Category Archives: Sauna & Steam

A sauna is a wonderfully relaxing experience and one that many people choose for themselves at home. However, it’s not just about self-care and home spa days, as your sauna also has a number of key health benefits that might surprise you. If you’re keen to make the most of your sauna in 2022 then there are lots of reasons to do it.

• Improve the quality of your sleep. There’s no getting away from how vital sleep is, especially during the winter months. A whole body of research has found that spending time in your sauna on a regular basis can help you achieve deeper sleep and relax more. This is a combination of the body’s temperature being elevated and the fact that endorphins are being released in the hours before you sleep.
• Detoxifying. You probably know that a sauna will make you sweat – and that means the opportunity to detoxify the largest organ in your body, the skin. Sweating in a sauna is more intense than anywhere else, which makes it a great opportunity to help rid your skin of toxins such as heavy metals and chemicals that have been ingested or absorbed.
• Deal differently with stress. No matter what’s going on in your life you can change the way that you deal with it by regularly using your sauna. For example, regular sauna time can help to bring down levels of cortisol in your system (cortisol is like alarm bells) and increase serotonin (happy hormones). Serotonin is also responsible for bone and skin health so your sauna can not only make you feel better – and less stressed – but ensure you’re physically healthier too.
• Better brain function. You’d probably expect much of the research on saunas to hail from Finland (where everyone has one). One local study there focused on men using their saunas for 20 years, 4-7 times a week. The research found that the sauna use was associated with a lower risk of dementia and alzheimers.
• Enhanced blood flow helps your muscles and joints. When you’re in a sauna, blood flows better throughout the circulatory system and this is highly beneficial for reducing lactic acid build up. It can even help to reduce chronic injuries and make healing faster and more efficient.
• Boosting the immune system. Exposure to the heat of a sauna can help with the creation of the white blood cells that our bodies use to fight infection and viruses. Studies have found that those who regularly use a sauna can suffer less from seasonal colds and – if they do get one it tends to be shorter and less severe.
• Burning the calories. Although a sauna is not an instant weight loss cure, the heat plus the sweat can significantly increase the number of calories burned over a period of time. It’s no substitute for healthy eating and exercise but can be a great support to them.

If you’re keen to take advantage of your sauna in 2022 these are some very good reasons to make more time for it.

With a range of traditional and soft options as a modular sauna that allows you to customise the shape, size and design of your sauna and a large variety of ready-made saunas we are sure that we can find the right model for you. Get in touch with a member of our expert team today to discuss our 0% APR Finance options and for more information about our extensive range of saunas and steam rooms.

After a scorching summer, there’ve been moments when the humidity has felt like being in a sauna. This can make the thought of getting into a sauna sound crazy when it’s so warm outside. However, there are some great reasons why you should continue using a sauna, even in warmer months.

Acclimatising to the Heat

Those 35-degree days won’t feel half as hot as they did before if you decide to take a quick, 20-minute sauna session before cooling off in an icy shower or swimming pool. It’s a terrific way to enjoy the heat without exposing yourself to the sun’s harmful rays.

Relaxing The Muscles

The sauna offers a soothing and unwinding environment. A confined space filled with hot air can help aching muscles and tight joints. The sauna is a great way to relax those muscles and calm your body and mind.

Mood enhancer

According to studies, the warmth that a sauna provides gives the same physical benefits as a quick workout. Endorphins are released, leaving you to feel rejuvenated and giving you the energy you need to finish off the rest of the day or to fall asleep soundly.

Stress-relieving

A stressful day’s worries can be eased by escaping to the peace and quiet of a sauna. Breathe deeply and let the heat and steam take care of the rest.

Losing Water Weight and Burning Calories

The longer summer days can result in going to bed later and doing more activities, but they can also mean more time to eat. What better way to chip away at those excess calories than jumping in the sauna for a couple of minutes? Your body burns more calories due to increased heart rate, raising your metabolism.

Enhances Skin

A sauna’s powerful and controlled heat boosts your body’s circulation. Dead skin cells are removed, facial tension is reduced, skin suppleness is improved, and harmful germs are detoxified. This ultimately leaves your skin feeling rejuvenated, nourished, and radiant.

