Sauna Workouts Carry Risks for Cardiovascular Health
Performing weighted exercises in the heat can increase heart strain, so consult your doctor before trying this trend.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Fitness
Model and Orebella founder Bella Hadid shared an image of herself performing a weightlifting routine while inside a sauna at an ALO gym. The social media post highlights a training style that integrates heat exposure with strength movements.
Why it matters
While high-profile exercise routines can influence fitness trends, the physiological impact of combining resistance training with extreme heat remains a subject for careful consideration regarding safety and cardiovascular demand.
Established health guidelines suggest limiting initial sauna sessions to 10 to 15 minutes and balancing heat with cold exposure lasting 30 to 90 seconds. The safety of performing weighted resistance movements within these high-heat conditions remains unstudied.
The players
Bella Hadid
A prominent model and founder of the wellness company Orebella.
ALO
A lifestyle brand specializing in activewear and fitness apparel that operates gym facilities.
The details
Exercising in a sauna environment significantly increases the body's cardiovascular load, as the heart must pump more blood to the skin for cooling while simultaneously supplying oxygen to working muscles. This combined stressor requires careful monitoring of heart rate and hydration levels to prevent overheating. Individuals typically station themselves on a yoga mat to perform controlled movements, such as single-leg raises paired with opposite-arm weight lifting, to maintain balance in the confined space.
Timeline
October 15, 2026: Bella Hadid shared a photograph of a sauna workout routine on Instagram.
Health Landscape
Sauna use has traditionally been utilized for relaxation and recovery rather than as an environment for resistance training. This trend highlights a departure from standardized sauna heat exposure safety guidelines, which generally prioritize passive thermal adaptation over intense physical exertion.
Performing resistance exercises in a sauna significantly elevates cardiovascular strain and requires careful monitoring of your exertion levels. If you are curious about combining heat and movement, discuss the potential risks to your heart rate and hydration with your physician.
The takeaway
Intense exercise in extreme heat environments significantly increases cardiovascular demand and may pose risks for overheating. Always prioritize safety by adhering to established heat exposure limits and consulting a healthcare professional before adding environmental stressors to your workout.
Further reading
For more on safe training practices, visit Fitness.
Source note: This article includes information reported by HELLO!.
