Category Archives: Sauna & Steam

Of all the things on your list to do this summer, using your sauna may not be up there. However, there are lots of good reasons to suggest that continuing with sauna sessions during the summer months is a very good idea. In fact, those who stop using their saunas at this time, or don’t use them consistently, often report feeling less well. A sauna can continue to deliver all the benefits that you usually enjoy, as well as a few more, and you don’t need to do much to adjust to summer use.

The benefits of sauna use in summer

Whether you’ve been using your sauna to support a weight loss programme, to help improve the condition of your skin or to help manage chronic pain, there is no reason why you shouldn’t continue to enjoy these benefits during the summer. You might also find that sticking consistently to your sauna sessions enables you to do more in summer weather, as the sauna will help you to acclimatise to the heat more easily. If you’re training for an event or activity due to take place in the summer a sauna may be an essential tool, as it can prepare your body to perform well in hot conditions.

Switching to summer sauna use

When the warmer months of the year roll around you can still continue to enjoy your sauna – these are our tips for getting the most from it.

• Take a shower before you have a sauna. Sunscreen can clog your pores and reduce the detoxifying impact of the sauna. Plus, when you start to sweat this can end up in a greasy, slippery mess on the floor.
• Make sure you’re hydrated at all times. In summer we’re more likely to get dehydrated and this can be compounded by sweating in a sauna. It’s always advisable to ensure that you get enough hydration during and after a sauna session and in the summer this is even more important. Adding a little salt and honey to your water or choosing coconut water can help to ensure that you replace the electrolytes that sweating can drain from your body.
• Jump into some cold water after your sauna. Whether it’s a cold shower or a chilly plunge pool this can feel really refreshing. It will also have the effect of pushing blood back to your essential organs and closing the pores on your skin.
• Don’t overdo your sessions. Stick to the 20 minute limit in the summer and get out of the sauna if you feel dizzy or sick at any time. If you want to extend your sauna use in summer then wait long enough in between sessions so that you have stopped sweating and cooled down before you get back in.
• Create a new experience for yourself. That might be some summery essential oils, investing in an ice room or a massage chair to follow your time in the sauna.

Using your sauna in the summer is a great way to make the most of the sauna and the season.

Many people believe that the Nordic countries are the experts when it comes to how to get health benefits from sauna use. These are also some of the coldest countries in winter, which has led to the common misconception that saunas aren’t used in the warmer months. However, what many people don’t realise is that in most Nordic countries people have a sauna in their summer house too. The benefits of using a sauna are there all year round so there’s no reason to lock yours up for the winter this year.

Why do we assume saunas are for winter only?

The basic function of the sauna is to increase the temperature of the human body. In the winter when we’re cold this can feel like a welcome change and many people assume that it’s only during the coldest months of the year that the benefits of regular sauna use can be felt. However, this is not the case. There’s no doubt that you’ll enjoy the feeling of warmth even more if your body is cold but when it comes to the health benefits of using a sauna these are available all year round. If you want to keep enjoying them then you absolutely should continue to use your sauna in the summer.

The health benefits of using a sauna in the summer

If you want to make like the people of the most sauna loving countries in the world then integrating your sauna into your lifestyle in the summer is an obvious step. There are a number of health benefits to doing this including:

• Helping the body to adjust to the change in temperature that summer brings. Regular sauna time can make it easier to acclimatise to warmer temperatures. That’s why many sports teams, for example, often commit to a sauna schedule before a big competition in a hot climate.
• General health and weight loss. Studies have identified that regular sauna use can result in calories being burned and contribute to an overall increase in weight loss. You may also find that spending time in a sauna helps to improve the condition of skin, as sweating is one of the primary ways that the body removes toxins from the system and impurities from the surface of the skin. If you’re looking for that great summer glow this year then a sauna could be the first step to getting it.
• Cardiovascular health and respiratory functions. Research has found that saunas have a lot to contribute to improving overall cardiovascular health and respiratory function if used on a regular basis.
• Better stress management. Heat has a positive impact on stress levels and so a sauna can provide instant relief from a bad day. It may also be a quiet environment in which you can find a few minutes of peace away from devices and other family members, which may also be crucial to stress management.

These are just some of the reasons why it’s a good idea to use your sauna all year round, including in the summer months.

