When it comes to reaching your fitness goals, what you do between workouts matters just as much as the workouts themselves. Rest, repair, and recovery play a critical role in building strength, supporting mental clarity, and avoiding burnout.

At Urth Fitness, we believe recovery should feel just as rewarding as the work you put in — and our infrared saunas are one of the most powerful (and enjoyable) tools for doing just that.

Unlike traditional saunas that use steam or heated air, infrared saunas use gentle infrared light to warm the body directly. That means a more comfortable, accessible experience that comes with a long list of full-body benefits.

Whether you’re winding down after a big lift, loosening up tight muscles, or simply craving a moment of calm, here’s why infrared saunas deserve a place in your wellness routine.

The Surprising Origins of Infrared Saunas

Infrared sauna therapy may feel like a modern wellness trend, but its roots are surprisingly scientific.
Originally developed by NASA, infrared (red light) technology was used to support cardiovascular health and increase the rate of wound healing on astronauts. Researchers found that specific wavelengths of infrared light could penetrate the skin, gently warming the body and stimulating circulation/

Over time, these findings were adapted for broader medical and wellness use, particularly in physical therapy, sports recovery, and pain management.

Fast forward a few decades, and that same science is now helping people on Earth (and at Urth) feel better, faster. The beauty of infrared? It’s a more comfortable way to enjoy the benefits of heat therapy without the need for intense heat or steam of a traditional sauna.

We share some of the myriad infrared sauna benefits below:

1. Soothe Muscles and Support Recovery

If you’ve ever felt stiff after a tough training session (or even a stressful day at work), the infrared sauna might become your new favourite spot. By increasing blood flow and gently warming muscle tissue, infrared therapy helps:

• Reduce inflammation
• Relieve soreness
• Speed up muscle recovery
• Improve joint flexibility

That means less downtime between workouts, and a more mobile, energised you.

2. Help Detoxify the Body

Let’s be clear — your liver and kidneys are the real MVPs when it comes to detoxifying your body. But that doesn’t mean saunas don’t help. Infrared saunas support your natural detox processes by raising your core body temp, increasing circulation, reducing inflammation, and stimulating sweat. This sweat response helps eliminate small amounts of heavy metals and environmental toxins through the skin, while also aiding lymphatic flow, which is your body’s internal “clean-up crew.”

It’s a gentler, more sustainable approach to detoxification that works with your body, not against it. And unlike traditional saunas, infrared heat works at a lower temperature, making it easier to stay in longer, sweat more comfortably, and feel better afterwards.

You’ll leave feeling lighter, clearer, and more in tune with your body.

3. Improve Circulation and Heart Health

Infrared saunas mimic the effects of light cardio by gently increasing your heart rate and boosting circulation. This not only supports cardiovascular health, but also helps deliver oxygen-rich blood to muscles, tissues, and vital organs.

Over time, regular use may contribute to lower blood pressure, improved endurance, and a stronger heart.

4. Boost Metabolism and Burn Calories

Surprisingly, infrared sauna sessions can also support your metabolism. As your body works to cool itself down, it naturally increases calorie burn, with some research linking regular infrared sauna use to improved weight management over time.

While it’s no replacement for exercise, it’s a gentle, passive way to support your goals, especially when paired with movement and nutrition.

5. Recover Faster, Feel Better

One of the biggest perks of regular infrared sauna use? The way it helps your body bounce back.

By boosting blood flow to muscles and soft tissue, infrared heat can ease post-workout soreness, reduce joint stiffness, and support faster recovery. When used regularly, infrared sauna therapy can help relax tight muscles, improve mobility, and promote healing — whether you’ve just smashed a workout or you’re managing aches, pains, inflammation or even chronic conditions. In fact, early research by NASA using red and near-infrared light therapy found that Navy SEAL team members recovered from training-related muscle and joint injuries more than 40% faster.

It’s a powerful (and peaceful) way to care for your body between sessions.

6. Promote Deep Sleep and Stress Relief

Recovery isn’t just physical; it’s mental too. The warmth and stillness of the infrared sauna has a calming effect on your nervous system, helping to reduce stress hormones and improve sleep quality.

Members often report feeling calmer, lighter, and more mentally clear after a session. And over time, regular use may help support:

• Deeper, more restful sleep
• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Better mood regulation
• Greater mental resilience

At Urth Fitness Lambton and Belmont, our recovery lounges are home to 2-person infrared saunas which are also a great way to build calm and connection with a friend or loved one.

7. That Post-Sauna Glow? It’s Real.

There’s something about stepping out of an infrared sauna that just hits differently. Sure, your muscles feel looser and your mind feels clearer, but your skin? It glows.

And that’s not just the sweat talking. Infrared sauna benefits aren’t just surface level; the red light penetrates into the skin, gently boosting circulation and stimulating collagen production and aiding in wound and scar repair. It’s no wonder NASA scientists and skin clinics are big fans.

With regular sessions, members often notice their skin feels smoother, looks brighter, and recovers faster from irritation or breakouts.

Ready To Experience the Benefits of Infrared Sauna Therapy at Urth Fitness?

At Urth Fitness, we’re here to support your whole journey; not just your reps and sets. That’s because we believe that building strength, wellness, energy and confidence doesn’t come from pushing non-stop. It comes from knowing when to pause, reset, and look after yourself along the way.

That’s exactly what our Recovery Lounges are designed for.

Tucked away at Urth Fitness Lambton, Charlestown, and Belmont, alongside our infrared saunas you’ll also find hydro-massage beds, massage chairs, cryo-lounge and even spray tan booths, because sometimes wellness looks like rest, and sometimes it looks like feeling great in your own skin.

And the best part? If you’re a Platinum, Signature, Flexible or Reformer Pilates member, you already have complimentary access to it all.

So whether you’re sore, stressed, or simply need a moment to breathe, step into the Recovery Lounge and take what you need. The infrared sauna might just become your favourite part of the gym.