Welcome to the humorous beginner’s guide to saunas, if you want to learn and smile at the same time..!
Have you ever been at a fancy spa or fitness center and seen that little darkish room with some dimmed, steamy lights and thought to yourself, What the heck is that thing…..? Well, my friend, that little room is a sauna, and it’s basically a giant toaster oven for your whole body..!
But seriously, a sauna is a small room or house designed for relaxation and detoxification through the use of heat and steam. You might be wondering, How does it work? Well, for the traditional type, the heat is usually generated by a wood-burning stove or electric heater, and the steam is produced by pouring water over hot stones. The idea is that the heat and steam help to open up your pores and sweat out all the toxins in your body. And the best part is, you get to sit there and relax while it’s happening……!
Now, you might be thinking, This all sounds great, but where can I find a sauna? Well, you’re in luck, because saunas can be found at fitness centers, spas, and even some homes. So, next time you’re at the gym and you see that little foggy light, go ahead and give it a try! Just remember to bring some swim-wear or towel, and take a second towel to sit on. Trust me, you don’t want to be the person who forgets the towel and has to sit on the bare wood bench!
So, there you have it – the basics of saunas. But wait, there’s more! In the next sections, we’ll dive into the different types of saunas, how to prepare for your first sauna session, how to sauna like a pro, and the many benefits of sauna use.
Stay tuned for more sauna smiles and enlightenment!
Sauna showdown: A guide to the different types of saunas
Let’s now talk about the different types of saunas and how they work. Or, as I like to call them, the sauna smorgasbord!
First up, we’ll talk about the fancy schmancy traditional, infrared, and steam saunas. You know, the ones you see at fancy spas and gymnasiums. But don’t worry, we won’t judge you if you don’t have a membership to an exclusive sauna club. We’re all friends here..!
And then, we’ll move on to the more budget-friendly options – portable saunas and sauna blankets. Because let’s be real, not everyone can afford a permanent sauna room in their house. Some of us have to make do with a little creativity and a lot of sweat… So, no matter what your budget is, we’ve got you covered. Well, covered in sweat, at least.
Sweating it out in style: The traditional sauna experience
First up, we have traditional saunas. Now, these are the classic saunas that you might find at a spa or gym, and they use heat and steam to create a hot, humid environment. It’s basically like a giant toaster oven for your whole body. Mmmm, toasty! The heat is usually generated by a wood-burning stove or electric heater, and the steam is produced by pouring water over hot stones.
Now, these saunas are typically made of wood, which gives them a nice, rustic feel… Or a ‘this sauna has been here since the 1800s’ feel, depending on how you look at it. And they can be quite large, so you’ll have plenty of space to spread out and sweat it out…! Or to do a little sauna yoga, if you’re feeling flexible…..!
But the downside is that they’re not always the most portable option. Unless you have a pickup truck and a team of oxen to help you transport it. So, if you’re looking for a more portable option, you might want to consider one of the other types of saunas we’ll be discussing…
But if you’re all about the classic sauna experience and don’t mind a little extra sweat, traditional saunas might be the way to go. Just remember to bring a towel and stay hydrated, and you’ll be sweating it out like a pro in no time….! Or at least, you’ll be really, really sweaty. Same difference….
Get your warm hug from the sun with infrared saunas
Next up on our tour of saunas is the infrared sauna..! Now, these saunas use infrared light to heat your body directly, rather than heating the air around you. It’s like getting a warm hug from the sun, without all the dangerous UV rays. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good hug from the sun? Except maybe vampires. But they’re not exactly big on saunas either.
This direct heating can lead to a more comfortable, lower-temperature sauna experience, and some people find it easier on their skin. No more sweating it out in a sauna that feels like the inside of a volcano…! Infrared saunas are also typically smaller and more portable than traditional saunas, so they’re a great option if you’re short on space or want to be able to take your sauna with you when you move. Just don’t try to take it on an airplane. Trust me, it won’t end well.
