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Daring you to get even sweatier.
eggeeggjiew/Getty Images
But is a post-workout steam really worth the extra time spent at the gym?
And what is the sweaty, steamy ritual even supposed to do?
What is a steam room, anyway?
A room with steam in itduh.
Usually, an electrical generator along with special plumbing is to thank for the hot, sticky climate.
So, wait.
Hows a steam room any different from a sauna?
As warm as steam rooms sound, saunas are ridiculously hotteroften up to 160 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
However, they are a lot less humid.
Saunas give off a dry heat, with humidity levels around 5 to 20 percent.
Wood-burning saunas are the most traditional version, but electrical and gas versions also exist.
Saunas using infrared technology are another big trend.
The low humidity levels are what allow saunas to get so much hotter than steam rooms.
Its this evaporation that allows the body to regulate body temperature.
Does the steam room have any actual benefits?
But are there benefits of the steam room you should know?
Theres not even squat out there on direct data regarding steam rooms, Nelson says.
But skin blood flow with vibration therapy?
(In Finland, sauna bathing is a common activity.)
Hot environments are known to increase the bodys parasympathetic tone, Nelson says.
Thats not a coincidence, he says.
And, so far, theres no definitive word on if steam rooms spur similar effects.
Hypothetically, they couldbut likely only if they increase internal body temperature to the same degree as saunas.
The temperature might be too low, he says.
Are there any risks to sitting in a steam room?
Even if the alleged steam room benefits havent been proven, theres not a ton of downsides.
For most people who are generally healthy, the biggest risks aredehydrationand dizziness.
Its also worth mentioning that bacteria, mold, and other ickies thrive in hot, humid environments.
Poor sanitation can create issues with mold or germ transfer, Machowsky says.
But as long as your gym is on top of its steam-room cleaning routine, you should be good.
How and when should you steam?
ensure that you are sitting on the towel when youre in there (think about it!)
During your first few sessions, start small.
The goal is to leave the steam room feeling better than when you walked in.
