Home Saunas Buying Guide
The home sauna trend is on the rise—and for good reason. After a long, stressful day or an intense workout, who wouldn’t want a peaceful place to unwind? If you’re considering adding a sauna to your home, you may be wondering if it’s worth the investment. Our Fitness Experts break down the benefits of home saunas, the different types, and key features to consider, helping you decide if a sauna is right for you.
Please Note: Using a sauna isn’t for everyone. Check with your healthcare provider and review the manufacturer’s details before using.
Benefits of Saunas
There are several reasons why people are adding a sauna to their home. Many athletes choose to use a combination of saunas and cold plunges to speed up recovery by reducing muscle soreness and minimizing inflammation after tough workouts. Another reason why people are turning to saunas is to help promote relaxation and relieve stress, all helping to improve sleep quality. Other health benefits include enhanced circulation and detoxing.
Types of Saunas
There are several different types of saunas available, each offering slightly different features and benefits:
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Infrared Saunas: This is the most popular type of sauna for homes. It uses infrared heaters to generate heat that directly warms the body rather than heating the air. They come in near-infrared, mid-infrared, and far-infrared options. Many people prefer far-infrared saunas since these increase sweating and circulation at lower temperatures. These are portable and available at your local SCHEELS.
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Steam Saunas: This type of sauna uses steam to provide a humid experience. They are made from a tent-like material, making them easy to transport.
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Traditional Saunas: These are what people think when they hear the term sauna. They feature a solid-wood construction and can be heated using either electric heaters or wood-burning stoves. Depending on the setup, they can provide a dry or steam sauna session.
Considerations When Buying a Home Sauna
In addition to choosing the type of sauna you want at home, it’s important to consider additional features that will elevate the experience.
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Sauna Size: Typically, portable saunas like the ones available at SCHEELS offer single and two-person options. You’ll want to make sure that the size of the sauna you purchase will fit in your space and accommodate the number of people who want to use it.
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Material: What the sauna is made from will determine its durability and longevity. Portable steam saunas are typically made from nylon, which isn’t as durable as the infrared saunas made from wood.
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Care & Maintenance: Regular cleaning is very important to keep your sauna in working condition. Some styles are easier to care for than others, so it’s best to review the manufacturer’s instructions.
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Lighting & Speakers: If you want to enhance your relaxation experience, consider choosing a sauna that includes speakers to play music or sounds as well as customizable lighting options.
Investing in a sauna for your home could be a good option for quick recovery post-workouts or additional relaxation. If you have additional questions about saunas or muscle recovery after working out, stop into your local SCHEELS to speak with an Expert.