So, if you’re looking for a more comfortable, movable sauna experience, an infrared sauna might be the way to go…
Sing it out in the steam room: A humid sauna option
Next up on our tour of saunas is the steam sauna, also known as a steam room. Now, these saunas use steam to create a hot, humid environment, rather than heat and dryer air like traditional saunas…! It’s like taking a hot shower, but with a bunch of other people. And let’s be real, who doesn’t love a good steam room sing-along? Especially if it’s a catchy tune about sweating it out and feeling rejuvenated.
Steam saunas are often found at spas and are typically made of tile or marble. So they’re not exactly the most portable option. But hey, at least they look fancy. They’re a great option if you’re looking for a more humid sauna experience, or if you just really enjoy the smell of other people’s sweat. Hey, to each their own! Some people like the smell of eucalyptus, some people like the smell of sweat. It’s all good.
Now, the main difference between a steam sauna and a traditional sauna is the humidity level. Steam saunas are more humid, while traditional saunas are drier. So if you’re the kind of person who prefers to sweat in a rainforest-like environment, a steam sauna might be more up your alley.
Sweat on the go with a portable sauna
Next up on our tour of saunas is the portable sauna..! Now, if you’re short on space or just want a more portable option, this might be the way to go. Portable saunas are designed to be easily set up and taken down, and they’re often made of materials like nylon or polyester. So, they’re not exactly the most natural-feeling saunas. But hey, at least they’re easy to pack up and take with you on your next sweat-filled adventure.
These saunas are a great option if you don’t have a lot of space, or if you just really enjoy the feeling of sweating it out in a giant, portable toaster oven. Who doesn’t love a good toaster oven sweat session? Or is that just me? They’re also a good option if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly sauna experience… Because let’s be real, not everyone can afford a permanent sauna room in their house. Some of us have to make do with a little creativity and a lot of sweat.
Just remember to follow the instructions for setting up and using your portable sauna, and to stay hydrated. And maybe bring an extra towel or two. You never know when you might need to mop up all that sweat. And with a portable sauna, you’ll be able to sweat it out wherever you go. Or at least, wherever you have an outlet and a little bit of privacy. Happy sweating!
Snuggle up with a sauna blanket: The budget-friendly option
And last but not least, we have sauna blankets….! Now, these are budget-friendly, minimalistic, portable ‘saunas’ that you can use on the go. They use infrared light to heat your body and can be used on a bed or sofa. It’s like a giant, warm, snuggly blanket, but for your whole body. So basically, it’s like a hug from the sun, but in blanket form. And who doesn’t love a good sun hug?
If you want to sweat it out in the comfort of your own home and you’re on a tight budget, a sauna blanket might be the option for you. Just make sure your pets don’t mistake it for a giant chew toy – that’s not a good look for anyone.
So, there you have it – the different types of saunas and how they work. Whether you prefer a traditional sauna, an infrared sauna, a steam sauna, a portable sauna, or a sauna blanket, there’s an option for everyone. And let’s be real, no matter which one you choose, you’re still going to be sweating it out. So just pick the one that makes you the most comfortable, and let the sweat flow….!
In the next section, I’ll be showing you how to prepare for your first sauna session. Because let’s be real, the last thing you want is to be sitting in a public sauna, realizing you forgot your swim wear and have to use a leaf as a makeshift loincloth. …trust me, it’s not a pretty look.
But don’t worry, I’ll make sure you don’t embarrass yourself like that. Just stay tuned, and get ready to become a sauna pro! Or at least, to not embarrass yourself in the sauna. That’s a win in my book.
Sweat it Out: Preparing for Your First Sauna Experience
In the last section, we talked about the different sauna types out there. Now, it’s time to prepare for your first sauna session..!
Before you head to the sauna, there are a few basic rules and tips you should know to make the most of your experience. First and foremost, wear a bikini or speedos, or just a towel if it’s a nude sauna, and bring a second towel to sit on. Trust me, you don’t want to be the person who forgets the towel and has to sit on the bare wood bench.
