The Do’s And Don’ts Of Using A Sauna

The popularity of using a sauna has never been higher here in the U.S. With dozens of positive stories written by experts that have studied the effects of regular sauna use showing to be a very good thing to do. You can check out this article in Prevention magazine for some good health benefits you get from the sauna

Reports suggest that if you use a sauna 4 to 5 days a week for a minimum of 20 minutes, you can reap many health benefits. Some include, better circulation, lowering blood pressure and too many benefits to your heart to mention here.

Suffice to say, if you haven't heard of all the good things a sauna can do for your overall health, you can trust me, there's tons of evidence on the net to check out.

What this post is about is how to act in a public sauna. If you're convinced that taking them on a regular basis is something you want to do, let me give you some advice from someone who has long frequented them.

Unless you are in an old Eastern bloc countries, such as Russia, you should always have something on when you enter the sauna. I can assure you nobody wants to see you enter the sauna buck naked. Take it from experience, whenever I use the sauna at my local YMCA I noticed that 95% of the man in the sauna which is located in our locker room, or wearing something such as gym shorts, bathing suits, underwear or at the very least, a towel wrapped around them.

When some guy strolls in with nothing on, and sits his bare butt down on the hot sauna bench, nobody is thrilled. Even if you are extremely proud of yourself, nobody wants to see your stuff.

As far as music goes,be sure to use your earbuds as well. You might think you have chosen the right selection for everybody in the sauna but, we prefer either quiet time or our own music.
Last month, a young guy walked into the sauna with his iPhone blaring some type of nonsense music that was supposed to be calm and soothing for everybody. It sounded more like a jungle soundtrack from a cheesy 50’s movie. Or perhaps he was trying to re-create a spa atmosphere, without the right stuff to play.

Also, please keep your voice down, It’s OK for a casual interaction, but to talk the entire 20 minute session, is not relaxing for everybody else. Nothing personal, but I don’t need your views on how the Red Sox are going to do this year. I can listen to a sports talk station for all of that banter or go to my local barber shop.

As far as all the do’s and don’ts of proper sauna etiquette, I’m sure there are tons of other little things that we could add to this, however, if you just adhere to these simple rules that we’ve outlined here, you will be welcome in any sauna as a good companion. You will also reap all the wonderful benefits of it without the dirty looks from everyone else.

Step into any gym, and you'll encounter a fascinating mix of people. From dedicated fitness enthusiasts who make it their second home to the occasional gym-goers looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle, the gym is a melting pot for different types of people. Whether you encounter the chiseled bodybuilders grunting their way through their workouts and pushing their limits, the energetic cardio enthusiasts dripping with sweat, or the tranquil yogis seeking balance and inner peace.

You'll find a little bit of everything at the gym, each person with their unique goals and motivations, all hustling to become the best version of themselves. While the gym's environment is diverse, you can always count on seeing these 12 types of people.

You can't miss them! They're the ones who unleash a symphony of intense sounds with every rep and lift. Picture this: as they push their limits, they let out a mix of grunts, groans, and maybe even a few primal screams. It's like they're summoning their inner beast to move those weights. Some people find it amusing, while others are in awe of their raw determination. Love it or find it a bit over the top, there's no denying that the grunter is fully committed to giving it their all.

The selfie-obsessed person at the gym, always ready to strike a pose. You'll often find them strategically positioning themselves in front of the mirrors, smartphone in hand, capturing every angle of their workout. They spend more time adjusting filters and finding the perfect lighting than breaking a sweat. It's as if their main goal is to document their gym experience rather than truly engage in it. While some might roll their eyes at their self-indulgence, you can't deny their commitment to curating the perfect fitness-focused social media feed.

Beware of the equipment hoarder at the gym! They are the ones who seem to lay claim to every piece of equipment in sight. You'll notice them piling up dumbbells, barbells, and resistance bands around their workout station as if creating their own personal fitness fortress. They may jump from one machine to another without giving others a chance, leaving a trail of sweat and equipment in their wake. It's as if they believe possession is nine-tenths of the workout. While their determination to get the most out of their gym session is admirable, it's important to remind them that sharing is caring.

Bodybuilders are all about building and sculpting those muscles. You'll often find them spending a ton of time at the gym, lifting weights like there's no tomorrow. They focus on specific muscle groups, hitting them from all angles to promote muscle growth and definition.

At the gym, you might come across couples working out together. They are often seen supporting and motivating each other during their fitness journey. They may engage in activities such as partner workouts, spot each other during weightlifting, or participate in group fitness classes together.

Some gym-goers treat the gym like their own personal social club. It's not just about sweating it out for them. It's about having a good chat and making connections while they're at it. They love striking up conversations, whether it's with the regulars they see every day or with someone they've never met before. They’ll be mid-workout, and you'll see them cracking jokes, sharing fitness tips, and maybe even gossiping.

There are some elderly people out who are all about staying fit and healthy. They understand the importance of maintaining their mobility, strength, and overall well-being. You'll often find them at the gym, doing low-impact exercises or joining specialized classes tailored just for seniors.

In every gym, you'll likely come across a slow-paced gym goer. These individuals prefer a more relaxed and leisurely approach to their workouts. They take their time, focusing on proper form and technique rather than rushing through exercises. You might see them moving at a slower pace on the cardio machines or using lighter weights during strength training. They prioritize listening to their bodies and avoiding pushing themselves too hard.

They're all about getting their heart rate up and keeping those lungs pumping. You'll spot them on the treadmills, bikes, or elliptical machines, going the distance to improve their endurance and keep their cardiovascular health in check.

The "wannabe trainer" is usually a gym-goer who seems to think they're the next fitness guru. You'll spot them giving unsolicited advice, offering tips, and demonstrating exercises to anyone within earshot. They may not be certified personal trainers, but that doesn't stop them from giving out their "expertise." Sometimes they mean well, wanting to help others, but other times, they just love the sound of their own voice. They might correct your form, suggest different exercises, or even try to design a whole workout plan for you.

They put significant effort into their workout attire and always look stylish at the gym. They may wear the latest fitness fashion trends and accessories. You'll often spot them rocking the latest fitness fashion trends, from sleek and colorful activewear to high-performance sneakers. Some do say, "when you look good, you feel good."

You'll find them at the gym bright and early, even before the sun has fully risen. While the rest of the world is still cozy in their beds, these dedicated people are already breaking a sweat. Whether hitting the weights, jumping on the treadmill, or joining an early morning class, they're committed to squeezing in their workout before the rest of the world wakes up.

Apparently, fitness doesn't rest, even when the sun goes down. Night owl gym goers prefer to hit the gym when most people are calling it a day. While everyone else is getting ready for bed, they're lacing up their sneakers and heading out for a late-night workout. You'll find them in the gym, pushing their limits and getting their adrenaline pumping when the rest of the world is in dreamland.