Sweating together in saunas the hottest British wellness trend | News, sports, jobs

It is more than 194 Fahrenheit here – and it is about to get even hotter.

As ice blocks that are infused with lavender oil over sizzling hot stones and publish fragrant steam, the “sauna master” Oliver Beryl turns on a few ambient music and begins to wave a towel over its head in a circular movement in order to spread overwhelming waves of the dry heat through the room.

“Now they are trying to find someone and lean on them,” suggests Beryl. “Or if you want to keep eye contact with the person next to you.” A short hesitation, but most for a few minutes.

Sauna-Baden conquered London and the rest of the Great Britain in the storm, especially among trendy 20- and 30-year-olds who are interested in trying out a new pastime, which is healthier than nights in pubs and bars.

Visitors enjoy their sauna meeting on February 25th at the Hackney Wick Community Sauna Baths in London. The Associated Press

It has long been a staple for many cultures around the world, from the saunas of the Scandinavia and the welding huts of the American indigenous people to Japanese Onens and Turkish baths.

But the most popular saunas are those who emphasize the community and the “connection” or offer something new next to sitting in a heated box. Think of Sauna Club Nights with DJs, saunas in combination with a poetry workshop or “infusion” (ie “Infusion” in German) rituals such as the one of Beryl -an intensive session mixture therapy, music and fragrance.

Many locations also offer open-air ice baths next to the saunas so that people can switch between hot and cold.

“It's exciting”

“I loved the feeling of losing myself. It is a 15-minute distance from normal life, ”said Jess Carmichael when she emerged from her first“ infusion ”in community sauna in Bads in Stratford, East London.

Callum Heinrich enjoys his sauna meeting on February 25 at the Hackney Wick Community Sauna Baths in London. The Associated Press

It compared the amusement that she felt with hundreds of others on New Year's Day in the icy sea.

“I think people need it right now – this warmth comes from outside and the feeling that they share an experience with others,” she added.

Charlie Duckworth, co-founder of Community Sauna Baths, said everything started in 2022 when he and fellow colleagues “Sauna Nutters” installed two small saunas in a horse box in a decommissioned parking space in the trendy quarter of Hackney.

The non -profit social enterprise proved to be so popular that it has expanded on four websites in the entire capital since then, and two more opened soon.

A large part of the stimulus for many fans is that saunas serve as a “place of community”, similar to a pub or a church, said Duckworth.

“Sauna lowers the inhibitions and also gives them a feeling of mild euphoria,” similar to the effects of social drinking, he said. “I think it's an excellent place to make contacts.”

In Great Britain, the number of public sauna locations, according to the British Sauna Society, rose to 147 this year in 2023.

“Have a little more fun with it”

Compared to countries in which the practice is traditional, an advantage of the British sauna culture is so new that providers “have a little more fun with it and can be more creative,” said Duckworth.

At Peckham Sauna Social in South London, weekends offer relaxed surrounding sauna nights with local DJs and a non-alcoholic cocktail bar. One of the most popular monthly meetings is the “creative writing sauna”: a short reading of poetry, followed by a chai tea and writing workshop in the lounge.

“Reading in the sauna was something that I had never done before – just being hot and sweaty and dripping on the side was initially a challenge,” said Caroline, a writer who heads the workshops.

Something about sharing a chat with other half -battered strangers in the sauna seemed to encourage the participants to be more open about the parts of their ideas and writings, said third. “I also know that many of my best ideas came out of the bathroom,” she added.

Reported health benefits

In addition to reducing stress and flowing ideas, some swear by saunas and cold falls for calming inflammation of the joint and improving heart health and sleep.

Some studies continue, with one connection between the sauna at least four times a week and a reduction in the risk of psychosis in middle -aged Finnish men.

“The authentic sauna, which was well done, should be as regular as the gym, and it regularly offers what the reported health benefits offer,” said Gabrielle reason, secretary of the British Sauna Society.

Although these health benefits are not yet well established – and those with high blood pressure or heart diseases with their doctors pursue a sauna and an ice cream bath, many converts regularly return to the mood.

“It only puts your brain back in a very beautiful way,” said Callum Heinrich, who is immersed in a barrel of damn water and still steamed his skin from the sauna. He says he takes part twice a week if he can. “It is the best in the world for your mental health.”