rehydrate well and avoid staying in too long—10–20 minutes is ideal for most people.

Can using a sauna improve athletic performance?

Regular sauna sessions can improve cardiovascular endurance, heat tolerance, and muscle recovery, which collectively support better athletic performance. They may also aid in mental focus and reduce the risk of injury by loosening muscles and joints pre-activity.

What’s the difference between infrared and traditional saunas?

What’s the difference between infrared and traditional saunas?

How often should I use a sauna for recovery?

For most people, 3–4 sessions per week lasting 15–20 minutes can deliver noticeable recovery and wellness benefits. However, athletes in heavy training may benefit from more frequent use, as long as hydration and rest are maintained.

Let customers speak for us

from 1547 reviews
All good

All good.

SL Donithan
PRO Large & Small Refill Kit
PRO Large & Small Refill Kit
Cold Therapy Device Review

Product went out on me after only using it a few times. I have tried to reach the company to see if they can warranty it out for me since I've had it less than a year but so far I am disappointed no response from REATHLETE LLC.******UPDATE they reached out to me with amazing customer service and are sending me a new machine. Great Company!!

Shannon Boso
MediFrost Cold Therapy PlayMakar Version
MediFrost Cold Therapy PlayMakar Version
Takes a couple uses to figure out the best way to use.

Great product for the price. Been using it for a little over a year and had no issues with any parts leaking. Most Complaints are user error. It only gets as cold as the water you use. I like to put the bag in my garage freezer for a few hours to get a layer of ice then break it and drop the pump in. Pad is a little awkward to get in the right spot but ive learned that flipping it "upside down" works great to get the front of your knee and running tube behind your neck positions it perfectly for elbow use.

Eric Venturino
MediFrost Cold Therapy PlayMakar Version
MediFrost Cold Therapy PlayMakar Version
Best body scale

I am happy it registers my: weight, body fat, water weight etc… so many features.

Erick
COUNTO Smart Scale PlayMakar Version
COUNTO Smart Scale PlayMakar Version
Great durability and heat retention

It’s amazing, I was not expecting it to be this great because of the price, but we’ve had it for almost 3 years and it is still going as perfect as it was on day 1.Great for relaxing and combo with cold plunging, super easy to use, very light weight so you can take it literally anywhere.I recommend putting a towel under the chair to make it easier to clean.

Stephanie P.
Lightweight Portable Steam Sauna Spa
Lightweight Portable Steam Sauna Spa
Review

Great

John Hankins
Foottopia Foot Massager with Shiatsu and Heat PlayMakar Version
Foottopia Foot Massager with Shiatsu and Heat PlayMakar Version
Portable sauna

Since I can’t have an actual sauna this was the next best thin for me.

Rachel
Lightweight Portable Steam Sauna Spa
Lightweight Portable Steam Sauna Spa
Personal Steam Spa

Helps with the sore muscles and to relax a bit from the day. Easy set up and take down and can be stored in a smaller area.

D. Glisson
Lightweight Portable Steam Sauna Spa
Lightweight Portable Steam Sauna Spa
My first PlayMakar product and

My first PlayMakar product and I am impressed. Well made, nice and strong, many heads plus I was given a free roller head. Yay! Highly recommend.

Grace B.
GlidePro Roller Massage Head
GlidePro Roller Massage Head
All good!

All good!

Grace B.
PlayMakar
Worked as I hoped!

Very easy to put together! It worked exactly how I hoped it would. In a large gym sauna it’s hard to breath and if you try to kill time with your phone it gets condensation and hard to see the screen. Not with this portable sauna! I loved the arm holes and I was able to rest my forearms on the center pole (not too sturdy but doable). It’s nice to be able to breath freely and have arms free. Keep a towel handy around your neck to keep from steam escaping and to wipe your face.

Randy
Lightweight Portable Steam Sauna Spa
Lightweight Portable Steam Sauna Spa
n/a

N/A

Mitchell T. Dao
Lightweight Portable Steam Sauna Spa
Lightweight Portable Steam Sauna Spa
I sleep so much better!

I have been using this before bed every night and I sleep better. When my muscles are sore, it's like having a full body heating pad.Easy to assemble and use. Doesn't take up a lot of space.

D. Ryan
Low EMF Far Infrared Negative Ion Portable Sauna
Low EMF Far Infrared Negative Ion Portable Sauna
Red Light Therapy Device

Love this! Very easy to use right out of the box, just plug in the power cord. Good size for full body coverage. Immediate feel better after use. Body seems to be less achy. Eyes seem to be clearer. Very portable.

Marisa
Red Light & Near Infrared Therapy Full Body Device
Red Light & Near Infrared Therapy Full Body Device
Great product

Arrived very quickly and everything is working as expected ease to get started using

Joshua
Red Light & Near Infrared Therapy Full Body Device
Red Light & Near Infrared Therapy Full Body Device