5 Tips For Your First Infrared Sauna Session

So it's your first time?

If you've never had an infrared sauna you might be a little unsure of what to expect during your first visit. We've compiled a list of handy hints to make sure you feel totally comfortable and get the most out of your session.

1. Speak to your Doctor. Although infrared saunas have a range of incredible health benefits, they aren't beneficial for everyone. If you suffer from uncontrolled blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythm (or have a pacemaker), blood disorders, lupus, or if you have any other health concerns, it's best to speak with your doctor prior to booking an appointment. Check our T&C page for more information.

2. Make sure you are hydrated. This is a big one!! It always surprises me when clients turn up for a session without a water bottle - you are going to sweat A LOT! So make sure you drink plenty of water before your session, and bring a bottle to take into the sauna with you. There is a filter just outside the sauna rooms for you to refill your bottle if you need to, and we also have Carton&Co water and CocoLuxe coconut water for sale. We like to add a pinch of sea salt to our water bottle after each sauna session to assist with hydration.

3. Hotter isn't necessarily better. You might be tempted to jump in and crank the temperature right up to 70℃ but rest assured, the optimal infrared sauna temperature is actually around 55℃. Keeping the sauna around this temperature for the duration of your session provides you with the optimal concentration of infrared wavelengths, ensuring that you experience the many health benefits of infrared sauna use. You might notice that you don't sweat a lot during your first few sessions, but once you've been shaving regular infrared sauna sessions you'll find that you start sweating sooner, and sweat a whole lot more!

4. During your session. Wear as little as possible when you enter the sauna, just make sure you're sitting on your towel at all times. Take breaks when you need to, open the door and let some fresh air in if things are feeling a little intense. Bring a hand towel with you to wipe the sweat off during your session, this encourages your body to sweat more. Connect your phone to the bluetooth and listen to your favourite playlist or a meditation, watch Netflix on our tablet, bring a book to read, or just close your eyes and relax.

5. Cooling down. When your timer runs out, it's time to hop out of the sauna. Towel off and dress in loose clothing. Allow your body to cool down naturally before taking a cool shower, or jumping in the ocean. Make sure you continue to drink plenty of water after your session.

Sticking with your regular sessions (at least once per week) will ensure that you experience the long term benefits of infrared sauna therapy. Just like with a new exercise program or healthy eating plan, infrared sauna use takes time and consistency to see results. As I mentioned above, you might not sweat very much during your first few sessions but know that sweating, and the detox that comes with it, will continue to increase as you keep up with your regular infrared sauna sessions.