Infrared vs. Traditional Sauna:What's the Difference (and Why Everyone's Suddenly Obsessed)

If you’re reading this, the algorithm has to have figured out you’re into wellness at least a little bit and you've probably noticed saunas are just another part of the wellness sphere that’s having a moment. And honestly, we get it. There's something pretty incredible about the fact that sitting in a hot room can do so much for your body. But not all saunas are created equal, and we've been getting more and more questions about infrared saunas specifically, so let's break it down.

Traditional Sauna: The Classic

A traditional sauna heats the air around you, usually somewhere between 150-195 degrees Fahrenheit. That heat warms your body from the outside in. You've probably sat in one of these before, whether it's at a gym, a spa or your own at home space. It's a tried and true method, and the research behind it is extensive. Regular sauna use has been linked to improved cardiovascular health, better circulation, stress relief, and even longevity benefits in some studies.

Infrared Sauna: The new(er) kid on the block

Infrared saunas work differently. Instead of heating the air, they use infrared light to heat your body directly. This means the sauna itself runs at a lower temperature, usually 120-140 degrees, but you still get a deep, effective sweat because the heat is penetrating your body instead of just surrounding it.

This is part of why infrared has become so popular. That lower ambient temperature makes it more accessible for people who find traditional saunas too intense, and the deeper tissue penetration means you may get some added benefits like:

• A more tolerable experience for longer sessions, since the air itself isn't as hot

• Deeper penetration into muscle tissue, which some people find especially helpful for recovery and soreness

• An efficient sweat at a lower temperature, so you can ease into heat therapy without feeling like you're sitting in an oven

• Added convenience, since infrared units tend to heat up faster than traditional saunas and if it’s in-home, it’s less likely to heat the space around it, too 

We want to be clear, we're not here to tell you traditional sauna isn't fantastic, because it absolutely is. The research on traditional sauna use is well established and the benefits are real. What we love about infrared is that it gives people, especially those newer to heat therapy, an easier entry point, while still delivering on recovery, relaxation, and cardiovascular benefits.

Why We're Excited

We've watched infrared saunas go from a niche wellness trend to something more and more of our building partners are asking about, and it makes sense. As more residential buildings add infrared saunas to their amenity spaces, we're thrilled that more of you will have access to try it for yourselves. If your building has one, we highly recommend chalking it out.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind

As with any heat therapy, sauna use isn't for everyone. Please consult your doctor first if you're pregnant, have cardiovascular conditions, or are on medications that affect your body's ability to regulate temperature. Stay hydrated before and after, keep sessions to a reasonable length (15-20 minutes is a good starting point), and always listen to your body. If you start to feel lightheaded or unwell, step out.

Whether you're drawn to the classic traditional sauna or curious to try infrared, heat therapy can be a great addition to your recovery routine. We're always happy to answer questions if you want to chat about what might work best for you and why!