Saunas

This is my happy place, and the benefits are overwhelming. I think sweating is one of the best things you can do for your body, and this is one of my favorite ways to sweat. I try to meet up with friends in saunas instead of a bar, it’s a great way to catch up and take care of your body. I always feel so calm after a sauna and couldn’t recommend it more. It’s good for weight loss, mental health, and inflammation. I prefer a traditional sauna; I love the dry heat, but have friends who swear by infrared. 

Infrared vs. Traditional Sauna: What’s the Difference?

Both are great. Both make you sweat. But they do it a little differently—and depending on your body and what you’re looking for, you might gravitate toward one over the other.

Traditional Sauna

This is the classic version: dry heat, usually 170–190°F. The air around you gets hot, which makes you hot. You typically sweat more quickly and heavily, and it feels a bit more intense overall. If you like that “just survived something” feeling in the best way—this is for you.

Why I love it: I personally feel like I get more of a release in a traditional sauna. It’s deeper, more cathartic, and I always leave feeling completely reset—like my nervous system just got a reboot.

Infrared Sauna

Infrared uses light to heat your body directly, instead of heating the air. Temps are lower (usually around 120–140°F), but the heat goes deeper into your tissues. It’s a gentler experience—less steamy, more slow-burn. You might not start sweating right away, but once you do, it’s legit.

Why some people prefer it: It can feel less overwhelming, especially for beginners or people who get dizzy in high heat. Some people also find it better for skin clarity, pain relief, or muscle recovery because it penetrates more deeply at a cellular level.

Bottom line?

They’re both amazing. Traditional is my go-to, but if you’re new to sauna or just want something less intense, infrared is a great place to start. Try both and see what your body responds to—you can’t really go wrong.

What are the benefits of sauna-ing?

There are a lot—but here are the ones you actually feel

• Reduces bloating and water retention
• Helps clear your skin 
• Supports detoxification through sweat
• Calms your nervous system and reduces stress
• Improves circulation and muscle recovery
• Can help you sleep deeper
• Feels like a mental reset—especially when paired with breathwork or cold plunging

What are the cellular benefits of sauna-ing?

Okay, here’s where it gets a little sciencey—but stick with me because it’s actually fascinating. When you sit in the sauna, especially regularly, you’re doing way more than just sweating. You’re activating a process called hormesis, which is basically your body responding to a little bit of controlled stress (heat) by getting stronger, more resilient, and more efficient.

• Heat shock proteins (HSPs) get released. These are like little repair agents that protect your cells, help damaged proteins fold correctly, and even play a role in longevity. Think of them as cellular housekeepers cleaning up inflammation and waste.

• Improved mitochondrial function. Mitochondria = your cells’ energy centers. Saunas help them work better and more efficiently, which means more energy and better metabolism.

• Reduced inflammation. Regular sauna use helps lower chronic inflammation in the body, which is linked to everything from joint pain to brain fog.

• Increased autophagy. This is your body’s natural process of cleaning out damaged cells to make room for new, healthier ones. It’s kind of like a cellular detox/reset.

Basically, while you’re just sitting there sweating, your body is doing some pretty major behind-the-scenes upgrades. That’s why people report everything from better recovery to clearer skin to improved mood—and why sauna is often linked to long-term health and longevity.

I personally use the sauna not just for my body, but for my brain. It’s one of the few times where I truly drop into stillness. And for anyone who feels like they’re always “on,” it’s a really powerful way to slow down, sweat it out, and come back to yourself.

Tips for Maximizing Your Sauna Routine

–Stay Hydrated: Drink water before and after your session to stay hydrated. I love to bring in a big bottle full of ice and electrolytes.

–Limit Your Time: Start with 10 to 15 minutes and gradually work up to longer sessions as your body adapts.

–Cool Down Slowly: Allow your body to return to its normal temperature gradually by sitting in a cool room afterward.

–Listen to Your Body: If you feel dizzy or uncomfortable, exit the sauna and rest.

The spots:

I have yet to go to a sauna place that I don’t like, just find some place close to you, they’re all pretty great but some of my favorites in LA are:

Pure Recovery: love their contrast rooms

Pause: infarred only

Wi Spa: this is the hottest sauna in town