How a 10-minute sauna compares with a brisk workout

Lady Gaga, Gwyneth Paltrow and Jack Grealish all swear by them. Have the Scandinavians have been right all along?

Studies have found that regular sauna use could reduce the risk of heart attacks, dementia and stroke. iStock

Maggie Alderson

Oct 18, 2024 – 9.00am

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Imagine achieving the same benefits of brisk exercise just by sitting down in a nice warm place a few times a week. Saunas have been around for thousands of years with versions of them in all cultures, and according to devotees (on TikTok at least), the hot boxes not only improve but even lengthen life.

In Finland, from where the word “sauna” originates, there is one sauna for every two people. And there does seem to be a degree of science to back up the popular pastime.

The Telegraph London