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What is a Sauna Belt?
A sauna belt is a device usually worn around the waist, hips, or thighs that is intended to relieve muscle pain and tension and to help the wearer lose unwanted fat in these target areas. Several brands of sauna belts are available. They offer adjustable power cords; battery-operated versions; belts made to go around other areas of the body, such as the arms or legs; and many other options.
The uses vary depending on the company selling the sauna belt. Some say it is mainly intended for muscle and back pain relief, but most market it as a miracle weight loss belt. As a muscle relaxer and pain reliever, the sauna belt operates on the same principles as a heating pad for sore muscles. They are similar to heating pads and are, therefore, said to have similar results.
The sauna belt as a weight loss product is based on the use of sauna rooms for weight loss. Proponents of sauna therapy claim that sitting in a sauna raises the heart rate and, therefore, the metabolism, resulting in fat being burned. While it is true that one can lose several pounds in a single sauna session, the weight loss is mainly the result of lost water from intense sweating. Rehydrating will negate most of the weight loss.
The heart rate also may rise, but the amount of fat burned will not be nearly as much as if the time had been spent exercising. The weight loss in a single session may be significant enough to help athletes reach a lower weight class or to reach a temporary weight goal. Many people who use the belt, however, are more concerned with longer-term fat loss than with temporary weight loss.
A sauna belt is intended to “sweat out” the problem areas of the body, resulting in weight loss. Based on the effects of a sauna, it is possible that sauna belts may indeed reduce the size and weight of certain areas temporarily, until rehydration occurs. Although the sauna belt is marketed as a fat-burning product, this weight loss should not be mistaken for fat loss. If a sauna can slightly raise the metabolism by exposing the entire body to heat, then it is possible that a sauna belt might have a similar, if smaller, effect. The sauna belt also may be effective for weight loss but, for sustained fat loss, most fitness professionals agree it would be more effective to engage in physical activity.
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![A suana belt may help aid in weight loss.]()
By: jedi-masterA suana belt may help aid in weight loss. -
![Sauna belts can relieve back pain, similar to the effects of a heating pad.]()
By: Laurin RinderSauna belts can relieve back pain, similar to the effects of a heating pad. -
![Sauna belts are sometimes marketed as a way to achieve significant weight loss.]()
By: Sergio MartínezSauna belts are sometimes marketed as a way to achieve significant weight loss. -
![Cardiovascular exercise is crucial for people who hope to shed pounds and maintain that weight loss.]()
By: AntonioguillemCardiovascular exercise is crucial for people who hope to shed pounds and maintain that weight loss. -
![The belts are designed to mimic the effects of a sauna, causing sweating and a reduction in water retention.]()
By: Minerva StudioThe belts are designed to mimic the effects of a sauna, causing sweating and a reduction in water retention. -
![A sauna belt may help relieve pain in individuals who perform physically demanding work.]()
By: CandyBox ImagesA sauna belt may help relieve pain in individuals who perform physically demanding work. -
![Some people believe heavy sweating can help to flush toxins from the body, as well as aid weight loss.]()
By: jedi-masterSome people believe heavy sweating can help to flush toxins from the body, as well as aid weight loss.
Discussion Comments
I used an ab sauna belt for back pain relief, but I never used it to lose weight. As a heating pad, it was great because it could reach my lower back and upper hips. I could never get a regular heating pad to conform to those areas, so the heat was always uneven. I also like being able to strap on the sauna slim belt and walk around the room. The combination of heat and exercise helped make my lower back pain go away faster.
One reason I wouldn't use a sauna belt for weight loss is that I hate to generate that much sweat. I need to know there's a shower nearby if I use any kind of gym equipment that causes sweating, like a treadmill or sauna suits. I've been fooled by the loss of water weight, too. I lost 4 pounds in a week one time and thought my new diet plan was working. I gained all of that weight back after I started drinking more water the next week.
I'd probably use a slimming belt if I was only an inch or so away from fitting into a suit or favorite pair of pants. I don't know if I'd used it to lose significant weight or inches around my midsection. I've heard too many horror stories about sauna belt side effects, like people passing out and getting hurt by the fall.
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