Key Takeaways:

  • Make sure the sauna is set to your desired temperature
  • Drink plenty of water before and after the session
  • Stay well-hydrated throughout the session
  • Cool down properly after exiting the hot sauna

Taking the time to relax in a sauna is fantastic for your physical and mental health. It gives you a little peace from the busyness of the outside world and allows you to soak in the warmth. However, there are a few things you need to know before you use a sauna.

To prepare for your outdoor sauna session, you should always take a shower first and drink some water to ensure that your body remains hydrated. If saunaing with a group, keep the conversation minimal and discuss if everyone is wearing a towel or going in nude first.

In this guide, we take you through everything you need to know about preparing for a relaxing sauna session alone or with others. We aim to keep you safe so that you can have the best possible sauna bathing experience and reap the benefits.

How to Prepare for a Sauna Session in an Outdoor Sauna

What Is a Sauna?

A sauna is a type of DRY heat therapy that has been used for centuries. It originated in Finland but has since become popular around the world as an EFFECTIVE way to relax and promote mental and physical well-being.

Saunas are typically HOT, wood-paneled rooms with benches where people can sit or lie down. An electric or wood-burning heater generates HEAT, and the temperature can reach upwards of 37-39 degrees Celsius.

In addition to this, steam is used to INCREASE the humidity levels in the room further. The benefits of saunas include increased circulation, improved skin HEALTH, relaxation, and relief from muscle tension and STRESS.

Pro Tip: Used safely and responsibly, a sauna session can be incredibly beneficial for your health.

How to Prepare for Using a Sauna

For a standard outdoor sauna, there are only a FEW things that you need to do in order to be properly prepared for your steaming session [1]. Follow these QUICK and simple steps, and you'll be RELAXING in no time.

Take a Shower

BEFORE getting into a sauna, it is best to take a shower first. This will help to remove any excess dirt or sweat that may have accumulated on your body while OUTSIDE, and make sure you are CLEAN before entering the sauna.

Wear a Towel (or Go Nude)

When using a sauna, it is IMPORTANT to wear something. Most people opt for a towel which helps to absorb any sweat and keep your skin from STICKING to the bench. If you prefer, you can also go nude if EVERYONE in the space is comfortable with that.

Pro Tip: Some say you get the maximum health benefits from being nude in a sauna bath, but you can wear a towel or a bathing suit and it makes no difference.

Stay Hydrated

Make sure you stay hydrated THROUGHOUT your sauna session. Drinking plenty of water will help to replenish what is lost through sweat and PREVENT dehydration. You should drink at least one or two glasses BEFORE you head into the steam.

Everyone Decides the Temperature

If you are saunaing with a group, it is best to DISCUSS the temperature before entering. Saunas can become hot quickly, and everyone should be comfortable with the level of HEAT. Make sure that no one is feeling uncomfortable or overwhelmed.

Pro Tip: The hot air can become overwhelming, and there is nothing wrong with opening a window for some fresh air. You do need to keep the sauna hot, but not at the expense of your comfort.

Keep Conversation Minimal

Saunas are often used for RELAXATION and can be a great excuse to unplug from the world. It is best to keep conversation minimal or even silent if that’s what everyone in the space PREFERS. This will help to create an atmosphere of CALM and peace.

Never Groom Yourself in the Sauna

For hygiene purposes, you should NEVER groom yourself in the sauna. This means no shaving, clipping your nails, or applying any beauty products while inside. Additionally, it CAN be seen as deeply RUDE if you are in the sauna with others.

How Do You Use a Traditional Finnish Sauna?

A traditional Finnish sauna is a little DIFFERENT and has a few more steps to the process if you want to really immerse yourself in what a sauna session is SUPPOSED to be like. It's a longer method, but one that CERTAINLY holds more advantages.

Pro Tip: While you shouldn't have a meal before entering the sauna, drinking water and having a light snack can help enhance the experience.

Drink Water and Shower First

Just like with a regular sauna, you want to make sure that you are CLEAN and hydrated before entering. Take a shower beforehand and drink PLENTY of water throughout the session.

Have a 10 Minute Dry Sauna

Once inside, stay in the dry sauna for 10 minutes. This will help to get your body temperature up and READY for relaxation. There should be no steam at all for this step of the process.

Go for a Second Shower and Hydrate

After 10 minutes, take a second shower and drink some more water to REHYDRATE yourself. This will help your body to cool down and get ready for the steamy portion of the sauna.

Return for a Steam Sauna

Once you've cooled down, step back into the sauna and ADD some water to the stones. This will create steam in the room and make it even more relaxing. The steam should stay at a comfortable temperature for around 15-20 minutes before turning OFF any heaters or opening windows.

Leave and Shower Again

Once you have finished your steam sauna, it's time to LEAVE and take a final shower. This will help your body cool one last time and REMOVE any sweat or dirt from the session.

Return for a Final Steam Sauna Round

If you feel like going for one last session, you can RETURN to the sauna and add more water to the stones. This will create a STEAMY atmosphere and help your body relax even further for another 15-20 minutes BEFORE the final step.

Cool Down in a Plunge Pool

Once you have finished your last steam sauna, COOL down in a plunge pool or cold shower. It's important to do this step as it helps to get rid of any TOXINS that may have built up during the session and will also help your body RETURN to its regular temperature.

Rehydrate

Finally, make sure you rehydrate AFTER the session. This will help to replenish any fluids that were lost during your sauna session and keep your body HEALTHY.

Pro Tip: A Finnish sauna can also be referred to as a proper sauna because it is seen as the pinnacle of sauna sessions and the correct way to do things.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Wear a Bathing Suit in a Sauna?

It is best to go without a bathing suit. You will get the most benefits from your sauna if you are able to sweat freely and let your skin breathe. If you feel more comfortable wearing clothing, opt for something light and breathable, like cotton or linen.

How Often Should You Use a Sauna?

Most experts recommend that you use a sauna no more than 3-4 times per week. It is important to give your body time to rest and recover between sessions so that you can maximize the health benefits of each one.

Can You Have Coffee Before a Sauna Session?

It is not recommended to have coffee before a sauna session, as the caffeine can cause your heart rate to increase and make it harder for you to relax. Try to drink plenty of water beforehand instead.

To Conclude

A traditional Finnish sauna is a great way to UNWIND and relax after a long day, even if it does have a few additional steps. By following the method here, you can ENSURE that your sauna session is enjoyable, SAFE, and beneficial for your health.

Remember to drink PLENTY of water beforehand and afterwards in order to stay hydrated and get the most out of your sauna experience. We hope that this guide has left you feeling MORE confident about your upcoming SAUNA experience.

Sources:

[1] Whelan C. How and Why to Use a Sauna. Healthline. Published January 7, 2019. Accessed February 11, 2023. https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-use-a-sauna

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