Next, take off any jewelry or watches, as they can get hot and uncomfortable. You might want to leave the diamond necklace at home – it’s not a good look when it’s dripping with sweat.
It’s also important to stay hydrated before and after your sauna session. The heat and steam can make you sweat a lot, which can lead to dehydration if you’re not careful. So, make sure to drink plenty of water before and after your sauna session to help keep your body hydrated.
And that’s a wrap! You’re officially a sauna beginner, ready to tackle your first sauna session with confidence. Or at least, you will be as soon as you find your speedos and remember how to tie a towel around your waist. In the next section, we’ll cover all the pro tips and tricks you need to know to really sweat it out like a pro. And no, sweating profusely does not mean you’re a pro. Just a really, really sweaty person. Stay tuned, and get ready to become a sauna master!
Sweating Like a Boss: Sauna Tips for Pros
You’ve made it to the elite section, and now it’s time to enjoy your sauna session like a pro..!
First things first, it’s important to start with a short session (5-15 minutes) and gradually increase the length as your body becomes accustomed to the heat. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than jumping into a sauna for an hour on your first try and ending up a hot, sweaty mess.
Speaking of hot and sweaty, it’s also important to take breaks as needed to cool down and rehydrate. The heat and steam can be intense, so don’t be afraid to step out of the sauna for a minute to catch your breath and have a drink of water….!
Another pro tip is to try different saunas and temperatures to see what works best for you. Not all saunas are created equal, and you might find that you prefer a hotter, drier sauna or a cooler, more humid one. Experiment and see what feels best for your body. It’s all about finding your sauna sweet spot – and no, I’m not talking about that awkward moment when you realize you left your swim wear at home.
Sweating for a cause: The surprising benefits of sauna use
Ok, so let’s now talk about the benefits of saunas. And let me tell you, there are actually some pretty surprising wins to sauna use.
First of all, saunas can do wonders for your cardio state… When you sit in a sauna, your body is exposed to high temperatures, which can cause your heart rate to go up and your blood vessels to open up. This has been said to lead to improved blood flow, lower blood pressure, and a reduced risk of heart disease. So, basically, saunas can help to keep your ticker in tip-top shape.
But that’s not all…! Saunas can also be great for relieving stress. You know how when you take a hot bath or shower, you just feel all relaxed and calm? Well, saunas can have a similar effect on your stress levels. The heat and steam can help to loosen up your muscles and calm your mind, making it a great way to unwind after a long day.
And if you have trouble sleeping, saunas might just be the answer to your problems. The heat and relaxation of a sauna session can help to tire you out and get you ready for a good night’s sleep. So, if you’re tossing and turning at night, maybe give a sauna a try.
But wait, there’s more! Saunas can also be great for your skin. The heat and steam help to open up your pores and remove dirt and impurities, leaving your skin feeling clean and refreshed. And the sweating can help to flush out toxins, giving your skin a healthy glow. Now, that’s what I call a true beauty hack..!
Sauna Wrap-Up: The Most Important Points
Well, that’s it for the humorous newbie guide to saunas..!
As you can tell by now, there’s a sauna for every personality and budget! And, if you just keep a few things in mind, you’ll become a sauna pro in no time. That’s when you’ll get to enjoy the envious looks at your glowing skin and rejuvenated statue!
And remember, don’t be afraid to have fun and try different things in the sauna. Bring some music, bring a book, or just sit and relax. The sauna is a great place to let go of the stress of the day and just be in the moment…
So, go ahead and give the sauna a try – your body (and your sense of humor) will thank you.
Until next time, happy sauna-ing!
Anna
Author: Anna Svensson
Anna is a Scandinavian who grew up with saunas. She has had a life-long love for, and interest in, saunas. In this blog, she shares her best hacks and things she has learned about saunas over the years. You can read more about Anna in the “About” page.
