In today’s fast-paced world, finding ways to unwind and recharge is essential. Two of the most luxurious methods of doing just that are with TFD’s sauna and steam roooms. While both offer great health and relaxation benefits, they function in different ways and offer unique experiences. Let’s look at how each one works, what they do for your body, and why including them into your routine can be a game-changer for both recovery and relaxation.
What’s the difference?
Sauna: Our sauna uses dry heat and has very low humidity (around 10-20%). Temperatures can range from 85°C to 95°C and is an electric sauna.
Steam room: A steam room is humid and moist, with humidity levels close to 100%, but has slightly lower temperatures (around 40°C to 45°C). Steam rooms use a generator to boil water into steam, filling the room with warm mist. Our steam room specifically works on a ‘steam on demand’ basis, meaning you manually turn it on, wait for a short period of time for it to steam up ready, before you have 20-30 minutes of pure steam.
Health benefits of Sauna and Steam rooms:
- Improved circulation: Both saunas and steam rooms promote blood flow as your body warms up, which can help reduce muscle soreness, support recovery after workouts, and even lower blood pressure over time.
- Muscle recovery and pain relief: Heat therapy helps relax tight muscles, loosen joints, and reduce inflammation. Whether you’ve been in the gym, or you’re just sore from sitting too long at work, spending 10-20 minutes in a sauna or steam room could help provide relief.
- Skin health: The steam room helps to open pores and cleanse the skin of dirt and toxins, making it great for people with oily or congested skin. The sauna can improve skin elasticity and boost collagen production by up to 75% through increased blood flow.
- Detoxification: Sweating is your body’s natural way of flushing out toxins. Regular sessions in a sauna or steam room inrease sweating, which may support the removal of viruses and other toxins.
- Stress reductions and mental clarity: The calming environment helps reduce cortisol (the stress hormone) by as much as 40%, as well as increasing endorphin levels similarly to going on a run. Both dry and moist heat can help you enter a meditative state, aiding mental wellness.
- Improved sleep: Post-session relaxation often leads to better sleep. The drop in body temperature after exiting the heat mimics natural sleep signals to the brain, helping you fall asleep faster and deeper.
Sauna or Steam room: Which was is right for you?
| Goal | Better option |
| Detox and relaxation | Both |
| Skin cleansing | Steam room |
| Muscle and joint relief | Sauna |
| Respiratory support | Steam room |
| Dry heat preference | Sauna |
| Moist heat preference | Steam room |
Precautions to keep in mind:
- Stay hydrated: You lose a lot of fluids through sweat, so drink water before and after – aim for between 2-3.5 litres a day.
- Limit time: Start with 10-15 minute stints, and max at 30 minutes per sessions.
- Avoid if pregnant or with certain health conditions: Always consult your doctor or one of the gym staff if you have cardiovascular issues or other medical concerns.
Final thoughts
Incorporating saunas and steam rooms into your wellness routine can support physical recovery, mental well-being, and skin health. Whether you’re unwinding after a tough workout or just looking for a moment of peace, the heat of TFD’s sauna and seam can help you feel better inside and out.
Next time you’re at the gym, don’t skip the Sauna and Steam – your body and mind will thank you.
Blog by Sam North – Personal Trainer (SNPT)