Category Archives: Sauna & Steam

Your steam room can do a lot more for you than just relaxation. Having a steam room at home is a fantastic luxury, not just from the point of view of life experience but wellness and winding down too. These are just a few of the benefits that your steam room can deliver, whether you’re using it first thing in the morning, post-workout or just before you go to sleep.

1. A steam clean for the skin

The clean, damp heat of steam has long been used by beauty experts as a way to improve skin quality and cleanliness. Spending time in your steam room opens the pores so you can sweat out any dirt, oil or bacteria. The result of regular use is cleaner skin, fewer blackheads and spots, and skin that looks better thanks to the increased blood flow in your body due to the heat.

2. An aid to weight loss

The heat of the steam room causes your body to sweat and your heartbeat to rise as your body works to handle the increased heat. This higher heart rate boosts the metabolism and leads the body to burn more calories even though you’re sitting still.

3. A few moments of calm

A steam room is a very peaceful experience and the mental benefits of taking time out to really relax should not be underestimated. Whether you’re gathering your thoughts before a key meeting or preparing for the day ahead, a steam can give you a much needed quiet moment.

4. Detoxifying from head to toe

It’s not just the skin that benefits from the cleansing effect of sweating but your entire body. Sweating is one of the main ways that we rid ourselves of toxins and regular sessions in a steam room are the perfect way to give your body the chance to refresh and renew.

5. Joint management

The impact of spending time in a steam room is very positive for your joints, helping to ease the pain of conditions such as arthritis and improve joint mobility.

6. Getting your blood pumping

When you’re sitting in the heat of a steam room your cardiovascular system gets a serious boost, as the body responds by increasing the blood flow around the body. There are many benefits to this improvement in circulation, from heart health through to waking you up in the mornings.

7. A great partner to a workout

The steam room is the ideal place to wind down after a gym session, helping to soothe any flaring nerve endings and aid recovery. It has also been found to help improve gym gains – the heat reduces oxidative stress on the body, improving muscle growth and recovery.

8. Hydration station

Take a large bottle of water into the steam room with you and you’ll come out fresh and hydrated, as the heat will encourage you to drink more.

9. Clear your head

If you have sinus issues, or just a seasonal cold, a session in the steam room will open mucous membranes and help to clear your sinuses.

10. Nowhere to plug in your phone

Steam rooms are a technology free zone – if you’re struggling with tech addiction and looking for a way to reduce screen time, the steam room is the perfect place.

These are just some of the fantastic benefits of a steam room at home. Contact The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company today to find out more.

Saunas are a fantastic facility to have at home. They have a very wide range of benefits, from helping the body to detox through to being a great way to wind down and relax after a tough day. Saunas are also incredibly versatile and can be installed in virtually any home and a variety of different types of spaces. You also have the option of an indoor sauna or an outdoor sauna – so which one is likely to be the right choice for your home?

The benefits of a home sauna

It’s worth remembering that wherever you install the sauna you’re still going to get the same fantastic health and lifestyle benefits from it. Your home sauna could help you to:

Flush toxins

Sweating is the body’s natural way of ridding itself of toxins and regular sauna sessions provide a very effective way to do that.

Lose weight

Studies have found that we burn calories in a sauna as the heart rate increases.

Be healthier

Sauna sessions boost white blood cells, which are essential for immune health.

Improve performance

Whether you’re training for The FIFA World Cup or just looking to improve, saunas increase heat tolerance threshold, which can help to reduce fatigue and sustain energy.

Enjoy healthier skin and hair

Regularly sweating in a sauna removes bacteria and dead skin cells from the surface of the skin and also activates the sebaceous gland on the scalp for healthier, glossier hair.

Indoor vs. outdoor sauna

Once your sauna is installed you’ll be able to enjoy all of the benefits above, whether it’s indoors or outdoors. So, the key questions when deciding whether to opt for indoor installation or an outdoor sauna are often related to the space you have available and how you want to use the sauna.

