You know that feeling when we mistakenly step into a freezing cold shower? "yowwwwwwwwwww!!!!" and we jump back in terror "Omg, that's so coooolllllld!!!" Well, here's a little secret: we sauna enthusiasts seek out that feeling. We are like crack heads for that adrenaline rush. After experiencing this feeling over and over, we are able to unpack what is actually happening, in a weird, rational kind of way. Conventional sequence from contact with cold water: Skin: "cold water, man! I'll go tell the brain to get our muscles to react, fast!" Brain: "shit, the skin down there just told us that there's fucking cold water hitting the body. Time for conditional response! sending an outpouring of stress hormones right now. Hey muscles: pull back now!" Muscles: "righty, oh. On it!" We pull back. We breathe hard. We are freaked out, but we recover. Experienced sequence from contact with cold water: Skin: "cold water, man! It's just cold water, is this what we … [Read more...]
Backyard cold plunge between sauna rounds for $72.99
As more and more folks are discovering the authentic sauna experience, more and more folks are understanding that sauna is not just about the hot room. Matter of fact, the benefits of a proper cool down are being recognized as ability to: Equalize body temperature (as a pre-set for next sauna round, or to go to bed) Enjoy fresh air and nature (while in the garden all misty wet with rain) Reduce inflammation Increase Adrenaline and Endorphin rush accentuation ("omg, i feel great") Boost immune system Improve mental health Athletes, like football players, use cold plunge for relief, after beating the shit out of each other. Wim Hof applies cold plunge therapy as a key part of the Wim Hof Method. Those with cabins and lake cottages cut holes in the ice, where winter cold plunge retreats are warmly received. Finns have been enjoying and benefiting from winter swimming, Avanto, for many generations. Americans are recognizing the value of cold plunge between our … [Read more...]
Why Lake Superior is the #1 sauna lake in the Continental US
It's a bold statement because almost ANY lake is a #1 sauna lake. There is nothing like stepping out after a sauna round, when "the idea of a cold lake plunge is about the best idea you've ever heard." But Lake Superior offers the sauna bather an additional edge, especially most of the time from about December to April: open water. It's crazy to think that a guy can jump into ice cold fresh clear open water on April 3, 2018 when at that same moment, EVERY inland lake within 300 miles has many feet of ice on it. Avanto is awesome. Not needing a hole in the ice is that much better. Nature is a crazy and wonderful thing. … [Read more...]
Wim Hof talks about enjoying sauna as part of his cold plunge therapy
"You bring 100 people together and they are all strangers, but in the sauna, you open up because your body is opening up. And then your mind follows." "Heat and cold are our great teachers." -Wim Hof (The "Iceman") I started Saunatimes about 10 years ago, with a vague yet committed intent to share the goodness of authentic sauna with others. I started Sauna Talk podcast a year or so ago. At that time, I created an "intention" to host three specific guests to Sauna Talk. I'm very pleased to share with you one of these three guests. My vision was to be able to bring you this guest to Sauna Talk and here he is. Welcome Wim Hof to Sauna Talk Wim is Dutch. He was born in 1958. He is nicknamed "the ice man" and here's why: Wim Hof holds 26 world records, including a world record for longest ice bath. Wim describes his ability to withstand extreme cold temperatures as being able to "turn his own thermostat up" through breathing exercises. In February 2009 Wim Hof … [Read more...]
Could fall saunas be the best?
It's fall. The leaves are peak color. The afternoon has you thinking about putting shorts on, but as the sun sets, the cool dry air settles in. It's sauna time. The water temp is brisk. As you dive in, your body reacts to the cold water, but you're not fighting to get to the ladder. Standing on the dock, your body equalizes. Refreshed, restored, rejuvenated. Could fall saunas be the best? … [Read more...]
Saunatimes digs that Rick Rubin digs sauna
As you probably know Rick Rubin is a wildly prolific and successful music producer. But Rick Rubin is also a deep thinker with lots of interesting things to say. He was interviewed recently by Tim Ferriss. The interview was recorded in Rick Rubin's sauna. How cool is that? You can listen to it here. Rick Rubin touched on some interesting topics thanks to Mr. Ferriss asking some great questions. Rubin: "The best art divides the audience." This is how we feel about AUTHENTIC sauna building. There are many who would never get their hands around building their own backyard health and wellness retreat. And there are those that embrace it with great appreciation and satisfaction. (WIT/M = :)2) The best art divides the audience. If I could ask Rick Rubin three things: Reviewing your discography, Saunatimes readers agree that Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan - The Final Studio Recordings make for better sauna music than Slayer - World Painted Blood. Is music sometimes part of … [Read more...]