A common follow up question is, does the sauna burn calories in a meaningful way? When you sit in a heated environment, your body works harder to regulate its internal temperature. Your heart rate increases, similar to what happens during light cardiovascular activity. Because of this, you do burn some calories while in a sauna. The amount varies depending on factors such as body composition, age, and how hot sauna should be for your comfort level. In general, the calorie burn from a typical sauna session is modest compared to a structured workout. It may feel intense because of the sweating, but the actual fat burning effect is limited. Still, incorporating sauna sessions after exercise may enhance relaxation and muscle recovery, which can indirectly support a consistent fitness routine and long term weight management goals.