A Beginners Guide to Sauna Use
Posted on 07 August 2025
You may have heard a lot about saunas in the last few years, whether it be on the news, social media or through friends and family. The truth is, all of the fuss around saunas is warranted. There are numerous healthy and wellness benefits associated with regular indoor sauna use. No crazy workout routine or diet required. Simply sitting in the sauna offers mental health, muscular, cardiovascular and skin health benefits.
If you are entirely new to sauna use, but want to start reaping the benefits, you need to make sure you take the right approach. The right approach begins with the proper sauna. Browse home saunas in Chicago from SaunaFin today!
Here is a guide to sauna use for beginners.
What Is a Sauna?
Saunas are small rooms designed for wet or dry heat sessions. Saunas are prominent in Finnish culture and are well known for their intense dry heat.
Traditional saunas are made of woods like cedar or hemlock to promote strong heat retention. There are usually a few heating options available for your sauna. Electric heaters are a traditional choice that is perfect for quick heating or the use of sauna rocks. Another option is infrared saunas, which consist of panels that heat the body directly rather than the air inside the sauna.
The reason sauna use is so popular is because of the profound benefits associated with regular use. You can expect mental health, physical health and overall wellness benefits.
What to Expect in the Sauna
Stepping into a sauna for the first time may feel intense and intimidating, but it is important to note that most individuals build up their tolerance gradually. As soon as you step into a sauna, you will be engulfed by the heat. Even though most indoor saunas are dry, you may feel like it is humid and that the air is thick.
Once you’ve spent a few moments in the sauna, you may notice that you are sweating profusely or that your heart rate is going up. Both of these phenomena are entirely normal and are part of what makes the sauna so beneficial for your health.
Sauna Tips for Beginners
- Stay Hydrated: Drink water before entering the sauna to prevent dehydration. Keeping a cold bottle of water to sip on is also wise for beginners who are feeling overwhelmed by the heat.
- Start Slow: Your first sauna session does not need to be long. Only stay inside as long as you comfortably can. Even 5 minutes is sufficient. Over time, you can increase your session duration.
- Wear Light Clothing: It is often recommended that minimal clothing be worn in the sauna because of how much the average person sweats while inside. Typical indoor sauna attire includes towels, swimsuits or very thin sportswear tops and shorts. However, if you own a home sauna, you can sweat in whatever you are comfortable in.
- Clean-up Afterwards: After your sauna sessions, regardless of the length, you’ll want to shower. This will help remove any sweat and bacteria off your skin afterwards.
If you have any medical conditions, ensure that you speak with a healthcare provider before stepping into a sauna for the first time.
Enter the World of Saunas with SaunaFin
If you are new to sauna use and are considering investing in a home sauna in Chicago, definitely ensure that you take your first few sauna sessions slowly. Everyone’s body is different and can only tolerate the heat for so long. This is why hydration and shorter sessions are essential, especially in the beginning stages of your sauna journey. Once you are able to stay in the sauna for 20 minutes, you’ll be maximizing all of the health benefits associated with use. Visit SaunaFin’s website to browse indoor saunas today!
