Using Saunas - What Is Most Cost-Effective?

Ljimbeam1 on 15/03/2015 - 22:53

Haven't been to a sauna for a while but am interested in using them due to their supposed benefits in detoxing the body. Was wondering, if I was to regularly visit say a few times a week, what would be the best approach? Am looking for somewhere in the Melbourne CBD or nearby.

Melbourne City Baths charge $12 for access to a pool/spa/sauna which obviously would end up being a waste if I was to go 3-4 times a week. Is it cheapest to simply find a gym with a sauna and use that and do they even exist around the CBD? If so, would be interested to see some options.

Health & Beauty

Comments

  • Miami Mall Alien on 15/03/2015 - 23:54
    +1

    supposed benefits in detoxing the body

    The operative word is: supposed.

    That belief sounds predicated on wives' tales like drinking spirits to "sweat out" a cold.

    Saunas have some mild correlation to improving heat thresholds and cardiovascular endurance (specifically for athletes) or lessening rheumatic pain; but if you're looking for conclusive proof of saunas being a magic pill for whatever ails you, then no, that's fairly silly.

    Breathing heavy steam vapor, excessive dehydration, and hyperthermia are all things that should be avoided by a majority of people, especially those with any sort of heart-related conditions, weight problems, diabetes, or renal problems.

  • DrStinge on 16/03/2015 - 00:12
    +4

    Move to Queensland?

    • Davo1111 on 16/03/2015 - 01:23
      +3

      FNQ … 24/7 sauna

  • scrimshaw on 16/03/2015 - 02:52
    +1

    I don't see how saunas could detoxify the body. Your sweat glands sit in your skin and are not directly connected to the waste disposal systems of your body - mainly, your digestive tract, liver and kidneys. You pee and you poop. That's how waste removal works.

    The only thing that should be present in sweat of a normal person should be mainly water, minerals, lactate, and urea. These products are also present in urine. The purpose of perspiration is to remove excess heat from the body — not as a primary method of bodily waste or toxin removal.

  • Charity on 16/03/2015 - 07:34

    Aren't sauna's mainly used for gay meets-ups? Seriously. lol

    (in Brisbane they are anyway. Pretty sure this is the norm in Aus) Europe and Asia probably a different story.

    http://www.cruisinggays.com/brisbane/c/bathhouses/

    Perhaps OP is being subtle.

    • c64 on 16/03/2015 - 08:49
      +1

      be careful of which rail you grab hold of under the water :)

      seriously though, given that your handle is "jimbeam" i'm presuming reducing your alcohol intake would be a much more effective method of "detoxing" your body.

    • jimbeam1 on 20/03/2015 - 22:55

      That's part of the reason I asked the question here, it was hard to sift through the results Google gave me when the majority were for these bathhouses ;)

      Between Jim Beam consumption and saunas on alternate days, I'll be plenty detoxed.

  • [Deactivated] on 16/03/2015 - 09:34
    +1

    MSAC at Albert Park, although not in the cbd.
    Virgin Active on Bourke St has a sauna, I think membership is about $25 a week.

  • Gotchas on 16/03/2015 - 12:45
    +3

    Put a raincoat on in the car and turn the heating up.
    Cost you about $1 in fuel.otherwise test drive a car to save the $1.

  • [Deactivated] on 16/03/2015 - 22:26

    Go for a run: not only will you sweat but you'll also be burning more calories than in a sauna.

  • Carpe Diem on 19/03/2015 - 11:44

    I regularly use the sauna (In my gym) in the region of 5x a week & have definitely found it to be beneficial. I usually do around 40-50mins in 2-3 sessions, stocking up on water between sessions. I find it a great way to relax, stretch out after a workout or just sit & read the papers.

    There are trace amounts of toxins in your sweat but it does appear these are considerably less than people assume.

    That being said, the sauna is similar to a cardio workout (Clearly not as beneficial) because it expands the blood vessels & gets your heart pumping faster. So I would assume regular usage would be beneficial to your circulation in some varying degree & this could help eliminate more toxins.

    Also my skin has never looked so good from regularly attending. Personally I’d recommend it.

  • Chik5555 on 28/03/2015 - 12:27

    I would say joining a gym, especially if you'll get use out of the fitness equipment too. Eg my gym has a sauna and a steam room. I pay around $13 per week - so even going once would cost less than the baths. My gym is in Brisbane though. You could call around some gyms and ask if they have a sauna, and the cost of a membership or casual visits. Casual visits at my gym are $11 so that's an option if you don't want a membership.

  • mini_wombat on 06/07/2016 - 22:25

    Recently thought about the most cost effective way to get a sauna …

    How about renting a place with sauna … there are lots of apartment towers which include sauna and steamroom … when you use them often enough it could make your rent a bit cheaper (depending where you live right now).

    Or buy a small infrared sauna and install it in your house? You will get a cheap one off ebay or gumtree for around $300-700

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