How Often Should You Use an Infrared Sauna? An East Bethel Beginner's Guide

If you're curious about infrared sauna but unsure how often to actually use it, you're in good company. It's one of the first questions we hear from folks across East Bethel and the North Metro who are just getting started. The short answer: begin gently, stay consistent, and let your body set the pace. Here's a friendly, no-pressure guide to finding a rhythm that fits your week, your goals, and our long Minnesota winters.

The Short Answer: Start a Couple Times a Week

For most beginners, two to three sessions a week is a comfortable place to begin. That's often enough to build a real routine without overdoing it while your body gets used to the warmth. You can always adjust from there.

Infrared works a little differently than the traditional saunas you may have tried up north at a cabin. Instead of heating the air around you, full-spectrum infrared warms your body directly, so the heat reaches deeper and feels gentler at the same time. Many people notice they keep sweating for up to an hour after they step out, which is part of why starting slow makes sense.

Building a Routine That Sticks

Consistency matters more than intensity. A steady couple of sessions each week tends to do more for how you feel than one long marathon visit now and then. The goal is to make it a habit you actually look forward to.

Here are a few simple ways North-Metro locals build that habit:

• Pick anchor days. Tuesday and Saturday, or after your usual workout, so it's easy to remember.
• Pair it with recovery. Many people enjoy a session after exercise to support muscle recovery and circulation.
• Keep it private and calm. Our suites are private, so it's easy to unwind, read, or just breathe.
• Plan around 30-plus minutes. We recommend at least 30 minutes per session, so block the time and don't rush it.

Once two or three sessions a week feel natural, some people gradually work up to more. There's no single right number, only the rhythm that leaves you feeling good and that you can keep up over time.

Choosing a Program as a Beginner

Our full-spectrum saunas combine far, mid, and near infrared, with red light built right into the walls. They also include six guided programs plus a quick-start option, so you don't have to guess where to begin.

The Six Programs

• Relaxation for winding down after a busy day.
• Pain Relief often paired with post-workout recovery.
• Detoxification for a good, deep sweat.
• Anti-Aging with skin and general wellness in mind.
• Weight Loss and Cardio for a warming, active-feeling session.

If you're brand new, the quick-start setting or the Relaxation program is a friendly first choice. As you get comfortable, you can explore the others and find your favorites. You can read more about the suites and programs on our infrared sauna page.

Listen to Your Body

The best frequency is the one your body responds well to. After a session you should feel pleasantly relaxed and warm, not drained. If you ever feel lightheaded or overly tired, step out, cool down, and shorten your next session.

A few gentle reminders for beginners:

• Start shorter. Ease into the full 30-plus minutes over your first few visits.
• Space out your early sessions. Give yourself a rest day between visits while you adjust.
• Pay attention to how you feel the next day. Rested and refreshed is the goal.

If you're pregnant or managing a health condition, it's always a good idea to check with your doctor before starting any heat-based wellness routine. Infrared sauna is a general-wellness experience, not a substitute for medical care.

Hydration Is Your Best Friend

Because that deep sweat can continue for up to an hour after you finish, hydration really matters. Drink water before your session and again afterward, and keep sipping for the rest of the day. In dry Minnesota winters, when indoor air pulls moisture from everything, this is even more important.

A simple habit: bring a full water bottle with you and finish it across your visit and the hour that follows. Your body will thank you.

Fitting Sauna Into a Busy Minnesota Winter

Let's be honest, our winters in East Bethel can make any routine harder to keep. The sun sets early, the driveway needs shoveling, and the couch looks awfully cozy. That's exactly when a warm, consistent sauna habit feels best, and when it's easiest to let slip.

That's where having flexible access changes everything. Members enjoy 24/7 access, so a session can happen before the morning commute to Blaine or Coon Rapids, after work, or late at night once the kids are asleep. When the schedule is yours, consistency through January and February gets a whole lot easier. We're proud to be a locally and women-owned spa serving Ham Lake, Andover, Anoka, Cambridge, Cedar, Isanti, and the rest of the North Metro.

Ready to Find Your Rhythm?

Start with a couple of sessions a week, keep your water bottle close, and let your body guide you from there. Whether you're coming from down the road in East Bethel or driving in from elsewhere in the North Metro, we'd love to help you build a routine that lasts well past winter. Explore our memberships for 24/7 access, or call us at (612) 322-9989 with any questions. Your first warm, relaxing session is waiting.