Steam rooms?

[Fogo]

After my run today, I headed into the locker room to change, and found a cluster of meatheanderthals. (What would be the proper term for a group of those guys?) This cluster was forming a line about 10-15 deep for the showers, meaning I had plenty of time I'd have to kill before I could get my turn. Rather than hang out with them, I headed out to the pool area, and wandered into the steam room.

I've never really spent much time in there, so I figured I'd give it a shot while I waited for the cluster to thin out a bit. Sure, I managed to sweat a ton (or collect some condensation - who knows - either way I was soaked), but I'm not sure why someone would really want to hang out there everyday.

So, long story short, what's the point of a steam room? Any reasons to make it part of a routine, or avoid it like the plague?

[andygates]

A good sweat is (generally) good for your skin and leaves most folks feeling energized afterwards.

If you combine it with a cold plunge pool or a cold-blast shower, well, ask the Finns and Russians, it's a cult over there. Feels awesome. (Disclosure: recent holiday had a spa area with a cold bucket on a chain. I had to be dragged away from hot-cold-hot-cold...)

[Gainsdalf the Whey]

One of my favorite things to do when it's available is hop from hot tub to swimming pool and back over and over. It's really invigorating.

[Marlowe]

I agree w/others -- I love going into the whirlpool and then the steam room after a workout at the gym, before taking a shower and getting back to my work day. I'm sure there are studies that will show some medical benefits, but more than anything, it's for people who get relaxation out of it and it works akin to a sorbet or buffer between your workout and 'real' life. I like the feeling of getting the sweat out and I feel relaxed and energized after it.

But if it's not your thing, no worries.... I think it's one of those personal preference dealios.

[bigm141414]

It helps to open up and clear out your pores after sweating. At least that's what I've been lead to believe.

[Corbab]

There's some group somewhere in Scandinavia that spends time in super-cold (like, -10º) rooms for the health benefits. I don't go to a gym with any kind of fancy stuff like that, but now I'm wishing I did...

[Gainsdalf the Whey]

There's some group somewhere in Scandinavia that spends time in super-cold (like, -10º) rooms for the health benefits. I don't go to a gym with any kind of fancy stuff like that, but now I'm wishing I did...

It's a thing among some athletes too. It's like 60 seconds. It's supposed to kick start the healing process.

[Rivanariko]

The B&B that my husband I stayed at last summer boasted about their super-fancy steam shower. I tried it out and couldn't figure out why it was fun. It must be aimed at people who have never lived in humid climates, because I just felt like I was sitting outside in Carolina in August minus the bugs.

[WizardTrip]

Years ago, I use to follow up my workouts with:

15 min Hot Tub

60 sec Cold Plunge

15 min Sauna

60 sec Cold Plunge

15 min Steam Room

Shower and go home

So relaxing!!!

[Rosie]

I really dislike steam rooms and saunas. Just the thought of sitting there sweating and dripping all over the place but not actually doing any exercise.... bleugh. If I want to sweat, I go to my monday Zumba class where the A/C is broken in the dance studio. Hot tubs are a different story though, just try and keep me away from one of those! One a weekend away with some friends I hadn't even packed a bathing suit and I still couldn't stay away, just got in with my bra and pants on!

[bigm141414]

Hot Tub + Cold Snowy Night + Bottle of Good Tequila = A Very Happy BigM

This is the only situation in which snow is acceptable. All other times it can go jump off a cliff.... I hate snow.

[Rosie]

+1 what BigM said, hate snow. Especially as I'm the only one that makes it into the office when it snows and everyone else stays home!

[shutterpillar]

Hot Tub + Cold Snowy Night + Bottle of Good Tequila = A Very Happy BigM

This is the only situation in which snow is acceptable. All other times it can go jump off a cliff.... I hate snow.

I concur.

[saretta]

Steam rooms are supposed to be good for sweating out toxins. I go to a local spa occasionally where you rotate time in the "hammam" or Turkish bath with rubbing yourself down with ice. Sounds horrible, but feels great, especially if followed by a massage! ;-)

[Sloth the Enduring]

A long time ago I worked out in gym in the heart of downtown, not too far from the red light district (now razed). The point of the steam room seemed to be to give the guys a place to service each other. I went in once, backed out slowly, and haven't been in another one since.

[sashi]

The B&B that my husband I stayed at last summer boasted about their super-fancy steam shower. I tried it out and couldn't figure out why it was fun. It must be aimed at people who have never lived in humid climates, because I just felt like I was sitting outside in Carolina in August minus the bugs.

The couple of times I've been in a sauna, I felt the same way.

[wildross]

The B&B that my husband I stayed at last summer boasted about their super-fancy steam shower. I tried it out and couldn't figure out why it was fun. It must be aimed at people who have never lived in humid climates, because I just felt like I was sitting outside in Carolina in August minus the bugs.

Or Houston, TX

[Oogiem]

Laughing about the folks who think it' like living in a humid area. Having never lived anyplace where humidity was a problem I love steam rooms. They are especially good when I'm having an asthma or allergy attack. Great for clearing out my sinuses. Steam room followed by cool shower is heaven, I sometimes try to turn our regular shower into a mini steam room. On a sunny day we can get 165 degree water out the tap so it's close.

[bigm141414]

Or Houston, TX

The only place I've lived that it is 100% humidity and not a darn cloud in the sky.

[AKLulu]

I grew up taking a lot of steam baths (basically a wet sauna) in rural Alaska. They're great for clearing out your pores and all that, but mostly we just found them to be really relaxing and enjoyable (it was also very social for us). It was also great to be able to put a metal bowl on the stove with water and a little eucalyptus oil when you needed to clear your head while sick. I do find public saunas to be slightly disappointing because they're never as hot as I'd like, but I still like to relax in one when I get a chance. When I have my own property someday, I'll definitely be building a steam bath. I guess if it's not something you're accustomed to, it would be a bit difficult to get into the culture of (especially these wussy gym saunas).

[aj_rock]

I remember having ice baths available during training for football. Like a cold pack, helps to reduce inflammation (which you get lots of in contact-heavy sports >.>)

As for the steam room, it's a relaxant. Ever notice how people just seem to move... slower, in warm, humic climates? Your body just relaxes in the presence of warm humidity, in order to reduce chances of overexertion/over-heating.