Getting the most out of your sauna experience

Preparation is essential to get the most out of your sauna experience; here we detail how to get the most out of your sauna experience.

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The goal of sauna is to help you increase rejuvenation and relaxation for your mind, body, and spirit. 

You can read more on the benefits our saunas offer here.

Preparation is not essential - you can just rock up in you bathers! However there are a few things that will optimise the experience!

Here we detail how to get the most out of your sauna experience.  


Before the sauna

The idea is to feel as relaxed as possible, so give yourself plenty of time to arrive early and stress-free. While this may be tricky for the average busy, modern person we guarantee it’s worth it. Check you know the location parking and access beforehand, it's detailed in the confirmation email. If you search your inbox for daniel@whitbywellbeing.com you will find the email. 

Make sure you're hydrated and avoid booze right before a sauna at all costs as it'll increase the risk dehydration. Alcohol also decreases your awareness, stability, mood, and judgment, and this can be magnified due to heat in the sauna. 

It's good to eat a small, easy to digest, meal at least two hours ahead. If you eat a giant meal before using the sauna, you won’t feel great as your body will be fighting itself by sending blood in opposite directions. If you can’t avoid eating a heavy meal beforehand wait a couple of hours before using the sauna.

It’s also important not to be in the sauna hungry as this can result in nausea or light-headedness.

Saunas reach very high temperatures so remove all jewellery before going in. Earrings, bracelets, necklaces, rings, and even glasses and watches could all get hot with the potential of causing burns to the skin.

Gather your stuff. You’ll need towels, your swimsuit, sandals or flipflops, and a bag for putting your stuff in while you are in the sauna. Dress in something loose and comfy with your bathing costume underneath. Afterwards you’ll be wet so bring a dressing gown or changing robe for modesty while changing. Do also bring water and a small snack.

The sauna is like low grade excersise on the heart and cardio vascular system- so if you have any issues of that nature let the sauna host know and take it easy on yourself. Check with your doctor to see if you have a medical condition that would prevent you from taking a sauna. 

We're usually at the beach. Some of our locations have fine sand, some are pebbly. Sometimes we're at river locations, so if your feet are sensitive then it might be a good idea to use river shoes or wetsuit booties. 

During the sauna

You’ve prepared well and are ready to relax in the sauna! 

The key to getting the most out of the sauna is to relax into the heat of the sauna. 

Don’t fight or rush the process.

If you have booked for an hour we usually fit in three rounds of sauna and two breaks.

For the first round we take things gently. We increase the heat slowly and, as your core temperature rises and you begin to sweat, we take a break to cool off either outside or in the water (at your own risk).

After a few minutes we then return to the sauna and increase the temperature a little more in the second round and even more in the third round. 

If you start to feel uncomfortable in the sauna at any point, there are a few things you can do 

1) Ladle cool water over yourself or put a wet washcloth on your head. Take care not to rinse yourself over, or sweat into, the water bucket as you want to keep that water super clean!

2) Sit lower down on the step of the bench or even on the floor

3) Move nearer to the door and put your head out for some fresh air

4) Just leave the sauna. There is no obligation to stay!

Relax, take your time; enjoy the process. You want to listen to what your body is saying rather than a timer and while you don’t want to push things too far, you’ll want to go a bit past your comfort level because this is where all the good bio chemical reactions happen. 

After the sauna

You can shed a pint of water in sweat during a 20-minute sauna session so rehydrate with plenty of water following your sauna. You’ll need to drink more than you think or feel. Something with electrolytes is good or a crunch of sea salt. 

Similarly, you’ll want to eat something as well.

When leaving the sauna, you’ll be high as a kite on your own endorphins. There’s evidence suggesting you can maintain this afterglow for up to 14 days after just one sauna treatment! 

Remember that sauna should never be rushed and, above all, listen to the feedback your body is giving you.

You’re in control of your sauna experience; we’ll take you slowly, gently, and incrementally to a place which brings the most healing.

Check out our sauna trip tips, view dates, and book up.