A Step-by-step Guide On How To Use A Steam Room

If the latest steam sauna surveys are any indication, the number of people using steam rooms could be in the millions nationwide. And this shouldn't be surprising; after all, the benefits of steam bathing are something no one wants to miss out.

But in order to benefit from steam showers, it is also important you use it right. In fact, do it wrong and you also endanger your safety. 

So, how to use a steam room the safe way? 

Well, this is exactly what I’ve explained along with my tips and tricks to maximize steam room benefits. 

Read on, and learn everything about how to use steam sauna for best results. 

How to use a steam room correctly? ​

​The hot and humid ambiance of a steam shower is quite appealing for physical fitness, mental relaxation, and overall well being. However, this is also where people make the most avoidable mistakes and lose out on incredible advantages. 

The obvious problem: They don’t know how to use steam room properly. 

But that said, using a steam shower the right way isn't rocket science either. So much so that follow a few basics and you could gain the most benefits out of every session. 

In fact, I’ve detailed all the steps on how to use a steam room right to make this super easy for you.

​Step 1. Hydrate yourself well (it is super important!)

It's exciting how the combination of moisture and heat can do wonders to our bodies. Unfortunately, we don’t talk a lot about the dangers of this combination, not the least of which is excessive dehydration. 

You see, the moment you enter a steam room, your body starts reacting to the heat and sweats profusely in an attempt to maintain normal temperature. And this is where you lose vital body fluids rather quickly and get dehydrated. 

As a result, you might experience symptoms like headache, nausea, vomiting, and more. 

But how to use steam room without getting hydrated?

Well, the only way you can do so is by drinking plenty of water and other fluids. So, make it a habit to drink enough water and other hydrating drinks like cucumber or watermelon juice, coconut water, etc., before going in for a steam bath.

Step 2. Take a pre-session shower

It's quite usual for people to shower after a steam room session. That’s because it gets rid of all that sweat and smell and makes you feel awesome. 

But what we don’t usually do is shower before the session. And the general thinking is we’re going to shower later anyways, so why double the hassle. 

Nevertheless, a shower before your steam bath session is equally important. 

Why?

As you might be aware, steam rooms help detoxify by eliminating toxins through skin pores via sweat. 

Now, showering beforehand helps get rid of dirt, lotion, sweat, etc. And this ensures better detoxification as your body is able to exfoliate even such toxins that wouldn’t otherwise be expelled. 

Not to mention, a pre-session shower is also an important steam sauna etiquette. ​

​Step 3. Know what to wear in a steam room

You might come across online literature claiming it's safe to use a steam room naked. At the same time, there are self-proclaimed heat therapy experts who suggest wearing exercise suits during a steam bath for excessive sweating and enhanced benefits. 

For starters, let me tell you that none of the claims are true. Moreover, following any one of the suggestions will do more harm than good. 

For instance, while steam bathing without clothes can cause skin burns, exercise suits can result in overheating. 

So, what to wear to a steam room? 

Well, when it comes to choosing what to wear in the steam room, you should look at the fabric and the fit. 

For instance, the best thing to wear in a steam shower is a towel or bathing suit, along with a pair of flip flops. That’s because these fabrics prevent direct contact to steam room benches and consequent burns while also ensuring a healthy exposure to the warm ambiance. 

Also, you can wear loose fitting clothes made with natural fabrics as they allow your skin to breathe. 

Bonus: Should you wear clothes in a steam room or not
A lot of steam rooms allow you to be naked. Here, you can put a towel on the seat to stay safe from burns. 

However, some steam rooms also prohibit nudity. So, I suggest you check beforehand and dress appropriately. 

​Step 4. Have a healthy steam bath duration (and don’t push yourself)

​The biggest mistake you can make in a steam room is to push yourself beyond what your body allows. As such, it is essential you know how long to stay in the steam room.

For instance, if you’re a beginner, a steam session of 5-10 minutes should be sufficient for you. That’s because such a short duration ensures you don’t end up with heat related illnesses. 

Also, this is apt for your body to gradually increase heat tolerance in a healthy manner. 

Now, once you’ve developed heat tolerance over time, you can slowly increase your steam shower time to 15-20 minutes. 

The idea here is to know how to use a steam sauna without pushing your body unnecessarily and keeping your sessions safe.

​Step 5. Let your body cool down after steam bath

Once your steam shower session is over, step out, sit back, relax, and let your body cool down before you do anything else. 

I’ve seen a lot of steam bathers who are always in a hurry after their session. And they often rush to the shower right after stepping out of the steam room. 

This is the most unhealthy practice as your body needs at least 10-15 minutes to naturally cool off. And not allowing this time will result in you losing out on the health gains from your steam shower session. 

Moreover, you can also end up with health conditions like cold or fever by showering right after a steam bath.

