Practicing sauna bathing regularly can mimic the cardiovascular effects of moderate to vigorous physical exercise, thereby improving blood pressure, blood vessel health, and reducing inflammation.

noli's read

The idea that sauna bathing provides cardiovascular benefits comparable to exercise is widely supported by long-term observational studies. A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine, involving a Finnish cohort, demonstrated that frequent sauna use was associated with a significant reduction in cardiac mortality. The mechanism is based on the heat-induced elevation of heart rate and dilation of blood vessels, which effectively improves endothelial function and reduces blood pressure. It is important to note, however, that while the sauna mimics certain physiological responses to exercise, it does not replace muscle strengthening or the direct energy expenditure associated with movement. The effect on the reduction of C-reactive protein (a marker of inflammation) is also supported by consistent evidence in the scientific literature. In summary, the benefits for metabolic and cardiac health are real and documented, although the term 'mimic exercise' should be interpreted as a complement rather than a total substitution for physical activity.

the sources

1. 1NIH Office of Dietary Supplements 2026
2. 2Manson JE et al. 2019
3. 3foundmyfitness.com/topics