You’ve probably heard people talking about the benefits of using a sauna, or maybe you’ve seen one at your local gym and wondered why people use it. If so, the answer is fairly simple. Using a traditional sauna benefits your health when used correctly. That said, if you are planning on using a traditional sauna, then there are a few things that we’d like you to know first.
What are traditional saunas?
Traditional saunas typically have an unpainted, wooden aesthetic, with bench-like seats and a room sealed tight so none of the steam can escape. They generally use rocks to heat up and then pour water to create steam. Traditional saunas can reach temperatures of between 65°C and 90°C.
While the principle behind how a traditional sauna works is generally the same, there are various different types of saunas. For example, Finnish saunas usually use dry heat, while a Turkish-style sauna would have more moisture.
How you should use a sauna
Saunas are quite popular in most up-market gyms and fitness centres, so there’s a good chance you’ll probably have one near you. If you’re privileged enough, you may be able to have a sauna installed in your home. This is quite common in Finland. However, if you have to use a shared sauna with other people at the gym, there are a few do’s and don’t that you should be aware of, like:
- Take a shower before you use the sauna; there’s nothing worse than sitting next to someone who smells as they enter the sauna
- Don’t let the door stay open for too long. Saunas use an air-tight seal to trap the steam in it. Every time you open and close the sauna, some of this steam escapes while some cold hair gets in
- Consider how people dress. Some saunas allow nudity, while others don’t. You don’t want to accidentally enter a sauna that doesn’t allow nudity without clothes, as this might be embarrassing
- Lay down a towel; don’t just sit directly on the bench. Remember, people sweat profusely in saunas, including you. By sitting directly on the bench, you’re allowing your sweat to get onto the bench, making it less sanitary for the next person
- Saunas aren’t always huge, so it goes without saying that you need to consider the others in the sauna. So, if you need to stretch, rather stand and do it than make the others around you feel uncomfortable
- Keep in mind that people often use saunas as a means to relax. So, they may not want to engage in conversation and you need to respect that
- The sauna isn’t the place to brush your hair, shave, or groom in any way
Safety tips for using a sauna
Saunas are generally safe for the most part, but there are some risks that you need to be aware of and some safety precautions you need to take to avoid them. For example:
- Saunas may not be ideal for people with high blood pressure, heart issues, diabetes, or unstable angina. It’s best to check with a doctor before using a sauna if you have any of the above conditions
- Avoid using a sauna if you take any medication that limits your body’s ability to regulate your temperature
- It’s important to stay hydrated when you use a sauna, as the long exposure to heat can dehydrate you
- Drinking alcohol, using recreational drugs, or eating a large meal also isn’t suggested just before a sauna session
- Ideally, you shouldn’t sit in a sauna for more than 15 minutes at first. Listen to your body, and if anything starts feeling different or uncomfortable, rather leave early to be safe
- The sauna isn’t the place to take a nap
Book a sauna session in Brisbane
Now that you know what to expect in a Sauna, you may want to start looking for a suitable place to book a session. We recommend booking a sauna session at TH7 Body Labs’ traditional saunas in Brisbane through TH7’s website. Here, you can book and attend sauna sessions in a group or private sauna if you prefer.
Final thoughts
Traditional saunas have been used for thousands of years, so it’s no wonder they are still popular today. Remember to stay hydrated while you’re using the sauna, as the heat could cause you to become dehydrated. Also, when you’re done with the session, shower to wash all the sweat off your body.
