How Many Calories Do You Burn in a Steam Sauna?
Steam saunas are rapidly becoming a top wellness trend across Canada. From busy professionals in Toronto and Vancouver to fitness lovers in Calgary and Montreal, Canadians are using steam saunas to relax, recover, and support weight-loss goals.
One of the most common questions Canadians ask is:
“How many calories do you actually burn in a steam sauna?”
The answer is more interesting than most people realize — and yes, steam saunas can burn calories, boost metabolism, and support fat-loss goals when used properly.
This guide explains exact calorie burn, compares it to exercise, explains how steam affects metabolism, and teaches Canadians how to maximize calorie-burn safely.
Do You Really Burn Calories in a Steam Sauna?
Yes — you definitely burn calories in a steam sauna.
Steam saunas increase your core body temperature, which forces your body to work harder to cool itself. This process increases heart rate, circulation, and metabolic activity, resulting in calorie burn.
This is why sauna sessions often feel similar to doing light cardio — because your body is actively working in the background.
How Many Calories Do You Burn in a Steam Sauna? (By Body Weight)
On average, a 15–20 minute steam sauna session burns between 100 and 250 calories, depending on these factors:
-
Weight
-
Age
-
Heat intensity
-
Humidity levels
-
Heart rate response
-
Session duration
Below is a calorie-burn estimate chart tailored for Canadians:
Calorie Burn Per 30 Minutes in a Steam Sauna
| Body Weight | Calories Burned (15 min) | Calories Burned (20–30 min) |
|---|---|---|
| 120 lbs / 54 kg | 60–90 calories | 120–180 calories |
| 150 lbs / 68 kg | 80–110 calories | 150–220 calories |
| 180 lbs / 82 kg | 100–150 calories | 190–260 calories |
| 200+ lbs / 90+ kg | 120–170 calories | 230–300 calories |
These numbers make steam sauna sessions a legitimate metabolism-boosting activity — especially when paired with fitness or balanced eating habits.
Why Steam Saunas Burn Calories Faster Than Dry Saunas
Steam saunas use moist heat, which affects the body differently than dry saunas:
1. Humidity Makes the Body Work Harder
Your body struggles more to cool itself when humidity is high.
This increases:
-
Sweat production
-
Heart rate
-
Energy demand
2. Steam Increases Cardiovascular Demand
Your heart pumps harder to push blood through expanded blood vessels.
This is similar to:
-
fast walking
-
light cycling
-
yoga intensity
3. Core Temperature Rises Faster
Steam traps heat around the body, accelerating metabolic response.
All three factors combine to trigger natural calorie burning — no exercise required.
What Burns More Calories: Steam Sauna or Exercise?
Steam saunas burn calories, but exercise burns more.
However, the key difference is:
✔ Steam sauna calorie burning is passive
✔ You burn calories while relaxing
Think of a steam sauna as a metabolism booster, not a replacement for working out.
Comparison Chart
| Activity | Duration | Calories Burned |
|---|---|---|
| Steam Sauna | 20 minutes | 150–200 calories |
| Walking | 20 minutes | 80–120 calories |
| Jogging | 20 minutes | 180–280 calories |
| Cycling | 20 minutes | 200–300 calories |
Steam sauna calorie burn is comparable to light exercise, which is excellent for people who:
-
Are busy
-
Are recovering from workouts
-
Don’t have time for long cardio
-
Want to support fat loss
Do Steam Saunas Burn Fat or Just Water Weight?
Steam saunas help with both, but in different ways.
Water Weight (Immediate Results)
Steam causes heavy sweating, reducing temporary water retention.
This can shrink your waistline instantly.
Fat Burning (Long-Term Results)
Regular use:
-
Improves metabolism
-
Reduces stress
-
Increases circulation
-
Enhances calorie burn
-
Boosts workout performance
-
Helps regulate sleep
All these factors help reduce belly fat, back fat, and overall body fat over time.
