National championship gold, top 10 World Cup finishes, and a World Championship spot – for cross-country skier Silje Theodorsen (31), infrared sauna has become an invaluable tool in her pursuit of those small margins.
– One second is a lot. It can be the difference between a podium finish and not, she says.
Silje currently lives in Oslo but is originally from Kvaløya outside Tromsø. She competes for the private team Team Aker Dæhlie and is among Norway's top skiers.
Started late – quickly found her drive
Her passion for cross-country skiing came relatively late, at the age of 13.
– I've always been active and love competition. When I discovered that skiing was something I could compete in, it became extra fun.
She made her mark with a gold medal in sprint at the Youth Winter Olympics in 2012. Since then, she has been uncompromising in her dedication.
From Finnish sauna to infrared technology
Silje has long had a good relationship with saunas, primarily from training camps in Finland.
– There, saunas are attached to all cabins and apartments, and it has become a natural part of the stay. I have noticed the benefits on my body, but you can't just build a traditional Finnish sauna at home, she laughs.
Through social media and a training partner, she discovered Radiant Health's infrared sauna, IR SaunaPod. Her friend uses it regularly and had a lot of positive things to say about its effect on training and recovery.
– I did a lot of research, and when I read about the health benefits, it aligned well with my own experiences from traditional sauna.
She decided to try it – and hasn't regretted it since.
– It's easy, very comfortable, and I find that recovery is faster. My body absorbs more training, and I have more energy. The sauna helps me train more and better.
More than the training session itself
Being a skier is about more than the training session itself. A lot lies in the preparations and in what she does before and after the session to optimize the outcome of each individual workout.
– I start the day with a good breakfast so that I have the energy I need to perform in training.
The first session often lasts two to three hours. When Silje comes home, she takes an IR sauna. She mixes an electrolyte drink to replenish her stores and sits in the sauna for 40–50 minutes, relaxing and evaluating the training session.
She compares it to a mindfulness session.
– I feel like I'm recharging. That's the best way to describe it. The infrared sauna is a charging station for my body, where I recover – both physically and mentally. I unwind and feel like I'm doing something good for my body.
Active and passive recovery in one
For Silje, this is a good first step in recovery.
– It's wonderful for starting the recovery process. Then I shower, make myself a good lunch, before resting, working a bit, and getting ready for the next training session.
She usually trains twice a day.
– Often, the limitation for us athletes is how much the body can actually absorb from training. If something can help increase performance, you use it, she smiles.
The sauna has also shown several positive side effects, including better sleep and skin.
– I use a watch to measure sleep, and it shows clear improvements. Sometimes I also track my heart rate when I'm in the sauna.
Even Silje, who is exceptionally well-trained, gets a high heart rate and sweats well in the infrared sauna tent.
– It basically gives the same effect as when I jog down after interval training. The difference is that I get to "train down" without using muscular capacity. I think that's fantastic.
She uses the sauna four to five times a week.
– I've become addicted to it.
Small details – big significance
Silje has also tested the heated vest HeatHug, which she likes after long poling sessions when her back is stiff and sore. Nevertheless, she prefers the IR sauna for her use.
The goal for the upcoming season is the same as always: to perform at her very best. In her preparations, the IR sauna has become a natural part of her training routine as one of several measures.
– It's about the big picture, and about doing many small things right over time to ski fast when it really counts.
Photo: Sebastian Loraas / Sloraas Media
