For this week’s Product of the Week, we’re shifting gears. Instead of spotlighting something bolted to a bike or worn on the track, we’re looking at a product designed to elevate the athletes who make our sport what it is. Over the past 50 years, motocross has evolved in every direction — faster bikes, rougher tracks, smarter techniques. And while the sport has always demanded grit, we’re now seeing a new era where training and recovery are just as important as horsepower and corner speed.
Compared to mainstream sports like professional hockey, motocross has traditionally lagged behind in structured training methods. But that gap is closing fast. Tools like the Sports Sauna are pushing riders into a new frontier of performance, recovery, and longevity — helping today’s pros stay competitive well into their 30s.
Why Sports Saunas Matter
Sports saunas aren’t just about sweating it out. They’re becoming a legitimate training and recovery tool for athletes who want every possible advantage. Some of the key benefits include:
- Muscle Recovery: Heat relaxes muscles, reduces soreness, and helps prevent DOMS after intense riding or gym sessions.
- Heat Acclimation: Regular sauna use helps athletes adapt to high heat environments — a major advantage during summer motos.
- Endurance Gains: Sauna exposure can increase blood volume, supporting improved stamina and overall performance.
- Cell Repair: Heat shock proteins activated in the sauna help repair damaged cells and support long term health.
- Mental Clarity: Riders often report sharper focus and reduced fatigue after consistent sauna sessions.
- Growth Hormone Release: Sauna use naturally boosts growth hormones, aiding muscle repair and development.
For riders chasing that extra edge — or simply trying to stay healthy through a long season — incorporating sauna sessions can be a game changer.
A Story of Hard Work, Hockey, and Heat
If there’s anyone who understands the value of pushing the limits of training, it’s retired NHL player and off road riding enthusiast Aaron Downey. Growing up, Aaron wasn’t always the most naturally gifted player on the ice. What he did have was an unmatched work ethic — the kind that became the backbone of his career. That relentless drive carried him from minor hockey to the NHL, where he played 243 games and hoisted the Stanley Cup with the Detroit Red Wings in 2008.
After hanging up his skates, Aaron didn’t slow down. For the past 15 years, he’s been training athletes from multiple sports at his farm near Honeywood, Ontario. And in true Downey fashion, he’s continued searching for new ways to help athletes train smarter, recover faster, and stay healthier.
That pursuit led him — along with his close friend and NHL legend Chris Chelios — to launch a Sports Sauna business that has exploded in popularity. These aren’t your typical backyard saunas. They’re custom built, Canadian made performance environments designed for yoga, stationary bike sessions, strength workouts, and more. Pair one with a custom cold plunge tub outside, and you’ve got a complete training and recovery system right at your doorstep.
Whether you’re a professional rider chasing championships, a young athlete trying to build better habits off the bike, or a parent looking for a place to unwind between race weekends, a Sports Sauna is a long term investment that pays dividends in performance and overall well being. If you’d like more information on these custom Canadian made saunas, please visit: Aaron Downey Training Methods
