Sauna Calories Burned Calculator

How to Use the Sauna Calories Burned Calculator

Using our sauna calories burned calculator is easy! Just follow these simple steps:

1. Enter your height in feet and inches.
2. Enter your weight in pounds (lbs).
3. Select the type of sauna you are using (infrared, traditional electric heater, or traditional wood burning heater).
4. Enter the duration of your sauna session in minutes.
5. Click the "Calculate Calories Burned" button to see your results.

The calculator will display an estimate of the calories you burned during your sauna session. Keep in mind that individual results may vary based on factors such as metabolism, body composition, and activity level.

Common Questions About Calories Burned in Saunas

Do saunas help you burn calories?

Yes, saunas can help you burn calories! When you sit in a sauna, your body temperature increases, causing your heart rate to rise and your blood vessels to widen. This increased circulation requires energy, and your body burns calories to meet this demand. The number of calories burned will depend on factors such as your weight, metabolism, and the type and duration of your sauna session.

Are infrared saunas better for burning calories than traditional saunas?

Infrared saunas use a different heat source than traditional saunas, which can lead to slightly different calorie-burning results. Infrared saunas heat your body directly with infrared light, while traditional saunas heat the air around you. Some studies suggest that infrared saunas may be more effective at raising your core body temperature and, consequently, burning calories. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.

How many calories can I expect to burn in a sauna?

The number of calories you can expect to burn in a sauna depends on your weight, the type of sauna you're using, and the duration of your session. On average, a person may burn between 300 to 600 calories per hour in a sauna. Keep in mind that individual results will vary, and our sauna calories burned calculator is a helpful tool for estimating your personal calorie expenditure.

Understanding Calories Burned in Infrared Saunas

Research studies have varied findings on the number of calories burned in a sauna. Some studies suggest you can burn up to 600 calories per half an hour, while others propose as low as 50 calories per half an hour. Our free sauna calorie calculator considers these studies to estimate the number of calories burned based on your weight, sauna frequency, and session duration. Here are some of the peer-reviewed studies that helped us determine our sauna calorie calculations:

Study 1: 400 Calories Burned in a 40-Minute Session

In one study, participants underwent four 10-minute sauna sessions with a 5-minute cooldown period in between, for a maximum of one hour. The study found that sedentary individuals lost 0.65 kg of body weight, mainly due to water weight from sweating. On average, 73-134 calories were burned per 10-minute session, totaling 400 calories during a 1-hour period. It's important to note that this study had cooldown periods between sessions and used sedentary individuals with higher body mass and lower heat tolerance, who tend to burn more calories during a sauna session.

Study 2: 495 to 1125 Calories Burned in a 60-Minute Session

Another study investigated how male and female athletes responded to three 20-minute sauna sessions, with a 5-minute rest interval in between. Participants lost between 0.39 kg (women) and 0.89 kg (men) of body weight. Assuming that a quarter of that weight loss comes from tissue, and half of that is fat loss, you could burn between 495 and 1125 calories per 60-minute session. Infrared saunas may result in higher fat losses compared to traditional saunas because they're more effective at increasing core body temperature. However, these numbers are a simplified estimation due to differences in water weight during the study.

Study 3: 4% Drop in Body Fat Percentage

Binghamton University conducted a study on weight loss and found that regular infrared sauna sessions resulted in a 4% drop in body fat percentage over four months. While there is no substitute for regular exercise and proper nutrition for weight loss, these results are impressive for just sitting in a sauna on a regular basis.

Factors Affecting Calories Burned in Saunas

Several factors determine the number of calories burned during each sauna session, such as body weight, heat tolerance, and more. Additionally, temperature stress can lead to feelings of well-being and reduced hunger, which can contribute to burning more calories overall.

Estimating Calories Burned in Infrared Saunas

Our free sauna calorie calculator aims to provide a good estimate of the calories burned in infrared sauna sessions, considering factors like session duration, BMI, gender, age, heat tolerance, fitness level, and hydration. Based on the studies provided, the average person can burn anywhere between 495 and 1125 calories per 60-minute session. In the Binghamton University study, participants experienced a 4% drop in body fat after three 30-minute sessions per week for four months.