It's a "hot" topic: Traditional vs. Infrared Sauna

If you haven't heard, sauna use is the rage right now, especially if you live in MN in the winter! With the emergence of infrared saunas alongside the traditional ones, choosing the right option for your relaxation and health goals can be a heated decision (see what I did there!). Let's talk about the differences between traditional and infrared saunas so you can make an informed choice.  Without further adieu...

Traditional Saunas:

Traditional saunas, also known as Finnish saunas, have been a part of various cultures for centuries. These saunas rely on a heater, often powered by electricity or wood, to heat a pile of rocks. Water is then poured over the rocks to create steam, raising the overall temperature within the sauna.

Key Features:

1. Heat Source: Traditional saunas use a heater to warm the air, which in turn warms your body.
2. Temperature: These saunas typically reach higher temperatures, often between 160°F to 200°F (71°C to 93°C).
3. Humidity: Traditional saunas are known for their high humidity, created by pouring water over the hot rocks.

Infrared Saunas:

Infrared saunas, a more modern invention, use infrared heaters to emit radiant heat, which is absorbed directly by the body. Unlike traditional saunas, they don't heat the air around you but instead warm your body directly.

Key Features:

1. Heat Source: Infrared saunas use infrared heaters, emitting light that is experienced as radiant heat.
2. Temperature: Although the temperature is lower compared to traditional saunas (typically 120°F to 150°F or 49°C to 66°C), the heat is often perceived as more intense due to its direct impact on the body.
3. Humidity: Infrared saunas maintain lower humidity levels since they don't rely on water to produce steam.

Health Benefits:

Both traditional and infrared saunas offer a range of health benefits, but they may affect individuals differently.

Traditional Saunas:

• Promotes relaxation and stress relief.
• Encourages deep sweating, aiding in detoxification.
• Can enhance cardiovascular health by increasing heart rate.

Infrared Saunas:

• May provide more comfortable conditions for those sensitive to high temperatures.
• Targets muscle and joint pain through direct infrared heat absorption.
• Offers potential skin benefits, such as improved circulation and reduced signs of aging.

Conclusion:

The choice between a traditional sauna and an infrared sauna ultimately depends on your preferences, health considerations, and the experience you seek. Traditional saunas provide the classic steamy environment, while infrared saunas offer a more targeted and potentially more accessible heat. Whichever you choose, incorporating sauna sessions into your wellness routine can be a rejuvenating and health-enhancing practice.

Shred With Shannon offers Infrared Sauna sessions right in downtown Waconia.  Our sauna can seat up to 2 people.  Each sauna session comes with a complimentary LMNT electrolyte packet to properly rehydrate.

We offer 20, 30 or 40 minute sessions.

Sessions for 2 people, punch cards or a membership to receive unlimited sauna sessions is available.

Check out our pricing & schedule!

We currently have a #loveyourbody sale going on through February 14th!

• Buy a 30-minute session for 2 people at 50% off ($30 value)
• Buy a 10-class punch card & receive 2 complimentary 20 minute sauna sessions ($44 value)
• Sign up for an 8 or 12 class per month membership & receive one 40 minute sauna session per month up to 3 months ($126 value)

We also have a traditional sauna/cold plunge event coming up at the end of March - check our website for more information!