• Outdoor saunas can be more relaxing. Often, they are situated slightly away from the noise and bustle of a home and so you may get more effective chill out time in your sauna if it’s outside.
• Outdoor saunas offer plenty of scope for creativity. The building in which you house the sauna can be designed to suit your tastes and as creative as you want it to be.
• Outdoor saunas may require some preparation. You’ll need to ensure that you have the right surface, as well as a suitable electrical connection.
• Indoor saunas are usually quicker to install, as they can use the existing electrical connections in the home.
• Indoor saunas may be subject to space restrictions. If you’re going to have a sauna indoors then the size and shape of it will be dictated by the space that you have, such as a large bathroom. You’ll also need to consider how to blend the sauna aesthetics with your interiors.
• Indoor saunas are protected by the existing structure of your home and you don’t have to create any new buildings to protect them from the elements.

Whether you choose an indoor sauna or an outdoor sauna, you’ll still have all the fantastic benefits of a sauna at home. We can help you to find the perfect model for whatever the space you have available. Get in touch with The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company today.

If you’ve been in a sauna then you’ve experienced that feel good factor you get after a relaxing session. Saunas have many benefits for skin and circulation and can also aid relaxation and sleep. Now, a study from the University of Eastern Finland has also established that spending time in a sauna could actually have the same positive benefits as exercise when it comes to heart health.

It only takes 30 minutes..

The Finnish study was conducted around testing the effects on heart health of spending 30 minutes in a sauna. It established that just sitting in a sauna could have a positive impact. In fact, 30 minutes in the sauna heat produced similar results to moderate exercise. After spending time in a sauna, those who took part in the study generally had lower blood pressure and less artery stiffness. It was also found that the sauna had increased their heart rate in the same way that might be achieved with a moderate exercise session.

But does it really work?

The study has proven there is definitely an impact on the heart from spending time in a sauna – and that the impact is positive. This isn’t the first piece of research to establish a connection between good heart health and regular sauna use. In fact, there is plenty of evidence to show that people who regularly use a sauna have a significantly decreased risk of heart disease. These same studies have shown that sauna use can also be used to reduce the risk of other serious conditions, including dementia.

The study itself provided some concrete evidence with respect to how much the sauna helped those who took part in the study. Those who were studied were in their 40s and 50s and did not have heart disease but had risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol or obesity. As well as “more elastic” arteries, the blood pressure of those who used the sauna dropped by seven points.

How does it work?

This is the part that researchers have yet to establish definitively. Most agree that the positive impact is being delivered by spending time in the heat. When the human body experiences heat, blood vessels relax and the flow of blood around the body increases. Sweating also has a considerable part to play in delivering the health benefits of spending time in a sauna.

According to the researchers who conducted the study, sweating has a “natural diuretic effect.” The impact of this is to bring blood pressure down and to take the pressure off the heart so that it has less work to do. Then there’s the fact that saunas are simply relaxing – no phones, no email and nothing to do but sit back and relax into the warmth of the heat.

If you’d like to benefit from regular use of a sauna then we can help. Contact The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company today to find out about the choice of models and designs to enjoy in the privacy of your own home.

Owning an infrared sauna is a great way to bring relaxation to your home on a daily basis. However, while saunas are certainly useful for helping you to enjoy some much need relaxation that’s not the only benefit that they offer. In fact, there are many ways in which owning an infrared sauna can benefit your personal wellbeing.

1. Enjoy better skin

Infrared sauna technology has some very positive benefits for those who are keen to enjoy better skin, whether that’s dealing with specific skin issues or just enjoying a more youthful glow. The process of sweating that takes place in the sauna is very beneficial for the skin, as it removes toxins from the body, clears the pores and helps to sweep away bacteria that might be lingering on the skin. Plus, spending time in a sauna helps to boost circulation, resulting in plumper, fresher, younger looking skin.

2. Detoxify your body

The sauna has been the detoxification tool of choice for centuries. Sweating is one of the main ways that the human body rids itself of toxins. The skin is the largest organ in the human body and needs to be taken care of just like any other. Sweating is a great way to do this, to purify the skin and to detoxify the system. If you own an infrared sauna then this process is accelerated, as infrared saunas tend to enable the elimination of around seven times more toxins than a traditional Swedish sauna.