Pain Relief

Head relieves stress, tension, and physical discomfort by reducing inflammation. Every area of the body instantly relaxes in the intense heat of a traditional sauna, which also promotes blood circulation and eases any pain that has been suppressed or neglected.

Enhances Immune Functionality

Is there anything worse than having a cold in the summer? The immune system can benefit from a sauna session. The intense heat makes your body believe you have a fever. To fight off infection, your body will naturally manufacture extra white blood cells. Additionally, the steam aids in sinus and airway clearing. So, sit back and take a few long breaths.

Athletic Training

To better prepare yourself for a hot, humid race day, the sauna helps the body adjust to increased heat levels. Red blood cell synthesis is also increased by the high heat, giving you more energy and oxygen for a lengthier and tougher workout.

Relaxing Escape

Escape to the sauna for some peace and quiet during the hectic summer.

The sauna is intended to be used throughout the summer, and maintaining your regular sauna routine will only benefit your health.

With a range of traditional and soft options as a modular sauna that allows you to customise the shape, size and design of your sauna and a large variety of ready-made saunas we are sure that we can find the right model for you. Get in touch with a member of our expert team today to discuss our 0% APR Finance options and for more information about our extensive range of saunas and steam rooms.

The idea that saunas shouldn’t be used in the summer is astonishingly common. This is because saunas are commonly regarded as fantastic at warming you up, and therefore you don’t need to use one in the summer period. Many people think that saunas are just used to protect those living in Scandinavia from the Nordic chill, however, it’s actually common to have a sauna in a summer house.

Saunas are frequently built close to lakes in the Nordic nations so that visitors can enjoy them in the summer alongside a refreshing swim in the lake. At any time of year, your body can benefit from the sauna’s scientifically proven health benefits. Did you know, saunas can even help you cool down in the summer by acclimatising your body to the heat? Even though it is summer, using a sauna can still help you burn calories, lose weight, improve your heart and respiratory health, relax your muscles, and most importantly feel amazing.

Using a sauna to cool your body down dates back to the Roman and Ottoman Empires. These baths provided heated water and hot rooms to bathers in hot Middle Eastern and North African counties. This was to help the body acclimatise to the hot temperatures (before air conditioning) & to reap some of the amazing health benefits.

Don’t let the heat deter you from enjoying a good, soothing sauna session this summer, no matter how hot it gets. Then, to bring your body’s temperature down, take a cool shower or a dip in a plunge pool. Your body will be better able to withstand the summer heat after using a sauna in the summer since you’ll feel calm and balanced.

When your body temperature rises, tension is released effortlessly from your muscles and joints. Sauna bathing also opens up your pores, aiding the secretion of metabolic waste toxins. This helps to cleanse your body, inside and out, leaving you feeling truly revitalised.

With a range of traditional and soft options as a modular sauna that allows you to customise the shape, size and design of your sauna and a large variety of ready-made saunas we are sure that we can find the right model for you. Get in touch with a member of our expert team today to discuss our 0% APR Finance options and for more information about our extensive range of saunas and steam rooms.

The benefits of relaxing in a sauna are no secret. There’s nothing more physically energising than taking time out of your day to chill out in a sauna and sweat the stresses of daily life away! Tension dissipates, muscles relax and mentally we emerge refreshed, reenergised and ready to tackle whatever is ahead of us.

It only takes a few minutes to look and feel refreshed. People all across the world experience the amazing benefits that derive as the body reacts to the gentle, persistent heat. As a result, an increasing number of medical professionals are recommending sauna use due to its purifying benefits. Let’s dive into some of the fantastic advantages that sauna use brings to both the body and mind!

Saunas improve cardiovascular performance

The skin heats up and our core body temperature rises when using a sauna. This causes the blood vessels near the skin to dilate and our cardiac output rises.

According to medical studies, the heart rate can rise from 60-70 bpm in the sauna to 110-120 bpm and then drop to below normal following the cooling off stage. Sauna use has been shown to lower the risk of all-cause mortality and fatal cardiac attacks, as well as the risk of stroke and hypertension.