Step 6. Go for post-session shower 

​Having let your body cool down, you can now have a post steam bath shower. 

Now, it is important to shower after you’ve spent time in the steam room. 

Why, you might wonder? 

You see, not showering will leave you with the toxins that your body just exfoliated. And that defeats the whole purpose of detoxification in a steam shower. 

Plus, you don’t want to be smelly and sweaty either.

Expert tips on how to use a steam room for maximum benefits 

​As you saw, it is quite simple to use a steam room correctly without hurting yourself or ending up with any health issues. 

But is there any way you could make the most out of it? 

Turns out, there is. 

Here are my expert tips on how to use a steam room and sauna for maximum gains:

​​Tip 1. Don’t eat a heavy meal before steam shower

I always suggest steam sauna goers to not eat heavy before a session. And there’s scientific rationale behind food and steam bathing. 

You see, when you eat a large meal, your body’s entire focus is on processing and digesting the food, which draws a lot of energy. As a result, you’re unable to process the heat as effectively and you risk heat related illnesses. 

Furthermore, a full stomach can cause discomfort, nausea, and light-headedness when exposed to heat and humidity.

So, it's best to avoid heavy meals or junk food. Instead, you can eat light and nutritious food such as fruits and nuts to quell hunger and keep yourself energetic.

Tip 2. Focus on relaxing

It is possible that an exposure to high heat can make you feel uncomfortable. But if you focus on relaxing, you’ll start enjoying the session and experience a sense of calm. 

One of the ways you can increase relaxation is by doing a slow and deep breathing exercise. Herein, you’ll inhale deeply through your nose, hold your breath for a moment, and slowly exhale. 

Relaxation apart, deep breathing the most steam room air also helps open your airways and relieve respiratory issues.

Tip 3. Take breaks if needed 
An average steam bath duration is anywhere between 15 and 20 minutes. Now, it isn’t possible for everyone to sit in the steam room comfortably for all this time. 

So, it is totally fine to take a break and step out of the steam room if needed. In fact, you can use this time to hydrate yourself.

Also, if you feel dizzy, light-headed, or overheated, leave the steam room and let your body cool. 

Tip 4. Post-session cold shower or dip works wonders 
After your body has cooled down, it's a great idea to take a cold shower or dip. 

There are numerous benefits of steam sauna and cold plunge therapy, including increased metabolism, mental alertness, and more. 

Moreover, some experts even suggest a cold shower or dip post steam bath can simply double the benefits. 

Sounds interesting, doesn’t it?

Frequently asked questions about how to use steam sauna

​How to use a steam room properly?
A proper steam room use is all about following a set of simple yet important norms. And this is for your own safety and wellbeing. 

For instance, drinking water and taking a shower before a steam bath are essential best practices. 

Similarly, wearing the right outfit and spending a healthy amount of time in the steam room ensure you indulge in a safe heat therapy. 

All in all, here’s a my six-step guide on how to use steam room in brief:
A. Stay hydrated
B. Take pre-session shower
C. Wear the right outfit
D. Don’t stay in for too long 
E. Let your body cool 
F. Take post-session shower 

How to use a gym steam room? 
The best time to use a steam room at the gym is after your workout. That’s because there are immense benefits of steam room sessions after exercise. 

And to do so, you should first let your body cool down after exercise followed by a shower. At the same time, you should drink lots of water since your body has already lost fluids during workout. 

Also, if advice from health experts are any suggestion, taking a steam bath before gym workout is also helpful. But this isn’t mandatory and should only be used to complement your post-workout session. 

What do you wear in a steam room? 
The best thing you can wear to a steam room is either a towel or a bathing suit. Also, you can wear any other light fitting outfit made with natural fabrics like cotton. 

But the most important thing is that you should never wear any tight fitting outfit to the steam room. 

How often should you use the steam room? 
It is totally healthy to use a steam room for 15-20 minutes once every day. And if you’ve developed high tolerance levels, you can have a steam bath twice daily. 

However, you should never overdo your session and follow the best practices that I’ve discussed above. 

Can you go in a steam room while pregnant? 
If you’re pregnant, it is better to avoid the heat and humidity of a steam sauna.

Also, you should always consult with your doctor before you decide to have a steam bath. 

Conclusion 
As I sum up the blog, I am confident that you’ve learnt everything about how to use a steam room correctly. 

In fact, with my tips and best practices, you can have maximum benefits everytime you go for a steam bath. 

Got further questions or need assistance with your steam room project? 

Do get in touch with us!

At Steam and Sauna Experts, we are seasoned steam shower installation professionals. And our inventory features top-of-the-line steam room essentials from industry leaders like Mr Steam, Delta, Amerec, and more. 

Simply put. We’ve got all your personal steam room requirements covered on a budget.