3. Stress relief and relaxation

A sauna isn’t just somewhere to help you wind down at the end of a hard day. It can also have a role to play when you’re going through a seriously stressful situation and need some relief from it. Cortisol is the human body’s main stress hormone and spending time in an infrared sauna can help to balance the body’s level of cortisol. You’ll also feel the stress relieving impact of the heat, which causes muscles to relax and tension to seep away.

4. Lose weight with your home sauna

An infrared sauna tends to have the same effect on the human body as exercising – core temperature increases and, as a result, so does heart rate. Calories are burned as the body works to try to keep the core temperature down. There have been studies that show how effective an infrared sauna can be for weight loss – an article in the Journal of the American Medical Association claimed that 600 calories could be burned in a 30 minute session.

5. Saunas can boost circulation

Circulation in the body is increased when the core temperature rises and this can have a number of benefits when an infrared sauna is enjoyed in regular sessions. Improved circulation reduces inflammation, boosts blood flow and helps to improve muscle recovery.

6. Reducing pain through sauna use

The dual effect of an increase in circulation and the way that muscles relax in an infrared sauna can help to reduce pain. Anyone suffering from muscle or joint pain will find infrared saunas an effective way of regularly relieving it.

Contact us to find out more about infrared saunas and how they could benefit your lifestyle.

Sauna therapy has been used by humans through the generations for thousands of years. From Finnish wood-fired saunas through to Native American sweat lodges, cultures from all over the world have seen the benefit of the sauna and used it to calm and detox mind and body. For more mature users, the sauna is particularly beneficial.

Better skin, anti-aging impact through sauna use

Deep sweating is incredibly good for the skin. It helps to improve skin cell turnover and also cleanses the skin of bacteria and toxins that can causes blemishes and irritation. Near infrared saunas are also a great tool when it comes to anti-aging. The red light helps to stimulate collagen and elastin, two of the key components of the human body that are required to maintain smoothness and plumpness of skin and which can help to reduce cellulite and stretch marks.

Saunas can aid simple weight loss

Stepping into a sauna could help considerably with a weight loss plan. Far infrared radiant heat has been found to help burn 600 calories in a 30 minute session and studies have shown that it can significantly improve weight loss. This is the result of the impact of a sauna on the human body, which is remarkably similar to the effects of cardio exercise. Blood pressure drops, heart rate increases and, as a result, oxygenation and metabolic rate rise.

Improving heart health with your sauna

The reduction in blood pressure and increase in oxygenation that result from spending time in a sauna are both key components in positive heart health. While saunas can be just as effective as exercise when it comes to improving cardiac output they don’t have the same risk – saunas are much less likely to cause problems for those with underlying heart conditions so can be a good alternative to exercise.

Soothing and calming effects of saunas

Near infrared saunas have been found to have a positive impact on inflammation, which can help to reduce the impact of irritated conditions such as eczema. They can also help to reduce pain, whether it’s caused by a chronic condition such as arthritis or something like a tension headache. There have also been some studies that have shown saunas can even contribute to the treatment of, and recovery from, cancer. High temperatures can kill cancer cells without doing any damage to the human body and one study even found that this kind of heat therapy inhibited the growth of solid tumor cells.

Can saunas improve your general wellbeing?

As we grow older we can experience all kinds of feelings and moods that we may not previously have suffered from, including depression and anxiety. These can be crippling in daily life, especially if the cause is not obvious. Regular sessions in a sauna have been found to alleviate symptoms associated with depression. Plus, sauna use can also help to keep mind and brain healthy – one study found that 15 minutes a day in a sauna resulted in a 66% lower risk of developing dementia.

If you’d like to know more about sauna options and what they could add to your lifestyle contact a member of The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company’s team on 0208 300 4003.