Saunas help the recovery process after a workout

Saunas have been proven to help people recover quickly after exercising by reducing joint and muscle strains and lactic acid build-up. After just one sauna session, growth hormone levels rise by 200-300 percent, which aids in the reduction of muscle atrophy, a great benefit if you participate in strength training. It has also been proven to reduce fatigue in long distance runners.

Saunas flush out toxins

The core body temperature begins to rise as a result of the sauna’s heat. Sweat is primarily produced to cool the body and is made up of 99 percent water. Deep sweating in a sauna, on the other hand, can help to lower levels of lead, copper, zinc, nickel, mercury, and other substances in the body.

Decreases incidents of Alzheimer’s

A 20-year study conducted with more than 2,300 participants at the University of Eastern Finland by Dr. Jari Laukkanen and his colleagues revealed regular sauna use (4-7 times per week) at 80 degrees C for 19 minutes lowered the risk for both Alzheimer’s & Dementia.

Saunas help to relieve stress

Saunas can help to reduce stress levels and lower instances of depression and other mental health issues. In addition to the adaption to stress, the improved cardiorespiratory fitness contributes to the therapeutic effects of sauna for depression and anxiety.

As well as these great benefits, saunas can help induce a deeper sleep, fight illness and even burn calories! Introducing sauna use to your lifestyle is a great way to improve your overall health and wellbeing.

With a range of traditional and soft options as a modular sauna that allow you to customise the shape, size and design of your sauna and a large variety of ready-made saunas we are sure that we can find the right model for you. Get in touch with our expert sales team today to explore our range of saunas and steam rooms.

The short answer is, it depends. The temperature of your sauna will be determined by the type of sauna you choose and its features and amenities. In this article we’ve broken down the recommended temperatures for each sauna type and some of the great features that come with them.

Traditional Saunas

When we talk about traditional saunas, we’re usually referring to Finnish or smoke saunas which use wood, gas or electricity to power them. Most commercial saunas use electricity to heat them, making them quite powerful. Originally, a wood-burning furnace was used to heat the rocks in this sort of sauna. They work on the premise of producing steam after pouring water over the stones & is believed to have great benefits for your lungs, sinuses and skin. The Finnish Sauna Society recommends that sauna temperatures range from 80-90 degrees Celsius.

Infrared Saunas

Unlike some traditional saunas, infrared saunas are completely powered by electricity and use infrared heating panels to generate radiant heat. Infrared saunas do not heat the space around you; therefore, the required temperature can be lower, often between 38-65 degrees Celsius, with most experts recommending a temperature towards the higher end of this range. Since the temperature in an infrared sauna is more tolerable, your sauna sessions can last longer than in a traditional sauna.

Portable Saunas

The portable sauna is one of the most advanced forms now available on the market. It warms the surface of your skin with infrared heating panels and radiant heat. Because most versions are basically portable infrared saunas, the required interior temperatures are between 38 and 65.5 degrees Celsius. This option is worth considering if you want to buy your own sauna, especially if you enjoy travelling. You can take it with you everywhere you go and enjoy from the sauna’s benefits.

Steam Saunas

In comparison to the traditional or infrared sauna, the steam sauna operates in a completely different way. They feature a steam generator, which boils water instead of using dry heat to warm you. Because this sort of sauna is completely airtight, the humidity level can hit 100%, but the temperatures are lower than in a traditional sauna. The steam sauna’s usual temperature ranges from 32 to 49 degrees C, but the humidity may make it feel warmer.

Each type of sauna has great benefits for the body. Depending on the level of heat and moisture you prefer will have an effect on the type of sauna you choose to purchase. The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company ensures the process for you designing and customising your sauna remains hassle-free, leaving you with peace of mind throughout the process. We remain completely flexible regarding all elements of the design from size, to shape to positionings, making your dream sauna come to life. Get in touch today to explore our range of saunas.

Using a sauna is easy, but are you truly making the most out of the possible health benefits that relaxing in a sauna can provide? We’ve put together a comprehensive guide that will detail how you can best benefit from sauna use and answer some of the most frequently asked questions that we get from our clients.