Steam saunas don’t melt fat directly, but they create the conditions that make fat loss easier and faster.
What Affects How Many Calories You Burn in a Steam Sauna?
1. Body Weight
Heavier individuals burn more calories due to increased metabolic demand.
2. Humidity Levels
The more steam, the harder your cardiovascular system works.
3. Temperature
Typical steam saunas range from 40°C–50°C, which is ideal for calorie-burn.
4. Session Duration
Longer sessions = more calories burned
(Within safe limits.)
5. Your Fitness Level
Athletes may sweat more efficiently and burn calories slightly faster.
6. Sauna Quality
High-quality home steam saunas like the AuraPro Sauna provide consistent steam, resulting in more effective sessions.
How Canadians Can Maximize Calorie Burning in a Steam Sauna
1. Stay 15–25 Minutes
The ideal time for calorie burn is 15–25 minutes.
Beginners start at 10 minutes.
2. Use a High-Quality Steam Sauna
Consistent, even steam enhances calorie burning.
(AuraPro is designed for this; link below.)
3. Hydrate Properly
More hydration = more sweating = more calories burned.
4. Use It After a Workout
Your metabolism remains elevated.
This doubles calorie burning.
5. Increase Frequency
3–5 sessions per week boosts fat-loss results over time.
6. Breathe Deeply
Increases oxygen flow and metabolism.
Calorie Burning: Steam Sauna vs. Infrared Sauna
| Type of Sauna | Calorie Burn | Heat Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steam Sauna | 100–300 calories | Moist heat | Detox, calorie burn, skin health |
| Infrared Sauna | 80–200 calories | Direct heat | Muscle recovery |
Steam saunas use moist heat, making them more intense for calorie burn.
How Many Calories Do You Burn in a Steam Sauna PER WEEK?
If a Canadian uses a steam sauna:
-
15–20 minutes per session
-
5 days per week
You’ll burn approximately:
600–1,000 calories per week
That’s the equivalent of:
-
1.5 hours of jogging
-
3 hours of fast walking
-
4–5 Orangetheory or F45 classes
All while sitting, relaxing, and breathing steam.
Steam Sauna + Exercise = Maximum Fat Loss for Canadians
For Canadians wanting to burn fat faster:
The best routine is:
-
Exercise for 20–40 minutes
-
Steam sauna for 15–20 minutes
Benefits:
✔ Higher calorie burn
✔ Better metabolism
✔ Increased fat oxidation
✔ Improved recovery
✔ Less belly fat over time
This combination is highly effective during cold Canadian winters when activity levels drop.
Is Steam Sauna Calorie Burning Safe?
Absolutely, when done correctly.
Safe guidelines:
-
Never exceed 30 minutes
-
Drink water before and after
-
Avoid alcohol
-
Pregnant individuals should avoid sauna use
-
Listen to your body
-
Exit if dizzy or overheated
Steam saunas are generally very safe for healthy adults.
Why AuraPro Sauna Is Perfect for Canadians Who Want to Burn Calories at Home
The AuraPro Sauna offers Canadians the best way to burn calories at home:
-
Strong, even steam distribution
-
Comfortable temperature range
-
Portable and space-saving
-
Energy efficient
-
Quick heating
-
Perfect for weight-loss support
-
Designed for Canadian climates and homes
Canadians use AuraPro to lose weight, reduce bloating, recover faster, sleep better, and significantly reduce stress.
👉 Product link:
https://auraprosauna.com/products/aurapro-sauna
Final Answer: How Many Calories Do You Burn in a Steam Sauna?
Here’s the simple breakdown:
→ 15 minutes: 60–150 calories
→ 20 minutes: 100–200 calories
→ 30 minutes: 150–300 calories
Factors like weight, humidity, and heart rate influence the total.
Using a steam sauna regularly can help Canadians burn calories, improve metabolism, reduce belly fat, and maintain a healthier lifestyle—especially in winter.