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Writer's pictureAtlas Bodyworks

Does an Infrared Sauna Help with Weight Loss?

Infrared saunas have gained popularity for their potential health benefits. But can they really help with weight loss? In this FAQ, we'll explore how infrared saunas work, their effects on weight loss, and what you can expect from using them.

What is an Infrared Sauna?

An infrared sauna uses infrared lamps to warm your body directly rather than heating the air around you. This type of sauna is believed to penetrate deeper into the skin, providing a more effective heat therapy.

Our Sunlighten mPulse 6 person infrared sauna at Fairfax, VA wellness center goes beyond conventional saunas. By delivering Near, Mid, and Far infrared, it custom blends these to offer the most effective sauna session tailored to help you reach your wellness goals.

Infrared technology warms your body from the inside out. This method is more efficient than traditional saunas, allowing you to sweat and detoxify at a lower temperature, making it more comfortable for longer sessions.

Infrared saunas like the ones we use at Atlas Bodyworks provide a unique experience by using light to penetrate deep into your muscles and tissues. This distinct method offers a variety of health benefits and is a key feature of our infrared sauna treatments.

How Does an Infrared Sauna Work?

Infrared saunas emit infrared light, which your body absorbs as heat. This can increase your heart rate, improve circulation, and make you sweat.

Unlike traditional saunas that heat the air around you, infrared saunas focus on heating your body directly using infrared panels. This direct approach allows for a more comfortable and effective sauna experience source.


Infrared light isn’t visible to the naked eye but behaves similarly to the heat we feel from the sun. It feels warm and is absorbed by your body, increasing your core temperature and promoting sweating and detoxification.

At Atlas Bodyworks, our Sunlighten Infrared Sauna incorporates SoloCarbon® infrared heating technology, which has been clinically proven to significantly raise core body temperature, providing a thorough and effective detox.

Can Sweating Lead to Weight Loss?

Sweating can result in temporary water weight loss. However, this is not the same as losing fat. It's important to stay hydrated before and after your sauna session.

When you sweat, you lose fluids, which can reflect a temporary drop in weight on the scale. However, this weight is quickly regained once you rehydrate source.

The act of sweating can help in detoxifying your body, which may make you feel lighter and more energetic post-session. Always remember that genuine weight loss comes from a combination of diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes.

Infrared sauna sessions at our Fairfax location help clients detoxify by inducing sweat, aiding in a temporary reduction of water weight, which can complement other more sustainable weight loss strategies.

Do Infrared Saunas Burn Calories?

Using an infrared sauna can increase your heart rate similar to moderate exercise, which may help burn some calories. However, this is not a substitute for regular physical activity.

While sitting in an infrared sauna, your body works to cool itself, which can increase your heart rate and metabolism, resembling the effects of light cardiovascular exercise source.

Our Sunlighten Full Spectrum Saunas boost this effect by combining various infrared wavelengths to enhance calorie burning more effectively than traditional saunas.

It's an excellent supplementary tool that can invigorate your metabolism and burn extra calories while you relax and unwind, blending efficiency with comfort.

While infrared sauna sessions can contribute to a moderate calorie burn, they should be part of a broader strategy that includes physical exercise and a healthy diet for effective weight loss results.

Additional Health Benefits of Infrared Saunas

Aside from potential weight loss benefits, infrared saunas can help with pain relief, stress reduction, and skin rejuvenation. They can also aid in detoxification by helping your body eliminate toxins through sweat.


Infrared saunas are known to promote relaxation and improve overall well-being by reducing stress levels and boosting endorphin production.

Regular use can enhance cardiovascular health, lower blood pressure, and improve blood circulation, vital for maintaining a healthy body and supporting long-term weight loss goals.

For those seeking pain relief and muscle recovery, infrared saunas can be a boon by helping to alleviate joint pain, muscle spasms, and stiffness, making them a great addition to post-workout recovery routines.

At Atlas Bodyworks, we emphasize a holistic approach where the infrared sauna sessions complement your wellness and fitness regimes, enhancing both internal and external health.

Combining Infrared Sauna Use with a Healthy Lifestyle

For effective weight loss, integrate infrared sauna sessions with a balanced diet and regular exercise. Infrared saunas can be a supplementary tool rather than the sole method for shedding pounds.

It's essential to understand that while infrared saunas support calorie burning and detoxification, they are most effective when combined with consistent physical activity and nutritious eating habits.

Maximize your weight loss efforts by integrating sauna sessions into a routine that includes strength training, cardio, and a tailored diet plan.

Our full spectrum saunas are designed to enhance the benefits of your weight loss journey, offering a comprehensive approach that supports long-term health and fitness.

Consider complementing your sauna sessions with body sculpting treatments for enhanced results. Combining these services can make your body more responsive to the treatments, boosting your results.

What to Expect During and After a Session

Sessions typically last between 20 to 45 minutes. You might feel relaxed and more energized afterward, but it's crucial to drink plenty of water to replenish fluids lost through sweating.

Expect a gentle, enveloping heat that makes you sweat as your body absorbs the infrared light. Some people find it meditative and deeply relaxing.

After your session, take it easy for a bit. Allow your body to cool down slowly, and replenish with a light snack or a drink rich in electrolytes.

At Atlas Bodyworks, we provide a comfortable environment so that you can enjoy your infrared sauna experience to the fullest. Combining hydration, relaxation, and custom settings, we aim to give you the best results.

For optimal benefits, consistency is key. Regular sessions, combined with a healthy lifestyle, can maximize the positive impacts on your body, enhancing your overall wellness journey.

Final Thoughts

While infrared saunas offer several health benefits, including relaxation and detoxification, their direct impact on weight loss may be limited. Combining infrared sauna sessions with a healthy diet and regular exercise is likely the most effective approach to achieving your weight loss goals.

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