If your new year’s resolution for 2020 is to lose weight and get in shape then you’re not alone. Millions of people all over the world make this a goal at this time of year and it’s a common theme among both men and women. There are lots of different ways to make sure that you hit this goal – and having a sauna at home can be really useful. Below are 5 ways in which a sauna can help to ensure that 2020 is the year you reach that weight loss goal.

1. Detox and feel better. Sweating is the primary way in which the body removes toxins from the system, including those that you may have absorbed from food, such as copper or nickel heavy metals. Sweating out your impurities by regularly spending time in your sauna will help to clear the lymphatic system, which will in turn increase energy for working out and help your body to be more efficient when it comes to burning fat.
2. Boost your metabolism to burn fat faster. Exposure to extreme heat or cold has a wide range of different effects on the human body. One of the most relevant here is that it speeds up the metabolism. In sauna heat your heart rate increases by around a third, which speeds up your metabolic system and helps to burn calories faster. You’ll need to spend 30 minutes a day in the sauna to see real benefits.
3. Lose the water weight. Another benefit of sweating it out in a sauna is that you’ll instantly drop the weight that your body is carrying in terms of excess water. This can be as much as five pounds in a single sauna session. This will gradually return as soon as you start drinking water again but can be useful if you want to swiftly slim down for an interview or event.
4. More effective breathing equals more capacity to exercise. The better your breathing capacity the more effective your exercise sessions will be. Any existing respiratory issues that you have can be significantly improved by spending time in a sauna. It will also help to increase respiratory function and blood flow around the body, so you’ll be able to work out for longer periods of time and also in a more intense way to help you get fitter faster.
5. Stay calm and stick to your resolution. It’s well known that getting stressed can cause us all to reach out for food, often treats that are high in sugar and fat. It can increase the levels of cortisol in your system, which will make you want more calories. Time in a sauna on a regular basis can contribute to bringing stress levels down, helping you to feel more relaxed and also more in control of your body.

We all need a bit of support with our new year’s resolutions – a sauna could really help you to get the most from yours in 2020.

Winter can be a challenging time for staying healthy. We’re exposed to fewer hours of sunlight and the weather is cold and often wet. It’s easy to get run down and viruses, coughs and colds can be annoyingly frequent. If you’re lucky enough to have access to a sauna then you have a very effective weapon in the battle against the health challenges of winter – there are a number of different ways in which it can help.

Reducing the impact of colds and flu

Research has found that regular use of a sauna during the winter months can actually reduce the number of coughs and colds suffered at this time of year. Regularly spending 10 – 15 minutes in the sauna at around 90 degrees C will encourage more rapid production of white blood cells in the body. These are essential for helping you to fight off infections and colds. The increase in body temperature is also thought to help reduce the impact of bugs by killing them before they can affect your body. If you do end up with a cold then using your sauna can help to alleviate some of the symptoms, especially when it comes to congestion.

No more SAD

It’s not just the physical impact of this time of year that can be challenging but the mental and emotional effects too. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is common in winter and most of us will feel a little blue or sluggish at some point. When you use a sauna your body releases endorphins, which naturally flood the system with good feelings. They can help to reduce pain and also produce a feeling of wellbeing. If your winter blues are being triggered by a lack of sleep then spending time in the sauna before bed could not only help you to get to sleep more easily but also improve the quality of your sleep too.

Looking and feeling healthier

If there is one thing that your body is guaranteed to do in a sauna it’s sweat. Sweat is the most effective method that the human body has for detoxifying and regularly being in a sauna and sweating it out will help your body to process impurities and flush them out of your system. The heat of a sauna works to increase the core temperature of the body – that’s the point at which sweating starts. Blood vessels begin to dilate, flushing out impurities, and the pores on your skin open, allowing it to breathe. The overall result is that you’ll not only feel healthier but look it too. At a time of year when many of us are suffering from dry, dull skin and cold, aching limbs, the heat of the sauna can help to give you a physical boost.

These are just some of the ways in which a sauna can help you to stay healthier this winter. Regular sauna time will give you an essential boost, both in terms of body and mind.

Infrared saunas are a great way to de-stress, detox, boost the immune system and even encourage weight loss. They are becoming incredibly popular thanks to the range of health benefits that they offer as well as the enjoyable experience. However, compared to traditional models infrared saunas are still relatively new and not that many people know how to use them. These are our top tips for infrared sauna use.

