Building an ADA Compliant Sauna Room

Do you need to build a sauna room that is ADA compliant? By meeting just a few requirements, you can make your sauna accessible to everyone. This list is detailed, but not designed to supersede any local code requirements that may be required. You can see examples of ADA compliant sauna rooms on our traditional sauna reviews page.

• At least one bench should have a seat that is 42 inches (1065 mm) long minimum and 20 inches (510 mm) deep minimum and 24 inches (610 mm) deep maximum.
• The bench should provide for back support or be affixed to a wall. Back support should be 42 inches (1065 mm) long minimum and extend from a point 2 inches (51 mm) maximum above the seat surface to a ponit 18 inches (455 mm) minimum above the seat surface. It should be 2.5 inches (64 mm) maximum from the rear edge of the seat measured horizontally.
• To assist in transferring to the bench, consider providing grab bars on an adjacent wall, but not on the seat back. If provided, the grab bars cannot obstruct transfer to the bench.
• Where installed in wet locations, the surface of the bench should be slip resistant and not accumulate water.
• Clear floor or ground space should be provided and positioned at the end of the bench seat and parallel to the short axis of the bench. The space should be 30 inches (760 mm) minimum by 48 inches (1220 mm) minimum.
• Doors should not swing into the clear floor space. Sauna doors must always swing out of the room.
• An ADA sauna door will need to be 36 inches wide.
• A turning space should be provided. Either a circular space with 60 inches (1525 mm) diameter minimum, or a T-shaped space within a 60 inch (1525 mm) square minimum with arms and base 36 inches (915 mm) wide minimum with each arm of the T clear of obstructions 12 inches (305 mm) minimum in each direction and clear at the base 24 inches (610) minimum.
• EXCEPTION: A readily removable bench is permitted to obstruct the ground space. It needs to be movable in order to temporarily provide the 60" turning circle.
• Floor height transitions can be a maximum of 1/2" without requiring ramps. Saunas And Stuff recommends Dri-Dek anti-bacterial flooring panels for this purpose.

Contact Saunas And Stuff for help creating an ADA compliant room. They have all the sauna options necessary for your project. Be sure to check your local codes for additional regulations.

Hot Yoga Sweat Therapy

Hot yoga is all the rage in many areas across the country. It is known for its amazing detoxing properties, as well as its calming nature and flexibility-improving environment. It is becoming more popular among mainstream people looking to get in better shape while improving their flexibility. Once you start going, you get hooked. So where does the sauna come in? People are beginning to do hot yoga poses while in their sauna, making it their own hot yoga studio in their house. Interested yet?

Sauna hot yoga is starting to break out as a new and innovative workout. It is great for someone that wants to improve his or her body while adding more flexibility to their workout routine. Hot yoga in the sauna can do just that while allowing you to do it on your time, in the comfort of your home and whenever you want. A new workout is born!

The best way to start is by taking an actual hot yoga class at the gym, so you can learn some of the poses and see how the teacher holds the poses. Then you can take some of those poses to your sauna. You might even consider hiring a hot yoga instructor to come to your home sauna to teach you the moves and design a hot yoga routine for you that works in the middle of your sauna. Each pose brings something new to the table, twisting your body in ways that help you eliminate and remove toxins and things in your body you do not want there in the first place.

The benefits of hot yoga are nothing short of amazing. They include such health benefits as weight loss, alleviation of arthritis, and reduction of high blood pressure. This activity also clears up skin and gives it a nice soft glow, helps with stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as balances your emotions. It has also helped countless numbers of people with back pain, stiff necks, headaches, scoliosis, herniated disks and many other back problems.

One of the major benefits of doing stretching or yoga poses in a hot rock sauna or in a hot studio are the amazing benefits the heat has on stretching. The heat loosens your muscles and makes it easier to really stretch everything out and reach your full flexibility potential. Your flexibility will continue to get better with time. Start out with a simple routine and add new yoga stretches to it over time. You will notice a huge difference in your flexibility, not to mention your mental clarity. Hot yoga in the sauna has so many amazing benefits. Have you hot yoga’d today? Find the perfect sauna for your home at Saunas And Stuff

Simple Home Sauna Care and Maintenance

Saunas are a great way to relax and unwind after a long day at the office. It is especially good for tight muscles and detoxing. What happens when your sauna starts to get an odor, or what can you do to be proactive and keep up regular maintenance on your sauna? This is actually easier than you may think with a little elbow grease and several products. You will have the cleanest sauna in the area.

Regular maintenance is not too involved, but can be important to keep it clean and running properly. You can try to use a broom and vacuum for basic cleaning, as well as do a quick clean up of the floors and benches.

Keep a stack of towels outside your sauna for easy access to use for sitting on while using the sauna. This will protect the wood from your body sweat, and help keep the sauna clean. It is best to make sure these towels are not washed in harsh detergents to protect the wood as well.

