What you should know before your first Infrared Sauna

Everyone is talking about how amazing infrared sauna sessions are…they are certainly the next big thing in wellness.

Here are a few things you should know before your first session.

• It’s ok not to sweat too much in your first session.  We normally recommend a lower temperature and a shorter session for your initial sauna.  This will give your body a chance to adjust to the heat so you don’t experience overheating and/or dehydration. 

• Stay hydrated.  It is best to be hydrated when you go in the sauna, but at NGHB we provide you with a bottle of water so you can keep hydrated whilst in the sauna.  Always remember to keep drinking during the day.

• Don’t use the sauna if you have been drinking alcohol heavily prior to your session.  Alcohol is dehydrating and sauna-ing whilst already dehydrated is dangerous.

• Wear or bring loose clothing to put on after your session.  Your body will be hot (and maybe sweaty) and putting on tight fitting clothes is very uncomfortable.  Your body will continue to be warm for a while afterwards as it is still burning calories and trying to cool you down!

• Schedule your sauna on your needs.  If you need a get-up-and-go in the morning the sauna will certainly help you.  The autonomic nervous system is less stressed in the morning so the positive effects of sauna are greater at these times.  If you are sauna-ing to help with muscle recovery, try scheduling your session for post workout when your muscles are more receptive to the infrared rays. If you are having trouble sleeping, and infrared sauna in the afternoon/ evening will certainly add a deeper, more relaxed sleep.

• Allow yourself some time to cool down and re-group.  The saunas are a fabulous way to grab some ‘self care’ time.  Try to maximise this time by taking your time to cool down and get dressed.  Here at NGHB we have a shower facility available for you. 

• Last of all…enjoy your Infrared Sauna experience.