If infrared sauna pods have piqued your interest, but are you still wondering exactly what they are and how they work, you aren’t alone. Infrared sauna pods are full-body capsules that look similar to a tanning bed, but instead of UV light used to tan, they offer infrared light. While most of your body is enclosed, your head is outside the pod, offering the majority of your body the benefits of infrared light.

Because infrared light heats the body from the inside out, infrared sauna pods are very similar to traditional saunas. Still, they don’t get as hot as quickly and offer slightly different benefits. An infrared sauna warms you rather than the surrounding air. By widening the blood vessels with infrared light, sauna pods are thought to increase blood flow and oxygen levels throughout the body. This, in turn, helps speed up the healing process after an injury and can help you lose weight.

Compared to other infrared saunas, sauna pods are typically more comfortable, as they are ergonomically designed to fit the body’s natural curves. However, infrared sauna pods cost a great deal more than home saunas, and there are far fewer options to choose from. Additionally, infrared saunas cause you to sweat less than a traditional sauna as the temperature is about 20% cooler.

Infrared Sauna Pod Benefits

Although not completely proven, the benefits of infrared therapy for the human body are extensive. Detoxification, pain relief, muscle tension reduction, relaxation, improved circulation, weight loss, skin purification, reduced diabetes side effects, immune system boosting, and reduced blood pressure are just a few.

For a comprehensive list of benefits, see the list below:

• Helps to accomplish weight loss and management goals
• Minimizes cellulite
• Hardens and tones muscles
• Enhances stamina & vitality
• Prolongs post-workout calorie burning for as long as 24 hours.
• Eliminates toxins through perspiration
• Pain relief
• Unwinds stress and assists in relaxation
• Improves cognitive performance
• Promotes healthier sleep

Best Infrared Sauna Pod to Buy

The Cocoon Infrared Sauna Pod is widely regarded as the best fitness, relaxation, and wellness machine currently available. This luxurious experience is meant to help you relax after a long day of work by giving you a gentle vibration massage, the perfect temperature, and a private, individualized setting. To relax, recharge, and increase concentration, alertness, and vitality, try taking a 20-minute power nap in the low heat setting.

What I like most about the Cocoon Pod is that eight different fitness and wellness technologies are combined in the Cocoon Infrared Sauna Pod. This includes two types of heat (infrared and dry), a full-body vibration massage, Himalayan pure ionic crystal salt tiles, cooling face fans, and aromatherapy.

Unfortunately, this infrared sauna pod costs almost $15,000 and is typically reserved for specialty spas.

Best Home Alternatives to Infrared Sauna Pods

As I mentioned earlier, sauna pods are very expensive. If you are looking for a home infrared sauna but don’t want to spend a fortune, there are four main options. The most common alternatives are standalone infrared saunas, portable infrared saunas, sauna blankets, and sauna domes. Below, I’ll show you my favorite of each of the alternatives.

Standalone – Maxxus “Seattle” Two Person Sauna

The Maxxus Saunas 2-person sauna is designed for ease of use and is an outstanding value. Enjoy the convenience of operating a Maxxus Sauna with our soft touch control panel and LED display featuring sauna temperature and time functions.

Every Maxxus Sauna is equipped with a reduced wattage floor and lower bench heater to allow the same benefits and treatment to your legs and feet without the burning sensation of other sauna manufactures. Enjoy your sauna session with your favorite music through the sauna’s built in MP3 auxiliary connection with speakers.

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Portable – HeatWave Rejuvenator Portable Sauna

The HeatWave Rejuvenator portable sauna is by far the cheapest alternative to infrared sauna pods while still offering great benefits. Three low-emf carbon heating panels emit a blanket of infrared heat around your body. For consistent, even heating, every heater has been strategically placed.

In just one minute and with just six simple steps, you can turn this practical gadget into your own private paradise. Just unroll the sauna, plug it in, and you can take the healing heat of a sauna anywhere. This personal sauna saves space by collapsing for simple storage when you’re done using it.

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Blanket – HigherDOSE Sauna Blaket

The HigherDOSE infrared sauna blanket’s warm, soothing comfort helps you relax in the warmth of your own home while our plush thermal blanket lifts your spirits, purifies your system, makes your skin glow, and provides a healthy dose of endorphins.

Avoid the high cost of visiting a spa and have a relaxing time in the privacy of your own home by ordering one of these awesome sauna wraps. This infrared sauna is great because it raises your core body temperature, making it easier to burn fat. This infrared blanket can reach temperatures of up to 80 degrees Fahrenheit and features an automatic shut-off timer after 1 hour of use.

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Dome – 1Love Luxor XL Far Infrared Dome Sauna

Lay down, relax, and feel amazing. Feeling your best is a top priority. Trust 1Love to support your health and peace of mind with our safe, portable Far Infrared Sauna Dome. No hazardous materials or electrical fields, just the highest quality construction for ultimate safety.

Most people will feel much more comfortable when their heads can stay cool. Having your head out is the optimal way to get the most benefits, with the least discomfort. You may choose to heat your head as well, if you are under 6′ tall.

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