March 15, 2007

A Guide to Sauna Accessories

Sauna Tip! To prevent dehydration, be sure to replenish your fluids after you come out of the sauna. Drinking mineralized water is recommended, although some sauna enthusiasts believe a beer can be quite refreshing.

When a first-time buyer thinks of sauna accessories, the usual bucket and ladle come to mind, and probably not much else. But in order to truly indulge and enjoy your new bathing experience, you should think outside the box and explore the wealth of sauna equipment that is available in today’s market.

But when talking about accessories, you should still start with the basics. Many people may think that any bucket and ladle will do in a sauna, but this is simply not the case. They need to be made with a material that resists moisture so that they do not warp or change color in the heat and steam. Think about it - if you use a plastic bucket, it could melt and stain your benches, produce an unpleasant aroma, and even scald someone who tries to touch it. This is not something that you want to happen, especially if you have guests. If you have an infrared sauna that uses no steam or humidity, then you may have more choices, and can even splurge on a fancy set with the money you save in electricity (since infrared saunas take less energy to heat).

Sauna equipment also includes vapor proof lights. You don’t want to step into a dark sauna, do you? Most saunas or sauna equipment kits come with a single light. If you want more lights or a fancier one that you can dim, you may have to buy it separately, though they are relatively inexpensive and worth the extra money.

Sauna Tip! Jaahdyttely ja kuivattelu - This is an air bath for cooling and relaxation. Generally, except in harsh winters, one dries with a towel only the hair and back of the neck; after a good sauna the body can dry itself and adjust naturally to any temperatue without difficulties or harm.

Timers are sauna accessories that usually come with a kit. But that doesn’t mean you have to limit yourself to just that one. A digital timer is great, but a fancier or more stylish one like a sand timer is also available for sale. It is simply a matter of taste.

Aromatherapy has become wildly popular and supplies for it can now be found amongst sauna accessories. From essential oils to fragrant cedar or birch bars, there are lots of scents that you can now include with your sauna equipment list. Once you try a little lavender for relaxation or ginger for revitalization, you may be hooked and never use a sauna without fragrance again.

Clocks are the final set of sauna accessories that need to be covered. Though not every unit comes with them, they can still be a great addition to your cabin. They can work as both a clock and a timer, so that you know how long you have been in and how long before you have to get out so you can time things accordingly. This is essential to prevent overheating and/or dehydration.

Sauna Tip! After eating a large meal, always wait at least one hour before using the sauna. Some people find a sauna first thing in the morning to be very invigorating and a great way to start the day.

Luckily, most of these sauna accessories are inexpensive and easy to obtain. Of course, if you want specialized ones the price will indeed go up. But no matter how much you spend on your sauna equipment, these extras will enhance the enjoyment and so are worth every penny.

David Bloom is a health enthusiast and contributor to many fitness sites. He is the author of Home Sauna Accessories, a blog dedicated to residential saunas and sauna equipment and accessories.

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