Protecting the sauna wood should be one of your highest priorities when maintaining the sauna. Start by treating your sauna benches, backrests and other areas with sauna bench wood oil. A weekly schedule of cleaning the wood works best to make sure it is cleaned regularly and maintained, unless you do not use your sauna as often. Purchase a mild detergent and mix with water, and use a sponge to liberally wash the wood on the floor and benches. After you have washed the wood, take a towel to wipe the wood dry.

If the wood begins to become discolored due to excessive use, you can use light grade sand paper and slowly brush away the discoloration. This can give your sauna wood a refreshed look.

You should also maintain your sauna heater. If your sauna uses a wood burning heater, you will need to constantly remove the ash build-up. You should also periodically check the exhaust pipe to make sure that there is no creosote build-up. This can be a major fire hazard so this is a great thing to check often.

If you are running off an electric heater, the maintenance is easier as all you have to do if occasionally wipe off the heater to keep any build-up under control.

Finally, if your sauna heater has sauna stones, you need to examine them weekly to make sure none of the stones have cracked. If there are any cracked stones, they should be removed and replaced.

Saunas And Stuff supplies cleaning supplies and sauna stones to keep your sauna in great shape for unlimited use. You will have the cleanest sauna on the block and people will feel excited to join you in regular sauna relaxation sessions.

Sweat Sauna Therapy

Sweat therapy has been around for many years and has been used for various physical and mental purposes for thousands of years. Sweat therapy is the combination of group counseling/psychotherapy with group sweating. Group sweating is social interaction while experiencing psycho-physiological responses to heat exposure.

The skin is our largest organ and sweating is the most effective way to remove toxins from the body. Saunas have been used for thousands of years and sweating has been proven to be effective for cleansing, relaxation and for boosting ones general health.

Sweat Therapy helps the body detoxify while strengthening its immune system to fight off everything from the common cold to serious life threatening diseases such as cancer, all while in the presence of those healing alongside you.

Infrared saunas are most often used for sweat therapy, as the air temperature remains much lower than in a traditional sauna, so the individual feels more comfortable. Sweating often begins before the person feels very hot at all and the sweating is more profuse than in a traditional sauna, without the same degree of discomfort involved. Those in the group can talk about issues while sweating.

Some individuals use the sauna with close friends or loved ones, allowing them socialize or to air their grievances while benefiting from sweating. While there are variations in the different forms of sweat rituals, the common purposes include promoting physical and mental health, spirituality, and socialization. Sweating induces commonly observed effects of exercise on mental health. Sweat practices are similar to exercise as they cause the stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system.

Group members work together as a unit to get through the challenge of the heat by offering towels and water to one another and showing frequent concern for one another's ability to handle the heat. These seemingly simple expressions of sharing and concern for one another become part of the group norms and transcend into people showing greater care and concern for one another.

We advise those wanting to try sweat therapy to make sure they remember and are aware of the safe practices of sauna use. Always drink plenty of water and do not stay in the sauna for more than 20 minutes at a time. Saunas And Stuff is a great resource for sauna information and many different sauna options in case you are interested in trying out sweat therapy in the comfort of your own home with those that know you best.

When to Limit Sauna Use

There are so many great benefits to regular sauna use, especially for your health, relaxation and overall frame of mind. There are a couple of different times when you should not use a sauna, or should get the go ahead from your doctor before proceeding. We are here to help you determine when sauna use is safe and when you should proceed with caution.

If you are pregnant - According to the Organization of Teratology Information Services (OTIS), a body temperature of 101º F and above can raise concerns during pregnancy. Some studies have shown an increased risk of birth defects in babies of women who had an increased body temperature during the first trimester of pregnancy.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) states that becoming overheated in a sauna is not recommended during pregnancy. There are various types of saunas, and every sauna is programmed to maintain a different temperature and humidity level. Before choosing to use a sauna during pregnancy, it is best to seek the advice of your health care provider.

If you have certain heart conditions – If you have unstable angina pectoris, poorly controlled blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms, advanced heart failure, recent myocardial infarction, and severe aortic stenosis, you should speak with your doctor before using a sauna. Since blood vessels dilate when exposed to heat, this can cause blood pressure to fall, which can be dangerous to those with heart conditions. Saunas can sometimes help these conditions when used properly, but work with a doctor prior to embarking on regular sauna use.

If you are taking certain medications - There are a number of medications that can affect the body’s normal response to heat either by inhibiting sweating or by otherwise interfering with the normal physiology. For example, some medications used for psychiatric conditions like schizophrenia or the use of stimulant medications for conditions like ADD or excessive sleeping also increases the health risks from heat exposure. If you are on any of these medications, please speak with your doctor before sauna use.

If you are using alcohol or drugs - If you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, do not take a sauna session because the effects on your cardiovascular system can be increased. An intoxicated person may not pay attention to how much time has passed in the heat, or may not notice the early symptoms of over-heating, such as feeling lightheaded or nauseous. There is also the risk of falling asleep, which could be fatal in a sauna.

If you are under the age of 12 - Until puberty, kids can’t regulate their body temperature through sweat production as efficiently as adults can. This means that children under twelve or so are more vulnerable to the heat effects of the sauna. For this and other reasons, kids do not follow the same guidelines of sauna use as their parents. They should limit their time and make sure they drink plenty of water after they leave.