Heating up an infrared sauna

Most infrared saunas will heat up much more quickly than a traditional sauna, which makes them ideal for anyone with a busy life. You’ll usually need to allow around 15 minutes for an infrared sauna to reach optimum temperature. After that you can simply step in and enjoy.

Setting the right temperature

One of the big differences between a traditional sauna and an infrared sauna is that an infrared sauna doesn’t have to be heated to such a high temperature. The way an infrared sauna works is to penetrate the body with infrared rays. This means that you’ll start sweating much more quickly and don’t need such high temperatures to enjoy the sauna. As a result, an infrared sauna can usually be set between 40 to 65 C to achieve the same impact that a traditional sauna would need to get to 85 to 100 C to reach. The best approach with temperature is to start low and then increase this to what feels comfortable.

What should you wear?

The short answer is: nothing. Although the heat in an infrared sauna will still affect you even if you’re clothed, the best way to enjoy optimum benefits in the sauna is to be naked. This will depend, of course, on who else is in the sauna with you. If you prefer to wear a bathing suit, make sure that it’s one made from natural materials so that your skin can breathe. It’s also a good idea to remove any jewellery when you get into the sauna to avoid burns.

The importance of staying hydrated

Saunas encourage sweating, which is an important part of the process of detoxifying. However, you need to make sure that you replace the liquid that is being lost. That could be by having water or a sports drink – alcohol is not a good idea. Drink plenty before you get into the sauna and you may also want to consider taking a drink in with you.

How much time should you spend in an infrared sauna?

This will largely depend on how accustomed you are to the heat. It’s often a good idea to start out with short periods of time so that you can get used to the sauna feeling. Those who are more experienced can spend from 25 to 45 minutes in the sauna before taking a break. What’s important is that if you feel dizzy or lightheaded you should get out straight away.

An infrared sauna is a great way to improve health and wellbeing at home. Get in touch if you’d like to find out more about the benefits.

When it’s cold and dark and you want to warm up, a sauna seems like the ideal choice. However, during the summer when the mercury is rising a home sauna can easily get forgotten about. The benefits of a sauna are just as relevant when it’s warm outside than when it’s cold – in Scandinavia, arguably the spiritual (and physical) home of the sauna, you’ll find saunas at local summer homes, as well as winter residences. That’s because you absolutely should use your sauna even when it’s hot outside. Here’s why.

Use your sauna to help your body adjust to the heat

If you struggle with the heat – or just with the transition from one seasonal temperature range to another – a sauna can help you to adjust. Saunas are so effective at this that they are even used by professional athletes and sports teams who are training to compete in hotter climates. So, if you want to get more from your summer this year and not suffer with the heat, your sauna will be key to helping you to adjust.

Enjoy the beauty benefits

Whether your skin has become dull and problematic due to constant use of sunscreen, or you’re worried about getting into swimwear for the first time, a sauna is an effective way to tackle these issues. Sauna sessions in the summer can help you to get beach ready – an infrared sauna session can burn 600+ calories in a single sitting. You’ll also see all the benefits of a sweaty sauna session straight away in your skin. Sweating cleanses your system and helps to remove all the impurities sitting on the surface of the skin that might cause problem areas and breakouts.

You still need downtime in the summer

Saunas have an instantly relaxing effect on the body and can be a great place to enjoy some alone time and relax. If you’re suffering from physical aches and pains – maybe a new exercise regime or a sport you’ve taken up for summer – the heat of the sauna will soothe sore muscles and help relieve any pain. Recovery is much quicker with the aid of a sauna, whether that’s recovery from physical activity or from having a few too many drinks at a summer party the night before.

Improve your wellbeing this summer

There are many wellness benefits to using a sauna, whether during the summer or the winter months. For example, regular use can help to improve your heart function and respiratory system. It can assist with salt elimination, enabling your body to sweat out the after effects of summer BBQs to detoxify and reduce water weight. Plus, a sauna provides instant stress relief and help with anxiety issues, whether that’s as a result of an upcoming summer event or seasonal stress at work.
Saunas aren’t just for the winter months they have many benefits all year round. And in the summer in particular they can be ideal for helping you get the most from the time of year, physically and mentally too.

Take a look at our range of saunas and get in touch to find which would be the best suited to you today.

