You are almost guaranteed to find me at three consistent locations each week. 1. The Microsoft CXC 2. Trader Joe’s and 3. The Six hot yoga studio located in Seattle WA.
I’ve been going to The Six studio for a little over 8 months on ClassPass, but made the commitment in February to sign up for full time membership. With signup, I receive not only unlimited hot yoga sessions, but I also get three recovery sessions each month. This includes both booking for their infrared saunas or cryotherapy chamber.
Let’s Talk Infrared / Heat Stress
I was first intrigued with infrared saunas after listening to one of Joe Rogan's Experience podcasts where he and his guest, Dr. Rhona Patrick, talked about the crazy health benefits that come from an infrared sauna.
Health Benefits Noted by The Six:
Detoxification
Pain Relief and Muscle Recovery
Cardio health and Weight Loss
Skin Purification
Relaxation and Improved Sleep
There are many more benefits to infrared saunas not highlighted above that got me inspired to checkout the hype. For example, Rogan and Patrick educate the listener on heat shock proteins (HSP) that are released when you undergo infrared sauna sessions and are exposed to such heat, that prevent cell damage.
Some benefits they mentioned HSP being tied too was an increase in lifespan, prevent muscle atrophy and regrow muscles more quickly. They talked about a link between use of saunas and a 40% decrease in all-cause mortality in a 20 year study. In summary, people using the sauna more frequently - lived longer. #fountainofyouth
Listen to episode #672 if you want to dive more into their conversation and get a little more inspired like I did.
My Experience
I was a little hesitant to do a hot yoga class and follow up with a 45 min long infrared session, but I confirmed with the studio that as long as I was hydrated I would be perfectly fine.
There are two infrared sauna rooms named Biggie and Smalls. I was in Biggie for my session, a private sauna cabin that can fit up to 4 people. The owner thought it would be less intense for a first timer if I chose the larger sauna for myself.
The saunas are set up to 150 degrees for 30-45 min sessions. My session ended around 140 degrees and I stayed in the entire duration of time. I personally really enjoyed having the back to back sweat-sesh because my body was already acclimated to a warmer temperature. I believe it made the experience more comfortable and less intense.
To my surprise, each infrared therapy also included light therapy. Light therapy has been valued throughout history as a remarkable source of healing and has been used in the balancing and restoring of the body.
The studio provided a cheat sheet that introduced me to the different benefits of each light that was used within the sauna. Fro example, RED light is considered “the great energizer”. YELLOW helps awaken the mind and mental inspiration etc.
Newbie Tips
The cabin is in a private space allowing you to change. I wore a sports bra and leggings from my hot yoga class. Looking back on it and knowing the light plays a factor (duh), I might have brought shorts to wear, exposing my skin to a little more love.
Because I got the bigger room, I sprawled out along the bench and did some extra stretching. Maybe keep that in mind depending on the type of experience you’re looking for - even if you are sweating solo.
Extra towels and water will be provided. (You’ll need both these things.) But leading up to your session, hydrate yourself!
The sauna has Bluetooth capabilities - I brought a book, but you can always listen to podcast, music, or audio book.
In summary, I had a great first time experience and would highly recommend treating yourself to an infrared sauna session at The Six! If you do, “get ready to sweat that shi*t out.”
As always, thanks for reading!
Website:
thesixseattle.com
Packages:
Single Session: $45
Three Session Package: $99
See website for more package details.