Infrared Sauna

An infrared sauna warms the body directly with infrared emitters rather than heating the air around it. The cabin stays at a comfortable 45 to 60°C, so sessions can last longer — 30 to 45 minutes — and people who find a traditional sauna stifling often prefer it. Most infrared saunas are small private cabins for one or two, so they are booked by the slot rather than shared.

Many people use them to relax, to warm stiff muscles and as part of a recovery routine alongside cold plunges. Some marketing claims infrared saunas "detox" the body or burn significant calories; there is no good evidence for either, and centres listed here are asked to avoid such claims. The sweating and warmth are real; the rest should be treated with scepticism.

A 30 to 45-minute private session typically costs £20 to £45, with packs of five or ten bringing the price down, and some studios combine it with a red light or cold plunge in a recovery package. The usual cautions apply: hydrate, avoid alcohol, and ask your GP first if you are pregnant, have a heart condition or take medication affecting blood pressure or sweating.