Many of the same tips for exiting a hot tub are also useful in leaving the sauna. In order to make sauna use a safe and relaxing experience, remember to keep your sauna temperature to no higher than 194°F (The maximum allowed sauna temperature in Canada and the United States is 194°F) and be sure to accurately monitor the temperature and lower as needed. Also, limit your stay to no more than 15 to 20 minutes at a time. As you are exiting, cool down gradually after use and avoid going rapidly from a hot to a cold environment.

You should also try to drink 2 to 4 glasses of cool water after each session to re-hydrate your body. Also, never take a sauna session if you are ill, and if you find yourself feeling unwell while in a sauna, head for the door.

Saunas And Stuff has an amazing selection of saunas for every style, home and lifestyle. They provide saunas for residential and commercial installations  Please visit their website to check out the infrared and traditional rock sauna options, as well as all of the sauna accessories.

Difference Between a Sauna and a Steam Room

There are many people who talk about the steam room and the sauna, and many that are still not sure what the difference is between the two. It is said to boost circulation if you do a sauna, cold plunge and then steam back-to-back. Are there differences between the two? Is the heat the same? SaunasAndStuff.com is here to help explain the difference between the two and which might be the better option for you.

Saunas and steam rooms both use heat therapeutically, although this is accomplished in different ways. A sauna uses dry heat, and maybe a small amount of humidity created by pouring water on the sauna heater rocks A steam room incorporates high humidity levels and warmth. A sauna uses a heater or a wood burning stove in an enclosed room to elevate the temperature, usually above 190 degrees F. In a traditional dry sauna, bathers sit or lie in the room to absorb the warmth, which elevates the body's internal temperature, stimulates blood flow, and opens up the pores. After a set period of time, the bather jumps out into a cold plunge or shower, and then rests at room temperature before re-entering for another round. Or they head into the steam room for a change of pace.

A steam room is maintained at a much lower temperature, usually not more than 110 degrees F, but the humidity is kept very high, at usually almost 100 percent. A cloud of steam vapor immediately surrounds bathers who enter the steam room. The cooler temperature makes steam rooms more bearable for some people, and also helps asthmatics and other people suffering from breathing conditions.

Both options open up the pores of the body, helping them to eliminate toxins through sweat, help ease muscle soreness, improve circulation, offer total body relaxation, and strengthen the immune system.

Most of the time, the option that works best for someone turns out to be personal preference. For the people who are unable to endure high heat, steam rooms might be the best option. On the other hand, many people cannot stand the wet sensation and humidity of a steam room and will prefer a sauna instead.

Whether you prefer using a steam room or a sauna, please pay attention to your body and how you are feeling. If you feel unwell or overheated be sure to exit the room immediately. You should also drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, which can cause dizziness and fainting.

Saunas And Stuff has an amazing selection of saunas for every style, home and lifestyle. We also do commercial sauna rooms. Please visit our website to check out the options we offer, as well as all of the accessories to go along with it.

Health and Weight Loss with a Home Sauna

Year after year, most folks seem to have "getting healthy" or "losing weight" on their list of New Years resolutions. A new sauna from Saunas And Stuff can actually help. Let’s make 2013 the year you meet that goal and actually lose that weight and get healthy while doing it.

Infrared saunas are a great way to lose weight and detox the skin and body. Saunas work differently for everyone, depending on your body weight, how your body produces sweat, your normal heart rate and your metabolism. Most people see amazing benefits from using an infrared sauna.

Saunas for Weight Loss – If you are already in great shape, saunas will help you remain at your current weight while greatly increasing your blood circulation. You will also get to reap the rewards of the detox benefits. For people who are overweight, saunas are great additions to a new gym regimen. You also need to exercise and eat healthy, but saunas will help you relax, detox and improve circulation to boot. Most people who are overweight have a slower metabolism. Regular use of a sauna could help with. A 30 minute daily sauna session or "sauna bath" can increase your metabolism due to the penetrating heat and increase in blood flow.

Saunas for Detox – Infrared saunas are a great option to detox your body. They can significantly expedite the detoxification process as it heats your tissues several inches deep. This helps enhance your natural metabolic processes. Saunas also increase circulation and oxygenate your tissues, which is very beneficial for your health. Your skin is a major organ for eliminating toxins, and most people do not sweat enough to eliminate all of the toxins from their home, work and outside world environments. Repeated use of the sauna slowly helps restore your skins ability to eliminate toxins, especially after sun damage and wearing tight clothes cause this process to slow. Restoring your skin elimination will significantly reduce your toxic load and will also help rid your body of heavy metals and chemicals.

The major difference between an infrared sauna and the traditional Finish (hot rock) type of sauna is the latter heats you up from the outside in, like an oven. The infrared sauna heat penetrates and heats you from the inside out. They are amazing options for turning around your health in the New Year.

Saunas And Stuff sells some of the top line infrared saunas and traditional hot rock saunas and sauna heaters. Contact us to help you select the perfect option for you.