How to Use a Sauna

Relaxing in a sauna is usually an experience we only get to enjoy on vacations or a once-in-a-blue-moon spa day. The hot steam is invigorating and refreshing. The intense temperature changes can promote muscle recovery and better sleep - among many other benefits. Yet, we rarely see saunas as something we could enjoy frequently— that is, until now.

If your apartment community has a sauna, you can dive into healing steam all the time. The only difference is that you're fully in charge of your personal sauna experience instead of a guided treatment provided by a hotel or spa. You decide how long to steam and when to cool off to get the best effect.

Here at The Villages at General Grant Apartments and Townhomes in Affton, MO, our community features a professional Finnish-style sauna that uses sauna stones to heat the space. It's one of our residents' favorite amenities, providing a place for them to relax and unwind.

Let's get ready for some steam.

What is a Sauna?

A sauna is a space with seating that grows in temperature (anywhere from 155-195°) using a variety of heating methods. Traditional saunas involve lightly sprinkling water onto fire-heated rocks in order to create steam. The hot and steamy environment helps you to increase your body temperature and sweat out toxins. Of course, modern saunas come in a wide range of varieties, including dry, wet, and infrared.

Benefits of Using a Sauna

Toxin Release
Muscle Recovery
Respiratory health
Deeper Sleep
Skincare

Using a sauna has been reported to have a wide range of health benefits, from sweating out toxins to reducing psoriasis symptoms. Some of these have been medically proven, while others are still anecdotal, but universally, people feel better after sauna time.

We know for certain that saunas help you sweat, which can promote the removal of toxins from your body. The heat from a sauna can promote muscle recovery in a way that's similar to a hot bath or hot rock massage. The steam from a wet sauna can ease respiratory discomfort and promote lung health.

Many people report deeper and more satisfying sleep after a sauna, which aligns with sleep's connection to body temperature changes, while more anecdotally, saunas might boost your metabolism, improve skin health, or help with depression. 

How to Use a Sauna

The proper way to use a sauna depends on your goals and the type of sauna you have access to. For example, a traditional steam sauna requires you to ladle water over hot rocks, while a modern wet sauna emits steam from vents, and an infra-red sauna uses infra-red lights to help you sweat.

Aside from the technical details, you should also consider your desired sauna experience. Some people like to relax in the heat for 10-15 minutes, while others pop into the sauna before or after exercise to improve fitness performance and muscle recovery.

Sauna For Beginners: Shorter Times

If you're new to sauna steaming, go in for a short time and get used to the experience before trying a longer basking session. 5-10 minutes in a sauna at full heat is enough to enjoy the health benefits without putting yourself at risk of overheating or dehydration. Be sure to consult your doctor before entering a sauna.

Sauna for Muscle Recovery

If you're using the sauna to promote muscle recovery, lean back or even lie down and try to fully relax. Allow your muscles to absorb heat and release tension. However, if you feel unable to relax due to the intense heat, step out and shower.

Sauna for Respiratory Health

If you're recovering from a cold or fighting asthma, increase the steam in your sauna by adding more water to the heat source (or turning up the setting) and breathe the steam directly. The hot, moist air will help your lungs rehydrate, relax, and release mucous so you can breathe more easily. 

Take Breaks and Cool Off

It's also totally normal to use the sauna for a few minutes, exit to cool off, and re-enter to heat back up again. Cyclical sauna use is the recommended method according to many cultural traditions. A cold shower or dive into the pool are both traditional methods to rapidly change your body temperature after and between sauna sessions. 

Apartment Sauna Tips

If your apartment has a sauna, these tips can help gain the most enjoyment and benefit while also respecting the shared space.

Drink plenty of water
- Drink a glass of water before and after your sauna, and stay hydrated during cycles. This will replenish water lost through sweat.
Take a Break when:
- You feel dizzy or light-headed
- You feel overheated or your heart is racing
- You get thirsty
Wear a bathing suit
- Most US saunas are not the nude type.
Don't drink alcohol or eat heavy foods before your sauna
Take a cold shower or plunge in the pool after/between sauna sessions
Bring your own towel and/or bathrobe
Shower before and after
Adapt to longer sauna sessions over time
- Start at 5-10 minutes
- Maximum of 30 minutes
Relax and cool down completely after your sauna.

Apartment with a Sauna in Affton, MO

If you dream of living somewhere with a sauna you can use all the time, come to the Villages at General Grant. Our Affton, MO apartment community features a Finnish-style sauna that is available for all residents from 6 am to 10 pm. We are delighted to offer a rare and enjoyable amenity that enhances the health of our residents and works seamlessly in tandem with our resort-style swimming pool and professional fitness center.

Testimonials

The resident manager is excellent, efficient, knowledgeable and responds to requests. Thank you for being responsive and welcoming. The office staff is very friendly and helpful. I
- Google Review

I have been here 3 months and I absolutely love it. Spacious, safe, clean. Pet friendly and plenty of space to walk your dog. I’ve already had friends who want to move in here too!
- Google Review

I lived at the Villages at General Grant for the last two years in a one bedroom and loved it. The leasing office was always on top of everything, and was very polite. And the maintenance team never let the day go by without addressing one of my concerns, though I only had to reach out to them on a couple of occasions. On top of that, the unit I toured was very nice, but the one I was given seemed in even better shape.
- Yelp Review

I lived in two different units from 2002 to around 2008 maybe don't remember exactly maybe longer. I moved back recently after selling my house that's another story but being pet friendly and close to work were 2 huge draws for me. I've found I like to just come and go and not worry about what will need to be fixed next or lawn maintenance. Everyone seems friendly. I have no real complaints. I was happy to see that the units were more updated then when I last lived there.
- Google Review

The last 5 years have been all I expected and more!! The Managers have always gone above and beyond to accommodate my family and I. The grounds keeper is the best at keeping the property well maintained and beautified. You can always count on maintenance to respond quickly to requests even if they can’t resolve the issue at that moment. I love this location also because it’s close to everything! I can go on and on about this great community! I love it!
- Google Reivew

I lived in an apartment at the Villages at General Grant from 2020 to 2024, and it was an extremely positive experience for me. The location was perfect for work and it was easy to navigate to all the major highways. Any issues that I had were addressed quickly by the maintenance team and the staff. I felt like policies were clearly explained during my leasing and then move out processes.
- Google Review

I can't say enough good things about *The Villages of General Grant Apartments*! From the moment I walked through the door, I was greeted with warmth and kindness by the entire office staff. Every single person I interacted with was so friendly and accommodating—it truly felt like I was part of a community before I even officially moved in.
- Google Review

Thank you for fixing my garbage disposal and blinds in a timely manner and a super sweet guy! Been living here for only a few months and every experience I’ve had with their staff has been awesome, great people and a really good environment.
- Google Review

I’ve lived here since 2014 and it’s a great place to live. Conveniently located. Just recently, one of the maintenance men replaced my kitchen faucet and he did it in a timely manner. Great job.
- Google Review

He was a very polite man. Very helpful and sweet. Thank you so much.
- Google Review