How to Use a Public Sauna

Public saunas may seem strange to people who have not used them. They are simply heated rooms or buildings that are used by people to speed up sweating. Most workout centers are equipped with saunas because of their positive effects including increasing calorie burning, improving blood circulation, and relieving muscle tension.

Things You'll Need

• Two towels
• Sandals
• 8 ounces of water

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Instructions

• 1

  Drink at least eight ounces of water and avoid eating a heavy meal in the hour before entering the sauna.

• 2

  Take off all jewelry. Metallic jewelry could burn your skin in the heat, and watches can break. Take off glasses or contact lenses before you entering a sauna. Glasses will fog and contacts can melt.

• 3

  Wear light clothing. Don a bathing suit, towel or clothes you don't mind sweating in, while sitting in a sauna. If you are in an infrared sauna, which uses radiant heat rather than steam, a towel is recommended so that you do not block the infrared rays. Always wear non-leather sandals in a sauna. Leather sandals will become hard and brittle over time, and the sealants holding the sandals together will dissolve with the sweat.

• 4

  Bring a second towel to sit on while you are in the sauna to absorb sweat. Most saunas have two levels of seating: high seating and low seating. The lower seating is cooler because heat rises. It is recommended that beginners choose the lower seating.

• 5

  Leave the sauna after fifteen minutes. If you wish to enter for a second session, drink some water and wait ten minutes before entering.

• 6

  Take a cool shower after sitting in the sauna to wash away sweat.

• 7

  Consider others when sitting in a public sauna. Wear at least a towel when entering a sauna. Assume that there is no nudity allowed until you notice a trend of naked people entering and exiting. Do not stare at others while in the sauna, and mind their personal space. If you wish to talk to someone, speak softly to respect the quiet mood of the sauna. Do your part to occasionally pour water, and water only, on the sauna rocks. Do not leave it to the others.