The most valuable perk in your membership that you're probably not using
You've seen it. You've probably thought about using it. But like most people, you keep walking past the sauna on your way to more "productive" activities. Here's the thing: that wooden box of heat might be the most underrated perk in your membership.
The Finnish Fountain of Youth
A landmark study published in JAMA Internal Medicine tracked over 2,300 middle-aged Finnish men for an average of 20 years. Regular sauna use (4-7 times per week) was associated with a 40% lower risk of premature death. The Finns discovered the fountain of youth, and you've been giving it the cold shoulder this whole time.
Your Brain's Secret Weapon
Here's where it gets interesting: Research in Age and Ageing revealed frequent sauna users had up to 65% lower risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer's disease compared to occasional users. Your brain apparently enjoys a good sweat as much as your muscles do.
The Altitude Training Hack
Athletes spend thousands traveling to high-altitude training camps. Meanwhile, research in the Journal of Applied Physiology shows post-exercise sauna sessions increase plasma volume and red blood cell counts - similar adaptations to altitude training. Those fifteen minutes of peaceful sweating might just be your ticket to enhanced endurance.
The Winter Wellness Plot Twist
A study in the European Journal of Epidemiology found regular sauna users had significantly lower rates of respiratory diseases, including pneumonia. Suddenly that wooden box starts looking less like a luxury and more like your immune system's winter headquarters.
But Wait, There's More (Science)
Regular sauna use has been linked to lower stress levels (because sweating in a wooden box is apparently more relaxing than it sounds)
It may help with muscle recovery and growth by increasing heat shock proteins
Some studies suggest it could help with mild depression and anxiety (cheaper than therapy, but maybe do both)
A Guide for the Sauna Curious
Start with 5-10 minutes (this isn't a marathon)
Stay hydrated (sweating is the point, dehydration isn't)
Don't bring your phone (it doesn't need a spa day)
Listen to your body (if you feel dizzy, get out - passing out isn't impressive)
Remember: the sauna at West Coast Fitness sits there daily, included in your membership, silently judging your life choices as you pretend not to see it.
Sweating over you,
Your West Coast Fitness Family
PS: We won the best Gym of Rose City! Thank you for voting, we're super proud and think you're the best too.
Here's our holiday schedule
Christmas Eve - 7am-12pm
Christmas Day - Closed
New Years Eve - 5am-7pm
New Years Day - 5am-10pm
