Saunas

My travels take me to Finland today ...

We landed to snow and and an icy chill ...

Now, I happen to love the heat, especially humid heat ... and so do the Finnish people!

Saunas have been utilized for ages in Finland. According to http://www.streetdirectory.com/travel_guide/26362/beauty_tips/a_look_at_saunas_in_finland.html, "saunas are so popular in Finland that there is approximately one sauna for every seven people in the country with most in private apartments and the balance found in summer homes, hotels, and public swimming facilities."

The same source touts that"doctors and physical fitness experts recommend the sauna as well for benefits that include relaxation, cardiovascular benefit, increased metabolic rate, improved circulation, enhanced immune system response, weight loss, and healthier clearer skin."

So, don't be shy. Try the sauna at your health club!! Go in before a yoga class to warm up, relax after a hard workout or use it on a day off to cleanse. Just be sure sip tons of water before you go in, bring water in the sauna to hydrate during and drink more after use as well.



(photo from: goscandinavia.about.com)