Saunas, health benefits and relaxation oh my! Saunas are all the rage, and we are hearing sauna conversations across the nation; across dinner tables, in health clubs and between friends at bars. Are you still confused on the basics. We are here to clear some things up with the five W’s of sauna…in true sauna fashion.

Who – Who is enjoying saunas?

It used to be the people of Finland, the finnish. Then it was the Scandanavians. Now its your next door neighbor and that sassy skinny girl leaving hot yoga. Everyone is starting to get into saunas, especially after Oprah and Dr. Oz starting talking about the massive amount of health benefits infrared saunas offer. So yeah, it should be you next.

What – What the heck is a sauna?

Saunas are small rooms, or a house, designed as a location to experience dry or wet heat sessions for recreational or therapeutic experiences. There are two main types of saunas: dry and wet. The majority of saunas are built out of wood, with cedar and hemlock being the most common.

Wet saunas, or steam rooms, are kept at lower temperatures, 100°F to 115°F, which prevents superheated water from scalding the skin on contact. Dry saunas can be kept at much higher temperatures of up to 250°F by keeping the moisture level down to nearly zero. These temperatures cause relaxation and promote sweating, to help cleanse the system and provide health benefits.

Where – Where are saunas?

They are now everywhere! They used to only be at swanky hotels, expensive condo or apartment communities and ritzy health clubs. Now they are in basements, houses and neighborhood gyms across the nation. They can be built to your liking, with custom build kit saunas that incorporate all the elements you want. Easy to assemble, and ready to use.

When – When is the best time to sauna?

You can sauna when you are stressed out as a massive form of instant relaxation. You can sauna after you work out, to help your body eliminate toxins in your system and clean itself out. You can use the sauna in the dead of winter in the frigid temperatures of the snowy states, or during the summer why relaxing at a hotel spa in Las Vegas. We use ours almost everyday to relax, refresh and detox. And sauna parties are always popular.

Why – Why use a sauna?

Saunas offer numerous health benefits. You can lower your blood pressure, aid in weight loss, and extend your life. Saunas offer a great way to detoxify your system. The main thing we want to stress is to wash your skin once you exit the sauna to get the toxins off your skin. One major benefit that helps to extend your life, and the overall quality of your life, is the fact that saunas aid in relaxation. With all the stress being experienced and the fast pace of life, saunas help you take a moment and fully relax.

What more could you ask for! SaunasAndStuff.com is here to help with any questions you might have about saunas and the options available to you. Now’s the time to enjoy that sauna!!

Saunas have been gaining popularity in the last several years. North America is taking a cue from the Finnish and reaping the many health benefits of saunas. Whether you want to buy an infrared sauna or a traditional hot rock steam sauna, there are many different options to choose from. Saunas continue to adapt and evolve with new designs and trends popping up across the nation.

The following are some trends we are seeing in 2011 in the sauna industry:

• The top trend that continues to evolve with saunas is design. People are beginning to customize sauna kits to fit their taste and style, as well as the overall feel and design of the interior of their home. The individualization of the sauna includes using new materials to help the environment (for the eco-friendly) or the use of exotic stones (for the discerning) are coming into play.

• This year has also brought in the evolution of smell. The use of fragrance or essential oils is beginning to allow users to personalize their sauna experience for a particular time of day or feel. Using citrus scents in the morning allows the sauna user to make up and prepare for the day, or relaxing lavender after a day of stress or for anyone that needs an enhanced complete relaxation moment.

• New LED technology changes the use of lights, allowing for an even more serene sauna experience. The use of a “starry sky” or new illuminated elements allows the sauna user to personalize the sauna or add new lighting elements to make the experience one to remember.

• A future trend sauna users should be on the lookout for is the control technology. The introduction of a sauna remote that can be used in multiple locations may allow sauna users to heat up their sauna in the basement from the comfort of their office upstairs. Users may also be able to program the sauna to begin heating up at a certain time during the day, like 10 minutes before lunch so it is ready for your lunch break.

The use and popularity of saunas is widespread, and it might be a great way for you to spruce up your home. The personalization of the sauna is now more available than ever, offering multiple options to make your new sauna to fit right in your home. Contact SaunasAndStuff.com to discuss our many options and which sauna will be the best one for you.