Most pools, spas, and fitness centers offer steam rooms for their patrons to use. These amenities are widely used and greatly appreciated. A steam room is a great way to relax and is known to offer many health benefits. While so many make use of these steam rooms, many aren’t getting the most they could out of it. There are some certain steps that can be taken to optimize the steam room experience. Following these steps ensures the optimum use of the relaxation and health benefits that steam rooms can offer.
Shower First
Taking a shower before taking a steam is a crucial first step. This is the most fundamental aspect of steam room preparedness. This is important whether the steam room is found at a pool or a gym. In the gym it’s important to rinse off the sweat and odor that have accumulated during the pre-steam work out. In the case of a pool steam room, showers help rinse off the chlorine from the pool’s water. It’s also good to go into a steam room cool, allowing for a longer steam and reducing risk of dehydration. Making the shower a cool shower will help improve the experience.
Cleanliness
A communal steam room can build up germs and bacteria throughout the course of the day. Those patrons who don’t rinse off before entering are at increased risk of tracking in bacteria. These bacteria thrive in the steamy environment. Athlete’s foot is one common bacterium that can be passed around in a steam room. Shower shoes are a good investment for those who steam regularly. The foot is a hot zone for bacterial infection. Care should be taken to always sit on a towel, rather than the exposed benches. These precautions will effectively guard from bacteria.
Temperature
Temperature is the critical control variable for steam rooms. The entire experience is centered on maintaining the proper temperature. The ideal temperature range is from 100 to 116 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures lower than this fail to deliver the same benefits of a truly balmy steam. Temperatures higher than this increase the risk of dehydration and other heat related illness or injury. If the temperature isn’t in that range be sure to inform the staff and have it adjusted. Humidity is the other factor and can be judged by ear. You can tell when it isn’t steamy enough.
Duration
The duration of a steam is a big aspect of how effective it is. There are many different schools of thought on the matter, but most fall within the same range. Around half an hour should be the upper limit, after which dehydration becomes a major concern. A steam of 15 to 20 minutes is a good sweet spot. This time allows your body to really get going and to enjoy the full benefits of the sauna. The sweat starts flowing, and the metabolism shifts up. Newcomers should try a shorter steam to feel out their tolerance. If you start to feel uncomfortable you should cut the steam short.
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