For hundreds of years humans have used the power of steam and water to cure aches and pains and stimulate wellness. Cultures all over the world have understood how valuable warmth and steam can be when it comes to health and wellbeing. But what does the history of the steam room look like and how does this benefit modern users?

Who got there first?

It’s difficult to pinpoint with total accuracy which civilisation was responsible for the first ever steam room. There is a clear line of descent between the saunas that we know and love today and the Finnish sauna or American Indian sweat lodge. However, when it comes to the use of humid heat there are two clear leaders in the field: the Romans and the Turks.

Roman Thermae

The Romans are renowned for their love of a bathhouse, whether large and public (Thermae) or small and private (Balneae). For this ancient civilisation, bathhouses were not just somewhere to get clean but a place to do business, to socialise and to follow regimented wellness routines that they believed would help prolong health and long life.

Sweat bathing was an important part of this and the Romans were responsible for pioneering the architecture to enable this, including using a furnace and hollow walls. Like many of the modern spas we know and love today, traditional Roman bathhouses would also have massage and treatment rooms, as well as the contrast of an ice cold Frigidarium.

Turkish Hammam

The Turkish Hammam was originally designed to be part of a mosque. However, as the popularity of these bathhouses increased, they became standalone destinations that were frequented both for practical purposes and also so that people could meet and chat. The first Turkish bath opened in the UK in 1850, using the process of sweat bathing to give patrons the opportunity to enjoy a range of health and wellness benefits.

The modern steam room

Thanks to the early pioneers of steam and sweat bathing, today there is no need to leave the comfort of your home to enjoy an experience worthy of the best Thermae or Hammam. The benefits of steam treatments are now well established, from helping to soothe sinus issues through to the relief that can be provided from aches and pains.

Both the Turks and the Romans understood well the detoxifying effect of steam and sweat on the body, as well as the improvement in circulation that can be delivered as a result of time in a steamy environment. In the modern steam room these benefits are easy to enjoy at home whether your motivation for doing so is to improve health or feel better.

Steam rooms and treatments have a long and rich history when it comes to making humans feel better. From therapeutic muscle relief to improving mood and lowering stress levels, the use of steam can significantly improve wellbeing.

If you’d like to find your perfect home steam room experience contact the Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company team today.

If you’ve ever wondered why saunas are always found in ski resorts it’s because there are many benefits to this kind of dry heat in the snow or the cold. A sauna at home is not just a luxury, it can also have a very positive impact on health and wellness – and help to support a more positive lifestyle this year.

Aiding relaxation and sleep

If you feel tired all the time then it may be that the quality of your sleep is poor. This is often the result of tension and stress that you don’t quite manage to let go of at the end of the day. Spending time in your sauna is a great way to relax in the evening and to make sure that you’re getting good quality sleep. A more relaxed body means better rest and a stronger immune system too.

Soothing the nervous system

Whether it is the stress of sore muscles or the emotional stress of a day job, an exhausted nervous system is just not good for our bodies. There are lots of ways to help manage stress and the warm, dry environment of a sauna is one of the most effective. The impact of the heat enables the body to physically relax and release tension, and the benefits of that essential alone time can help to develop a calmer and more mindful approach to life’s challenges.

Sweat it out

Saunas help to support a healthier body and immune system by enabling better relaxation and also through detoxification. Sweat is one of the primary ways that the human body rids itself of toxins and in a sauna you will do plenty of that. Whether you’re detoxifying the effects of lots of eating and drinking during December, or the germs of coughs and sneezes, spending some time sweating in a sauna is an easy way to do it.

Better heart health

You might be surprised to learn that studies from Japan and Finland have established that regularly spending time in a sauna can be very beneficial for the health of your heart. The heat of a sauna helps to improve circulation, boost the immune system and can minimise or control heart problems. In fact, it can be as effective as regular exercise. So, if you’re struggling to do good things for your heart during the winter, regular sauna time is the ideal place to start.

Mood boosting

There are many ways in which spending time in a sauna during winter can help to improve your mood. From soothing away stress and increasing endorphin release to helping you to stay calm, there are lots of positive benefits. Saunas can also be incredible social spaces, bringing more people into your life and ensuring you connect regularly with family and friends. The more connections we have, and maintain, the happier humans we tend to be.

If you’re keen to find a sauna that perfectly fits your lifestyle contact a member of our team.