I felt better and performed better after consistent use of a high heat dry sauna

Milena Glusac

During my professional running career I utilized high heat exposure to assist in my preparation and recovery. There wasn’t significant data at the time surrounding the benefits of dry heat exposure and mitochondrial fitness but I knew I felt better and performed better after consistent use of a high heat dry sauna. I competed at the World Half Marathon Championships in Veracruz Mexico. Temperatures were in the high 90 degrees and most competitors were struggling. I believe my top ten finish was due in part to my ability to positively respond to heat because I utilized a sauna consistently. Although most traditional sports trainers and coaches disagreed with my school of thought I continued to make sauna use a part of my fitness regime. I am happy to hear that science can now back my first hand experience.

  • 3 time US National Champion
  • 8th overall woman Boston Marathon 2003
  • 9th overall woman New York Marathon 2002
  • 10th place World Half Marathon Championships 2000
  • Ranked as one of the top ten road racers in the world in 2002