So I decided to take longer periods of time in the sauna. Firstly this sauna is a traditional sauna. This sauna uses a gas heater. The heat can be pretty extreme. In the past I would workout and then take a sauna, but I found myself being uncomfortable. This happened because I would go into the sauna after a swim and be breathing fast. Being slightly claustrophobic I found myself struggling for air and as a consequence I had to leave within five minutes.

Now I do a small cardio workout for fifteen minutes and then go directly to the sauna. I take a shower first and at times spend a little time in the steam room before the sauna session. This has helped a lot.

My advice when starting a sauna session is to relax. Start your sessions off at five minutes and slowly increase from there. Start to increase your time increments after four to seven sessions.

It is said that you can burn a lot of calories in just one 30 minute sauna session. If you do workout first take a few minutes to relax and take a shower before your sauna session. Fluid consumption should start even before your sauna session is finished. Just like anything else don't over do it.

In the traditional sense a sauna session is a social affair in which people disrobe and sit in temperatures of over 80'C. Cleaning up after a sauna session is an important part in the traditional sauna process. Also this time of year a sauna can help in preventing colds and flu. Remember the goal is to relax and cleanse from the inside out.