The correct way to use a sauna

• Shower and dry yourself before entering the sauna. This is because dry skin sweats more quickly than moist skin.
• If this is your first time using a sauna, we’d recommend spending roughly 8 to 10 minutes relaxing
• Once you’re in the sauna, use an underlay towel to keep your body from touching the wood. The higher you sit in the sauna, the hotter it becomes, so if it’s your first time using a sauna, you might want to start with a middle or lower bench.
• Each heating session in the sauna is followed by a cooling session. The best way to improve circulation is to gently lead the cold castings from the ankles upwards towards the heart. Make sure you use cold water to make the most of the Kneipp effect, helping to support your circulation.
• You should wait rest for around 30-45 minutes between sauna sessions.

Why should you take a cold shower after using a sauna?

When the skin is cooled by a cold stimulus such as a shower, your blood pressure rises causing your body to work harder and training your cardiovascular system. This is a great exercise for those with naturally low blood pressure, however you need to ensure that the cooling is severe enough to make the most out of the effect.

Have you considered sauna infusions?

During infusion, the levels of humidity quickly rise and for a few minutes the heat becomes even more intense. The infusion should be started after the second sauna session. Essential oils should only be used sparingly and should be diluted to prevent a causing a fire hazard. The soothing effects are intensified by the fragrances.

With a range of traditional and soft sauna options available, such as a modular sauna that allow you to customise the shape, size and design of your sauna and a large variety of ready-made saunas we are sure that we can find the right model for you. Get in contact with a member of the team today to explore our range of products

There are many types of saunas on the market today ranging from the traditional Finish style, which usually uses dry heat to the Turkish style which tends to have more moisture. Sauna use is great for a post-workout relaxation session or a treat whilst you’re on holiday.

How to use a sauna

If you’re attending a communal sauna, like at the gym, make sure you’re abiding by the proper etiquette. Some of these include:

• Before you enter the sauna, make sure you take a quick post-workout shower.
• When entering and exiting the sauna, do so quickly in order to keep the heat in.
• Take note of the attire at the sauna.

Sauna safety tips

Whether you sauna in a public or private setting, you should follow and be aware of some of the safety precautions:

• Avoid using a sauna if you’re taking medication that interferes with your body’s ability to regulate temperature.
• To avoid dehydration, drink at least one full glass of water before and after using a sauna.
• Refrain from drinking alcohol before, during, or after sauna use.
• Never fall asleep in a sauna
• Exit the sauna if you feel dizzy or ill.

How saunas work

The way that heat is produced in a sauna can vary. Some of the most popular methods include:

• Infrared: Instead of heating the entire space, infrared saunas use lights that emit electromagnetic radiation to heat your body. Infrared saunas have a lower temperature than other sauna styles, usually around 140°F (60°C).
• Wood: This traditional technique involves burning wood to create embers or heating sauna rocks. It creates dry heat with little humidity. Every 10 minutes or so, ladle water onto the rocks to impart bursts of moisture and heat to the room.
• Electric: To heat sauna rocks to a high temperature, many health clubs and gyms employ electrical heaters. The low humidity and dry heat produced by this process are identical to those produced by wood burning.
• Steam: Steam from boiling water is used to create wet heat and high humidity in Turkish-style saunas. Turkish bathhouses or steam rooms are other names for saunas.

Saunas offer a relaxing experience as well as many health benefits. It’s critical to use a sauna safely and adhere to certain etiquette guidelines. Saunas may help with a variety of conditions, including cardiovascular disease and depression. They aren’t suitable for everyone, though. Before attending a sauna, talk to your doctor, especially if you have a medical problem or are pregnant.

As the UK’s number 1 wellness expert, providing exceptional self-cleaning hot tubs, swim spas, saunas and steam rooms, backed by 35 years of outstanding customer service. Our award-winning team will be delighted to guide you through our range of luxury products in order to help you achieve a piece of everyday happiness.

Winter is here! While some of us love it, with the shorter days and colder temperatures there are many who find winter to be challenging. If you’re not using a sauna this winter, we’re sure that these three reasons will convert you into an avid sauna user, with these benefits making the winter period a little more bearable. 

