Benefits of Sauna Therapy

Benefits of Sauna Therapy

We are proud to offer clean and relaxing dry cedar saunas at Elite Sports Clubs. Enjoy the many therapeutic benefits of our dry cedar saunas, complimentary to all of our members.

Saunas leave your body soothed and your mind serene. However, it’s main advantage lies in the fact that it promotes sweating, helping the body to rid itself of toxins.

The skin is a major eliminative organ. Due to our modern lifestyle many of us don’t sweat, especially during the winter months. Modern synthetic fibers or tight clothing that doesn’t allow the skin to breathe, can damage our skin and our natural ability for elimination, as does excessive, prolonged sun exposure. A sedentary lifestyle also inactivates the skin.

Our skin is exposed to hundreds of chemicals during the course of our life, and is affected by them. From innocent bath products such as shampoos, shower gels, lotions and soaps to deodorants. Household cleaning solvents, detergent residues on clothes and chemicals from the bath or shower water also affect the skin.

Regular use of the sauna gradually restores the skin’s elimination ability. Sweating removes toxic chemicals and metals faster than other detox methods. It is also believed that exposure of the skin to heat stimulates the production of white blood cells and strengthens the immune system.

A few recommendations to help you reap the best rewards in your sauna:

1. Sauna bathing is not suggested for people with high blood pressure, pulmonary disorders or cardiovascular problems, and anyone who is pregnant or has multiple sclerosis, hypertension or hyperthyroidism should consult a qualified health professional before using a sauna. If you have some other health considerations, a conversation with your doctor might assist to put to rest any worries concerning your use of a sauna.

2. Do not use the sauna under the influence of any type of alcohol, drugs, anticoagulants, antihistamines, vasodilators, vasoconstrictors, stimulants, tranquilizers or hypnotics.

3. Stay away from eating a lot before sauna bathing. If you do eat beforehand, wait at least one hour before starting your sauna session.

4. Eliminate all metal items, such as eyeglasses and watches, and necklaces from your body prior to entering the sauna.

5. If you wear contact lenses, be sure to remove them before going into a sauna.

6. Shower before your sauna bath, and be sure to dry your body completely after you cleanse yourself.

7. Drink some mineral water before taking your sauna bath.

8. Bring a minimum of two towels, one for sitting or lying on and wrapping in and another for drying off afterwards. Never dry your clean body with a towel soaked in sweat.

9. Give yourself sufficient time for your sauna session. The sauna is no area for anybody who’s in a hurry. For many sauna buffs, a usual sauna sequence consists of: a warm shower; 15 minutes in the sauna heat; a cool shower and optional dip into the swimming pool, and then a ten to thirty minute relaxation period. People with high blood pressure or heart problems, however, are advised to avoid swimming in cold water after their sweat bath.

10. If you are bathing with other people, realize that the sauna entry must not be kept open so long that it cools the sauna for those sharing it with you.

11. Leave the sauna right away if you feel faint or dizzy. One of the most paramount principles to stick to when you are in the sauna is to listen to the messages your body sends you. A sauna bath is not meant to be an endurance test, so respect your body and its limitations.

12. To prevent dehydration, always replenish your fluids after you come out of the sauna. Drinking mineral water is suggested, although a few sauna fans believe a beer can be rather refreshing. Just don’t drink any alcoholic beverages while you’re in the sauna itself only afterwards if you so want and, even then, not to excess.

13. Get dressed only after you have stopped perspiring and your body temperature has returned to normal.

14. If you have any questions or concerns please speak with a member of our staff. We are happy to accommodate or help you in any way possible. Follow these basic suggestions for a satisfying, soothing and secure soak in the sauna, and you’ll be a veteran sauna enthusiast before you know it.

Dry Saunas (co-ed or men-only) are offered at most Elite Sports Clubs. Adult use of the sauna is included with all Elite Sports Clubs memberships, along with towel service and luxury locker rooms. Come take a tour of any of our 5 Milwaukee-area Elite Sports Clubs locations today!