Why Sauna: The Benefits of a Finnish Sauna for Body and Mind

After a day in the Beskydy — whether it was a hike up Radhošť or just a long walk — there is nothing better than warming up in the sauna. But it is not only pleasant. Sauna sessions have real benefits for body and mind. Here is why it is worth it and how to do it.

What a Finnish sauna does for the body

A Finnish sauna works on dry heat — it warms you through and through, and the body responds in several ways at once:

• Relaxes the muscles. The heat loosens stiff muscles and joints. After a hike or a day at the computer it is like a reset.
• Gets the circulation going. In the heat the blood vessels widen and the heart works faster — a bit like during light exercise.
• Supports the immune system. Regularly alternating heat and cold toughens the body. People who sauna regularly often report fewer colds.
• Helps with better sleep. After the sauna the body gradually cools, bringing on a pleasant drowsiness.

And what about the mind

This, in our view, is half the magic. In the sauna you cannot rush. You put down the phone, slow down, breathe. A few dozen minutes when you do not have to deal with anything do more for your head than you would expect. That is why people come to sauna with us just to switch off, too.

How to sauna properly

There is no science to it, but a few things have proven useful:

1. Shower before the sauna and dry off — heat works better on dry skin.
2. Warm up for 8–12 minutes, depending on how you feel. It is not a contest of who lasts longer.
3. Cool down — with a shower, or at least in the open air. The cold shock is half the effect.
4. Rest for 10–15 minutes and drink some water.
5. Repeat two or three rounds. Then you will be pleasantly wrung out, in the good sense of the word.

And above all — drink water. You sweat a lot in the sauna, so replenishing fluids is important.

A private sauna just for you

Here at Penzion Anděl you sauna in private. Our private sauna is Finnish and fits 2–4 people — always just your group, no strangers.

A few facts and practical things:

• Price: 1000 Kč for 120 minutes. Robes and towels are included.
• Book at least 2 hours ahead on the phone 602 541 112 — we need time to heat the sauna up slowly.
• The last entry is at 18:00, so plan for the afternoon.
• We are happy to prepare chilled prosecco for the sauna — just say so when booking.

If you want to get even more out of the sauna, arrange a massage to go with it — our masseuse Lenka is right at the guesthouse. Warmed muscles respond beautifully to a massage.

The sauna as part of a stay

You will enjoy the sauna best when you are not rushing anywhere. That is why an overnight stay pairs beautifully with it — a calm breakfast in the morning, a trip during the day, the sauna in the afternoon and rest in the evening. Take a look at our rooms, with prices of 2000–2700 Kč per night with breakfast.

Want to give the sauna as a gift? We send out gift vouchers for both the sauna and a stay — write to info@penzion-andel.cz.

So, shall we warm you up? Book the sauna or give us a call and we will take care of the rest.