For many years, steam has shown to be good to your skin as it opens up your pores letting out toxins and impurities. Did you know you can maximise your time in a steam room to get the most for your skin? Consistency is the key to improving the health of your skin with steam. If you were to use your steam room roughly 3 times a week for 15 minutes per session, the health of your skin will improve significantly.

Shower well before use

The first step to take before stepping into your steam room is to shower. This removes a large percentage of oils and impurities from your skin. You should also make sure your make up and facial creams have been effectively removed (if you are wearing any), and ideally try to avoid using lotions or creams on your skin prior to steaming. This is because make up, oil and creams will clog your pores, subsequently making your steam session less effective.

Dry well before us

Now you have showered, before entering your steam room, make sure your body is dry. If your skin is wet, it doesn’t sweat as well, which is necessary to get the most out of your session.

Enjoy your session

Having showered and dried, now you need to ensure you stay in the steam room for 15 minutes. This exposes your skin to the unique environment for a good amount of time to reap the benefits.

Shower well after use

Now you’ve enjoyed your 15-minute session in your steam room, it is time to take a cool shower. This is to cool your body down and hydrate it after your steam session, getting rid of all impurities that were flushed out of your skin by the steam. Make sure you drink plenty of water for 24 hours after your steam, and moisture your skin regularly for maximum results. To find out more or talk to a member of our team call 0208 300 4003 or go to our website

At this time of year there’s a lot to be said for getting warm – that’s why hot tubs, steam rooms and saunas all tend to be at their most popular. But what is it about the traditional Finnish saunas that makes them so unique?

What is a traditional sauna?

The Finns are some of the most renowned sauna enthusiasts in the world. Whether it’s the cold climate in Finland, or the national love for a natural lifestyle, this is one country where the sauna has always been popular. A traditional sauna offers a wonderful hot and dry heat. This sweet, dry heat is delivered in a wood lined room or hut that has been heated up by a wood fire or most commonly, an electric sauna stove with sauna stones. These are the kinds of saunas you may have encountered if you’ve been to a health club or spa (although often the stove is hidden in commercial environments for safety). Sauna users sit inside on wooden benches and enjoy the social and health benefits of the rising heat.

Why is the traditional Finnish sauna unique?

Switching up the atmosphere

A traditional Finnish sauna has ‘sauna rocks,’ which are placed inside the sauna and retain heat from the wood or electric stove, radiating it out into the room. Periodically, water can be splashed onto these rocks, temporarily raising the humidity in the sauna to a higher point. This has a number of benefits, including promoting better circulation and having an invigorating effect on the body.

Finnish saunas use dry heat

Although it’s common practice to create steam by splashing water on the hot rocks in traditional saunas, overall it’s a dry heat that you enjoy. Humidity in this kind of sauna is low – somewhere between 10 to 15 % – which is very different to a steam room, for example, which has very high levels of humidity.

A sauna for frequent use

If the Finns are anything to go by then this kind of sauna is for very frequent use indeed. There are thought to be around 1.8 million saunas in Finland. That may not seem like a lot but when you consider that there are only around 5 million residents then the ratio of saunas to people shows just how popular they really are. So, if you’re looking for a sauna that is clearly effective and can be used often the traditional Finnish sauna is the one.

The health benefits of traditional Finnish saunas

This kind of sauna has a lot of health benefits, from the invigorating impact of the steam, to the relaxing effect of the heat. If you’re looking for a way to detoxify and cleanse the body then the traditional Finnish sauna is an obvious choice. There is more and more research papers proving that enjoying a regalr sauna can have endless health beenfits.

The traditional sauna as a social spot

Perhaps due to the dry heat, and the lack of opaque steam, this kind of sauna tends to be a popular place to socialise. You’ll find traditional more saunas in corporate offices, family homes, universities and health clubs all over the country where people are meeting, chatting and event doing business in the therapeutic heat.

For more information on the perfect traditional Finnish sauna for you please get in touch with The Hot Tub and Swim Spa Company today on 0208 300 4003.

It is widely known that there are many medical benefits to regular sauna use, ranging from improved skin to greater fitness, aiding sleep and even reducing the risk of a heart attack, but something that is not as easily measurable is how saunas can have positive effects on the mind.

