Sauna tips and advice

Saunas are known for their physical and mental health benefits, and home saunas in Winnipeg have grown in popularity. Sauna stones are the most useful accessory you can add. They help distribute heat evenly, and they let you generate steam.

Steam reduces inflammation, and with regular use it can lower your risk of chronic inflammatory conditions. It also clears congestion, which helps when you are sick or want to look after your sinuses, throat and voice. If you have chronic allergies, a deviated septum or a job that involves a lot of talking or singing, regular steam may help.

The moisture is also good for your skin. Steam improves hydration and opens and unclogs pores, which can reduce acne. Steam also eases joint stiffness: the warmth improves the flexibility of the soft tissue around your joints, which improves mobility. That makes steam a smart choice for anyone with stiff joints or arthritis.

Pouring water on hot stones turns a dry sauna into a steam sauna. If your heater has room for stones, fill it. If you are not sure which stones fit your heater, bring the model number to the showroom and we will sort it out.

It is the first decision, and there is no wrong answer. We ask three questions.

Where is it going? At the lake, with no spare circuit and a wood pile already stacked, wood-fired is the natural fit. In a city backyard next to the house, electric is easier to live with day to day.

How do you want to use it? If you enjoy tending a fire and prefer a softer, heavier heat, choose wood. If you want to start the sauna from your phone on the drive home and walk into a hot room, choose electric.

Who is using it? Kids, renters, guests at an Airbnb: electric is simpler and safer for people who didn't grow up around a stove.

Our own choice is the AR Heater: wood-fired, but loaded from outside so the room stays clean and the air stays fresh. Try it and the electric heaters side by side in the showroom.