At Coach House Fitness we pride ourselves on being more than just a gym and are always looking for new ways to support health and overall wellbeing. Our latest step is the introduction of two new recovery therapies — a traditional sauna and full-body red light panels.
Sauna in its various forms has been used for thousands of years across many cultures for health, hygiene and social purposes. Many of us enjoying a ‘spa day’ will opt for a sit in a sauna for relaxation. However, experts believe regular sauna bathing may offer benefits for arthritis, chronic fatigue, cold symptoms, muscle soreness, psoriasis and stress. Sauna exposure may also be good for the heart. As skin temperature rises the body attempts to keep cool by increasing the heart rate, causing blood vessels to open thus boosting circulation. Research suggests sauna use for 15 minutes after a workout, three times a week, may have a more positive effect on blood pressure than exercise alone.
Red light therapy, in contrast, does not produce heat but works by enhancing cellular function and regeneration. Differing from traditional infrared therapy, it uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared (NIR) light to stimulate mitochondrial activity in cells. Reported benefits of regular use of red light therapy include improved skin tone and texture, reduced inflammation and accelerated muscle recovery. By penetrating deep into tissues it promotes collagen production, enhances circulation and supports overall energy levels. Widely used by athletes, red light therapy is gaining popularity as an accessible and effective addition to everyday health routines, with benefits reported from 10–20 minutes’ use, two or three times a week.