Bathhouse
This weekend, I went to a bathhouse for the first time. I didn’t know what to expect.
The bathhouse had three sets of pools with temperatures ranging from hot, medium, and cold. They also had a steam room, tropical sauna, and a dry sauna.
For first-timers, they recommend 5 minutes in the steam room, 15 minutes in the dry sauna, and 3 minutes in the cold pool. Then repeat.
I first stepped into the steam room. It was hot but felt great.
Next, was the dry sauna. The first 5 minutes was relaxing but then the last 10 minutes were insufferable: the heat turned from warmth to discomfort and since my body was heating up, my heart was beating fast too.
The cold plunge is the most difficult but the most interesting. Taking the cold plunge in the <10 degree Celsius water shocked my body. I was hyperventiliating and every bone in my body wanted to get out. But then after a minute, I surrendered to the cold. My breathing stabilized and my body stopped shivering. I climbed out of the pool at the 3 minute mark, and my body entered a state of deep relaxation unlike anything I’ve ever felt before. It was incredible.
Cold therapy is gaining popularity and I can see why. I’m definitely adding a visit to the bathhouse as part of my self care routine.