Recovery is essential to an athlete’s ability to train consistently, stay healthy and perform at a high level over time. That’s why Hoop Habits invests heavily in recovery technology—including their partnership with Halo Cryotherapy. As the physical and mental demands of sport continue to grow, so does the need for effective, science-backed recovery methods. One method of recovery Halo Cryotherapy relies on often is infrared sauna therapy. In this blog, we will take a look at what an infrared sauna is and how it benefits us as athletes.
Deep Heat for Faster Recovery
Infrared saunas differ from traditional saunas by using wavelengths of light to heat the body from within, rather than simply warming the air. This allows the heat to penetrate more deeply into muscles and tissues, gently raising the core body temperature and triggering a range of beneficial physiological responses—without the intensity or discomfort of high heat.
One of the most immediate benefits athletes notice is a reduction in muscle soreness. Infrared heat increases blood flow, which helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to fatigued muscles while flushing out lactic acid and other metabolic waste. The result is often quicker recovery between sessions and less post-workout fatigue.
Detoxification and Inflammation Relief
Infrared sauna use also promotes detoxification through deep sweating, helping the body remove environmental toxins and other waste products. While often overlooked, this process plays a valuable role in supporting recovery and resilience—especially for athletes training at high volumes.
Additionally, the infrared wavelengths have a therapeutic effect on sore joints and inflamed tissues. By reducing inflammation and easing stiffness, sauna sessions can help improve mobility and support injury prevention—particularly for athletes managing overuse or chronic discomfort.
Supporting Flexibility, Mental Recovery and Sleep
Regular use of an infrared sauna can also improve flexibility. The warmth loosens muscles and connective tissues, making stretching more effective and increasing range of motion. This is especially important for athletes focused on long-term performance and injury prevention.
Beyond the physical, infrared sauna therapy also supports mental recovery. The calm, enclosed environment promotes relaxation, helping to reduce stress and restore focus. Many athletes also report improved sleep quality with regular sauna use, likely due to the overall calming effect on the nervous system. Better sleep means more complete recovery—something every athlete can benefit from.
A Smarter Way to Recover
At Halo Cryotherapy and at Hoop Habits, we view recovery as an essential part of training—not an afterthought. That’s why we’ve integrated infrared sauna sessions into our broader recovery offerings. They provide a research-backed, low-impact method to help athletes recover more efficiently, stay mobile and prepare both mentally and physically for the demands of their sport.
If you’re looking to enhance your recovery routine, support injury prevention, or simply feel better between sessions, infrared sauna therapy is a valuable and accessible tool to consider. As always, we recommend staying hydrated before and after your session and checking in with your healthcare provider if you have any existing health concerns.