Becoming a hot commodity
During the pandemic, saunas became one of the most in-demand wellness products by consumers, a trend that appears here to stay.
Saunas witnessed a surge in popularity within various commercial spaces, but the pandemic prompted individuals to transform their homes into personal retreats and wellness sanctuaries. With travel on the decline, staycations gained traction. And what better staycation than having a sauna conveniently at home, ready for use at any time of the day?
The popularity of home saunas saw a notable rise, surprising the author who initially doubted that the Finnish lifestyle of having more saunas than cars in a household would translate to North America. However, clients began to order two or three saunas, acquiring one for their home interior, another for the backyard by the pond, and yet another for their cottage. The author was impressed to witness individuals who had never contemplated saunas now purchasing multiple units at a time.
With more time at home, individuals researched online, particularly exploring the benefits of saunas. The author explained to one client, “Heat lifts, it lifts dirt from a counter, just as heat from a sauna lifts toxins from the body.” People engaged in frequent research, realizing that saunas not only eliminate toxins but also elevate one’s spirits. During the pandemic, activating one’s spirit, or the “happy hormone” (serotonin), became essential for many.
Individuals found the concept of customizable saunas to meet their design preferences intriguing, marking a significant shift in perspective. The revelation that saunas are energy-efficient further captivated them. In addition, discovering the availability of sauna types catering to both those who prefer higher temperatures and those who prefer milder ones left them amazed.
Saunas evolved into a personal indulgence or a thoughtful present for others—a gift symbolizing relaxation, an at-home spa experience, a gesture of wellness, or even a means to shed those extra pounds gained during COVID. Regardless of the specific purpose, saunas have undeniably secured a spot on people’s priority lists today and in the days to come.
Heightened awareness led people to comprehend what the Finns had known all along: saunas hold more significance than TVs and cars. Saunas become integral to one’s way of life, and when individuals incorporate saunas into their lifestyle, the benefits become exponential.
Notes
1 Consult the report, Cardiovascular and Other Benefits of Sauna Bathing, by Jari.ALaukkanen. For more information, visit www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196(18)30275-1/fulltext.
References
- Refer to “The Sauna” by Rob Roy, published by Chelsea Green Publishing Company.
- Learn more by reading “Some Like It Hot: Get Yourself In A Sauna” by LLM Reporters.
Author
Anna Vetta is the sales administrator for Saunacore, a manufacturer of custom sauna products in Bolton, Ont. She has more than 15 years’ experience in the sauna industry and holds a specialist degree in economics and geography from the University of Toronto. Vetta can be reached via e-mail at anna@saunacore.com.
