Today's Coffee: Do you want to guess? What! How did you know it was Starbucks Nespresso pods again? You're such a smart cookie.
Muscle Recovery: If you look back to my previous posts, you know one item I have been working on this year is my health journey. I did have a cheat day on Friday when I went axe throwing with the girls, but overall, I have stuck to my diet for 6 weeks now and gone to the gym consistently for 5 mornings each week. Getting back to the gym has felt fabulous, and I am beginning to see some of the benefits. However, it has created sore muscles that scream at me when I attempt the stairs. I'll admit, I haven't been the best at stretching or using the foam roller after a good session. Whoopsie! I guess I will have to work on that too, otherwise I will continue to stay sore.
I should absolutely be better about electrolytes and stretching, but one thing that always used to help was the sauna. To be honest, I always used it when I was in a funk and needed a mental break. The feeling afterwards is refreshing. Similar to getting the perfect amount of sleep the night before and you get that good morning stretch as you reach back your hands and point out your toes. Back home, our work had the sauna available in the gym to use. I know, I know, I was spoiled. And honestly I didn't think I would miss it that much but man...I love how I feel afterwards and being able to sweat out all the toxins.
So because I miss it, I happened to come across a place called SweatHouz. Or (Sweat House) A sauna and cold plunge experience enhancing anyone's health and fitness journey. $25 for your first session and poof I was sold! I had a brief stint last summer where I was trying out free trials on gyms and workout classes so I think any discount I can get I am sooo totally there! I will say it was totally worth it. https://sweathouz.com/
Check In: When you walk in you are greeted by someone at the front desk and a little kiosk to check in. A simple yes I am here and they are ready for you. For your first visit, they provided a complimentary bottle of water, packaged in an eco-friendly container which will always win them brownie points. You will have your choice of a cold compress which of course, I chose my favorite scent of eucalyptus. Cool to the touch, the towel smelled amazing in that little sauna.
The Studio: Each experience has it's own private suite complete with an infared sauna, vitamin c shower and a cold plunge tub. There is a little TV on the side with the ability to tap into Netflix, Spotify or complete silence if you prefer. For me, I decided to turn on good ole Spotify and jam to some music. The dark studio soothes the soul while the red infared lighting illuminates the sauna. The routine: You get 65 min (if you check in on time) Rotate from the sauna, shower, and then cold plunge for 2-5 min. Repeat 2-3 times depending on tolerance.
Make sure you drink plenty of water and bring some electrolytes if you are trying to recover. Switching between extreme temperatures will make your muscles sore if you haven't properly taken care of them. If you haven't tried cold plunge therapy, remember this. There is a reason why professional athletes do it so often after a workout. Feel free to check out some good info here.
The Experience: When you first enter the sauna, you always seem to be a little bit more confident than you should be. 170 Degrees of heat and happy lighting will definitely brighten your mood but you will sweat. A lot! The cool air once you open the door will hit like a refreshing breeze and embrace you as you walk to the shower.
I do recommend turning the temperature down on the vitamin C shower so it isn't quite a shock to the cold plunge. This was my favorite part since the vitamin c makes your skin as smooth as butter. The peaceful fall of water paired with the tired muscles from the sauna is addicting. But that cold plunge will get you. One toe in the water and eek you will want to back out! Just remember, it's only water. Take a deep breath and sit in being uncomfortable. The music will help distract you and soon enough it will be over. Push yourself to stay there.
Your Turn: I encourage you to give it a whirl if you haven't had the experience yet. It doesn't have to be this place in particular; however, just the simple benefits of either the sauna or cold plunge can be beneficial. If you don't have access to a cold plunge, you can also take a bowl of ice water and dip your face in it for similar results. 30 seconds in the morning and you will feel bright eyed and bushy tailed!
Until next time, lets wander - after coffee of course.
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