Sauna and Steam Etiquette with JT

Helpful tips from your Center Tour Guide, JT

Dear Center Team,

I’ve been given the challenging (and slightly awkward) task of asking our fellow Center members to join me in talking about sauna and steam room etiquette. I know, it’s not the easiest conversation. But it is an important one.

Think of it like the first time you let your kid drive after getting their license, or the moment you had to confront a coworker about the mysteriously disappearing deli sandwich in the staff fridge. Unfortunate? Yes. Necessary? Absolutely.

We all need rules and a little guidance from time to time, and this is one of those moments. So consider me, Jeffrey Craig Thomas, your sauna and steam room tour guide. If there are a few things in life I truly know about, the sauna is definitely one of them.

I’ve taken the liberty to find and share guidelines to help us all navigate proper sauna and steam room etiquette to ensure everyone can enjoy these spaces comfortably. Please read on for some “hot tips” on etiquette and the required behavior expected in these areas. Remember, these are shared spaces where you’re in close proximity to fellow members, so following the rules is truly appreciated.

1. Towel for draping and sitting – You can wrap yourself in a towel and use it to sit on. Make sure to sit on your towel. It’s more hygienic than with your bare bottom on the wood or tile.

2. Shower before you come in – Shower off after your workout prior to entering the sauna or steam room. You’ll feel more comfortable and your fellow members will appreciate a clean environment.

3. Door – Unlike the normal rules of chivalrous behavior, do not hold the door open for the person behind you or keep the door open because you think it’s too hot. It can take another 10 minutes to heat the room up to temperature again.

4. Shaving/Grooming – Shaving is not acceptable in the sauna and steam room. The hair has nowhere to go. Please reserve your grooming for when you’re at home.

5. Conversation – These rooms are meant to be calm, quiet, and relaxing. Any conversation should be kept to a minimum, and not forced upon any unwilling recipient. If their eyes are closed, it’s probably a good sign they want to be left alone.

6. Clothes – The sauna is not the community clothes dryer for wet or sweaty clothes. Proper attire includes swimming suits or towels.

7. Perfumes and Scents – The steam room and sauna are both very small, very warm spaces. Needless to say, not the best place to share your latest perfume, cologne, or aromatherapy with others. What’s pleasant to some can be very irritating to others.

8. Water on the Rocks – Our saunas are dry, electric saunas. Refrain from throwing water or any other liquid on the rocks.

   
   

If you've made it this far, thank you. And, please help me out and follow these rules so we can continue to enjoy these spaces together. If you forget the rules, fear not, signs will be posted soon to help you out. 

Since my last sauna article, I’ve been waiting for the perfect moment to borrow the words of our wise friend Nelly. So I’ll leave you with this timeless reminder: “It’s gettin’ hot in herr.”

For questions please email JT at jefft@wearepcc.com!