First of all, let’s clear something up. A steam room is not a sauna. There are, however, a few similarities between the two: they’re both hot; they are both used after exercise; they are both good for you; and they both employ a pretty casual dress code.
The main difference between a sauna and a steam room is right there in the name – steam. In a sauna, dry heat is generated from a coal or wood-burning fire. In a steam room, the focus is on creating as much humidity as possible.
The room is generally heated to around 41C, with 100% humidity. The air should feel thick with steam, and the heat should be noticeable but not overpowering.
Like a sauna, a steam room will make you sweat. However, thanks to the humidity levels, you will actually leave feeling more hydrated than you did before you went in. If you have dry skin, a ten-minute steam will work wonders. Likewise if you have any respiratory problems – the humidity allows you to take deeper breaths and clear your head out.
And as any fitness fan knows, a blast of heat after a gruelling gym session helps your muscles to relax and repair themselves in record time.
Stobo Castle
Rockliffe Hall Spa
Nirvana Spa