Saunas could help combat SAD

During the winter season, SAD, or Seasonal Affective Disorder, affects around 1 in 15 people, making them feel anything from the “winter blues” through to full depression which can stop people being able to function normally. Saunas could be at least part of the answer to some SAD sufferers, with their mood-boosting effects, so if you suffer from seasonal effects on your mood and wellbeing, could sauna use help you to stay positive during the winter months?

Psychological effects of saunas

Saunas can have a psychological impact on regular users, and this can relieve symptoms of stress and SAD, for example aiding sleep at night, improved alertness and energy levels, reducing anxiety, and increased positivity and happiness. All of these things can be attributed to sauna use and explained scientifically.

The scientific basis for saunas boosting positivity

The effects that saunas have on mood and positivity are undeniable, but there is a scientific explanation behind these. One reason is that the high temperatures of a sauna trigger the dilation of blood vessels around the body, which help to increase overall circulation as well as heart rate. This in turn causes hormones called melatonin and serotonin to be released, and these hormones improve mood and general positivity. These hormones can be boosted even more by following sauna use with jumping in a cold pool or shower, which decreases the body’s temperature rapidly and triggers the release of these hormones even further.

Enhancing the benefits of sauna use

To enhance the benefits users get through sauna use, they can make sure that they use their home sauna regularly. This could be every day, or a few times per week, but regular use helps users to maintain the benefits of using their sauna as much as possible. It is much better to enjoy short sessions on a regular basis than it is to enjoy one long session per week – it is not only safer, but your body can relax each day, clear your skin and airways, and relieve stress – all of which can help you feel much better during the winter months.

Find out more about the physical and psychological benefits of sauna use by giving The Hot Tub and Swim Spa a call on 0208 300 4003, or browse our full and varied range of saunas today.

Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of Dementia can be truly heart-breaking for the families and friends of those who are suffering. Although there is no exact known cause, research suggests that sauna use could actually decrease the likelihood of developing Dementia later on in life.

An introduction to Dementia

Many people will know someone who has suffered with Dementia, and it is much more common in elderly people, however it is important to recognise that not everyone develops Dementia with age. It is a disease, not just a part of aging. Worldwide, over 47.5 million people were suffering from dementia in 2015, meaning that it is a disease that sadly a lot of people do suffer with.

Caring for Dementia patients

Care for those with Dementia can be challenging since patients need increasing care over time, and caregivers may be relatives or close friends who have to make sacrifices to give this care. They may give up work to give time to the person, or fit caring for them around work, which can also be draining and difficult. Sadly Dementia has no cure, and it progresses slowly over time. Symptoms include memory loss, difficulty communicating, limited judgement and reasoning abilities – all of which often happen gradually over years or months.

Preventing Dementia & through Sauna use?

Dementia is an extremely sad condition, and although there is nothing specifically known to cause it, research suggests that there are some things that each of us can do to reduce the chance of developing the disease later on in life. One of these is to use a sauna regularly.

Research into saunas and Dementia

A Finnish team of researchers carried out a study of 2,300 men within their 40s, 50s and 60s, and studied them between 1984 and 1989. Follow up examinations were carried out 20 years later to see what the impact of each group was. The groups were as follows: those who used a sauna once weekly, those who used it 2-3 times weekly and those who visited the sauna 4-7 times per week.

The study concluded that those who visited the sauna more frequently were less likely to develop Dementia. Although this is not a direct causation, there was a correlation to suggest that the sauna use did in fact have some impact on the development of Dementia later on in life.

Health benefits of saunas

Whether or not this research is indicative of a strong pattern generally, or simply representative of the small study group, the correlation was there, and evidence demonstrated just another great benefit of regular sauna use! There are undoubtedly also many health benefits of regular sauna use, such as aiding breathing, relieving pain and de-stressing relaxation time.

If you’re interested in owning your own sauna, take a look at our wide range of designs today or give our team a call on 0208 300 4003.