The Proven Benefits of Using a Sauna
For the longest time, saunas were something we associated with gyms and spas. Something you used occasionally, usually after a workout, and then went on with your day. Once we added one at home though, it became clear why so many people are committed to using a sauna regularly, especially my husband, who is by far the main user in our house.
Having one at home makes it easy to be consistent, and consistency is where the real benefits show up. Beyond feeling relaxing, regular sauna use is linked to some pretty solid wellness benefits that add up over time. Here is the link for the sauna we have in our home!
It’s great for circulation and heart health
When you sit in a sauna, your heart rate increases and your blood vessels open up, which helps improve circulation. It is similar to light cardio, even though you are just sitting there.
Over time, this can support heart health and help with things like blood pressure. It feels relaxing, but your body is still getting something out of it.
Your muscles will thank you
Heat helps muscles relax and increases blood flow, which makes saunas especially helpful if you are sore or tight. This is why so many people use them after workouts, but it is just as nice after a long day on your feet.
If you deal with tension in your neck, shoulders, or back, sauna time can make a noticeable difference.
Built-in stress relief
One of my favorite parts of using a sauna is how calm it makes you feel. The heat encourages your body to slow down and relax, which helps lower stress levels.
It is also one of the few places where you are kind of forced to unplug. No phone, no distractions, just quiet time to reset.
It can help you sleep better
A lot of people notice better sleep when they use a sauna regularly. The warm-up followed by cooling down helps signal to your body that it is time to rest.
If you have trouble winding down at night, this can be a really helpful addition to your evening routine.
That post-sauna refreshed feeling
Sauna sessions encourage deep sweating, which helps your body release certain toxins. Staying hydrated is important, but there is nothing like that clean, refreshed feeling afterward.
It is the kind of reset that makes you feel lighter and more clear-headed.
Even your skin can benefit
Improved circulation and sweating can help support healthier looking skin. Increased blood flow helps nourish skin cells, and sweating can help clear pores.
Over time, many people notice their skin looks brighter and more refreshed.
A quick note on how we built it out
Since this always comes up, I wanted to share a little about how we built out the sauna. None of this is required, but we chose to customize it so it felt permanent and fully integrated into the gym.
We started by placing the sauna on 2x12s to lift it slightly off the ground. From the beginning, he knew he wanted to add a step and a finished floor, so elevating it early made that easier. In the earlier photos, you can see there was no floor yet, just the existing gym flooring underneath.
We had an electrician come out to handle all of the wiring, which is definitely something we recommend. After that, our trim guy came in and built the sauna up to the ceiling, added the floor and step, and built a side seat and cabinet so it truly felt built in rather than just placed in the room.
Everything was finished with cedar tongue and groove, which gave it that classic sauna look and helped it blend seamlessly with the rest of the gym. Again, none of these upgrades are necessary to enjoy a sauna. They were simply optional choices we made to customize the space around how he actually uses it.
Why it’s been worth it for us
Having a sauna at home has turned something that used to be occasional into a regular habit. Instead of squeezing it in at a gym or spa, it is now something my husband can use whenever he needs it.
It has become a simple, reliable way for him to relax, recover, and take care of his body, which is ultimately why it has felt so worth it for our family.
Quick note: staying hydrated is important when using a sauna. And if you have any medical conditions or health concerns, it’s always a good idea to check with your healthcare provider to make sure sauna use is right for you.
Here is the link for our sauna!