How Infrared Saunas Transformed My Health & Why You’ll Love Them Too
By Katie Crane, The Pilates Professional
At 48, navigating perimenopause has been a journey—one filled with highs, lows, and unexpected changes. As a Pilates instructor and lifelong advocate for movement, I’ve always believed in the power of exercise to support my body through different life stages. But over the past 18 months, I’ve discovered a game-changer that has amplified my well-being in ways I never imagined: regular infrared sauna therapy.
Three times a week, alongside my usual 2-3 Pilates classes, I’ve been stepping into a Sunlighten Infrared Sauna, and the results? Nothing short of incredible. Increased energy, better sleep, glowing skin, a calmer mind—it’s like I’ve unlocked a whole new level of vitality.
If you’re a woman over 40, especially if you’re feeling the effects of perimenopause or simply looking for a way to support your body’s natural rhythms, this might just be the missing piece in your wellness routine. Here’s why:
5 Ways Infrared Sauna Therapy Transformed My Health (And Can Transform Yours Too!)
1. My Energy Levels Are Back—Thanks to Detoxification
Before incorporating infrared sauna sessions into my routine, I often felt sluggish, like my body was weighed down. What I didn’t realize was how much my detox pathways were affecting my energy levels.
Infrared heat penetrates deep into the tissues, increasing circulation and promoting cellular detoxification. Unlike traditional saunas that just heat the air around you, infrared saunas work from the inside out, helping your body sweat out toxins at a much deeper level. The result? Less internal congestion, more energy, and a sense of lightness I hadn’t felt in years.
2. Deep Relaxation & Stress Relief (A Total Mood Reset!)
Perimenopause brings a rollercoaster of emotions—one minute you’re fine, the next you’re snapping at your partner or feeling overwhelmed for no reason. Sound familiar?
Infrared sauna therapy activates the parasympathetic nervous system, helping my body shift from stress mode into deep relaxation. The warmth melts away tension, calms my nervous system, and leaves me feeling like I’ve just had the most restorative nap. This, in turn, has improved my relationships—when I feel balanced and relaxed, I show up better for the people I love.
3. Better Sleep = Better Everything
Sleep disruptions are one of the biggest complaints for women in their 40s. I used to toss and turn, wake up in the middle of the night, or just wake up feeling unrefreshed. Since using infrared sauna therapy, my sleep quality has dramatically improved.
The deep heat helps lower cortisol (the stress hormone) and encourages the body to release melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep. Now, I fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and wake up actually feeling rested and ready for the day.
4. My Skin Glows Like Never Before
One of the most noticeable (and unexpected) changes? My skin is smoother, clearer, and more radiant than ever.
Infrared saunas increase circulation and collagen production, helping to nourish the skin from within. The deep sweating helps purge impurities, while the improved blood flow delivers more oxygen and nutrients to the skin. If you want that natural, lit-from-within glow, regular sauna sessions are a must!
5. Long-Term Health Benefits I Can Feel (And Science Supports!)
Beyond the immediate effects, I know that these sessions are investing in my future health. Research shows that regular infrared sauna use can:
✅ Support heart health by improving circulation and lowering blood pressure
✅ Boost metabolism and aid in weight management
✅ Reduce inflammation and pain, which is a game-changer for aging joints
✅ Enhance immune function, helping my body fight off illness more efficiently
As a woman in my late 40s, I want to age well, feel strong, and maintain my independence for as long as possible. Knowing that infrared therapy supports my body at a cellular level gives me confidence that I’m making the best possible choice for my long-term well-being.
Pairing Infrared Sauna With Pilates = The Ultimate Self-Care Combo
One thing I’ve realized is that infrared sauna therapy and Pilates go hand in hand.
🔹 Pilates strengthens, aligns, and mobilizes my body.
🔹 Infrared sauna therapy helps me recover, detox, and deeply relax.
Together, they create a holistic wellness routine that supports every aspect of my health—body, mind, and spirit.
Ready to Experience the Benefits for Yourself?
I’m so passionate about what infrared sauna therapy has done for me that I knew I had to bring it to my Encore Pilates community. That’s why we’re installing two brand-new Sunlighten Infrared Saunas at the studio!
If you’re curious about how this can fit into your own wellness routine, I invite you to be among the first to experience it! Trust me—once you feel the difference, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
Stay tuned for booking details coming soon! In the meantime, if you have any questions or want to know more about my experience, send me a message—I’d love to chat!
Here’s to feeling better, moving better, and living better—at every stage of life. 💛
Katie Crane
The Pilates Professional