Sauna use has been proven to improve your mood

Are you struggling to feel motivated? Research has shown that people who frequently use their saunas feel more energised for longer periods of time. Using a sauna is a must if you suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or Winter Depression. Using a sauna helps the body release endorphins, helping to boost your mood.

Sauna use boosts your immune system

Finding the motivation to exercise during the winter months can be challenging. But it’s still really important to sweat to help remove toxins from your body. This is why a sauna will become your best friend during the winter period. It also helps to improve your circulation, making your heart work harder to pump blood around your body.

Sauna use helps to alleviate flu symptoms

The arrival of winter means we’re well into flu season. There’s nothing worse than feeling run down and exhausted from cold and flu symptoms. One of the best things you can do to protect yourself this winter is to use a sauna regularly. Apart from it being good for your overall health, sauna use has been proven to clear sinuses and slow the growth of viruses as a result of the high temperature.   

Kickstart your winter with your very own home sauna. From the great health benefits to boosting your overall mood, sauna use really is a must during the winter period.

The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company is the UK’s number 1 wellness expert, providing exceptional self-cleaning hot tubs, swim spas, saunas and steam rooms, backed by 35 years of outstanding customer service.

With a range of traditional and soft options as a modular sauna that allow you to customise the shape, size and design of your sauna and a large variety of ready-made saunas we are sure that we can find the right model for you.

It may be news to you, but there are some incredible health benefits that you can enjoy from simply sitting in a sauna! Using saunas as a form of therapy has been popular for years, largely as a way to relax in a stress-free atmosphere.

After being used across Finland, you can now find saunas in spas and homes around the world. Check out these 5 surprising health benefits that you’re likely to experience next time you decide to take some me-time and relax in the sauna.

Increased Circulation

One of the best benefits you can expect from relaxing in a sauna is a dramatic improvement in your circulation. When your body is exposed to heat, your heart begins to work harder, allowing your blood vessels to expand, enabling blood to flow more freely throughout your body. This is so important as it helps promote your overall health, supporting your body when dealing with muscular pains – great for fitness fanatics and athletes! Using a sauna can also enhance joint movement, allowing you to walk about more freely. Oh… did we mention that better circulation can aid in reducing arthritic pain? All in all, using a sauna is great in promoting overall body functionality and mobility.

Reduces the risk of developing heart disease

 Sauna use has been found to support a healthy heart. A 20-year study conducted in Finland monitored participants and their sauna usage. Their results showed that those who relaxed in the sauna at least once a week were much less likely to suffer from cardiovascular disease or cardiac arrest. This is due to the fact that using a sauna mimics moderate exercise in most people. While a sauna should not be used in place of a regular exercise routine, it can help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Support a weight loss programme

There is a myriad of weight loss fads these days – but many people overlook the positive impact sauna use can have on weight loss. Research has shown that the increase in temperature, increases your heart rate when you’re in the sauna – with some people burning up to 500 calories after 20 minutes. This is the case as your body’s metabolism increases in a similar way to when exercising. Again, it isn’t a good idea to supplement sauna use for exercise, but it can certainly support you on your weight loss journey.

Flush toxins from the body

As many jobs are sedentary and involve sitting behind a desk, most people don’t sweat on a regular basis. This means that toxins in the atmosphere such as lead, arsenic, and cadmium that your body has absorbed end up getting trapped deep in the skin. You’re able to sweat away those toxins by spending time in a sauna. It’s a simple and safe approach to reduce the harmful effects of these substances in your body.

A great reliever of stress

There are several reasons why saunas are great stress reliever. Firstly, when you choose to relax in a sauna, you are isolating yourself from the outside world. With no phones, laptops or tablets to distract you, you’re able to fully relax and unwind. Reason number 2 has to do with the release of endorphins. With an elevated heart rate, endorphins are produced at a higher rate, allowing you to feel great whilst you relax.

The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company stocks an extensive range of saunas and steam rooms – from our affordable luxury range to the TylöHelo Custom Saunas, we’re sure we have the perfect sauna for you. To discuss your options, call 0208 300 4003 to speak to a member of our award-winning sales team.