Hot In Here

"Hot in.....
So hot in here.....
So hot in.....

Its gettin hot in here,
So take off all your clothes.

I am gettin so hot,and I wanna take my clothes off."
- Nelly


Taking our clothes off was not necessary since clothing (and swimsuits) are prohibited inside. The boys and I experienced our first Finnish sauna - correctly pronounce "sow (rhymes with wow) nah" - today.

Once a week we head to Mäkelänrinteen Swimming Pool for a few hours of water fun. They have 2 saunas (Hotter and Mild) available in the women's locker room. Each week I consider taking the boys inside. Today we finally took the plunge and went into the Mild sauna. The boys giggled the entire time as they ran around the 15x10 room naked. I tried to have them sit on our towel and relax but soon realized it was not going to happen. After about 10 minutes Little was ready to leave and fair-skinned Big was red head to toe. I think I could have enjoyed it without the kids and in a quiet environment of course. We will see how we all behave next week.

Sauna is the only Finnish word in the English dictionary! There are more than 2 million saunas in Finland, one for every 3 people. That means there are more saunas than cars here! They recommend children as early as 1 year to start participating but many families start them as early as 2-3 months and some even give birth inside. Saunas are enjoyed in the 'buff.' It can be done socially with your family or close friends. Business deals also take place inside. Very few coed saunas still exist these days, unless it is in your own home or summer cottage.


SAUNA - WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS? (taken from Springs Sauna)

- Soothes and relaxes tired muscles
- Helps relieve mental fatigue
- Relieves tension and stress
- Provides a cardiovascular workout - Helps condition the heart
- Increases metabolic rate
- Improves circulation
- Provides temporary relief for arthritic pain
- Promotes healing and releases natural pain killers, Beta Endorphins and Norepinephrines
- Increases resistance to illness by strengthening the immune system
- Burns as many as 300 calories during a normal Sauna session
- Helps maintain clear, healthy skin - and provides an after glow of a rosy complexion
- Promotes a wonderful feeling of well being and a total body experience that no bath can duplicate
- Adds luxury and value to your home

Want to learn more...check out 'Bare Facts of the Sauna.'