Finnish Sauna

How Is a Sauna Session Done?

Proper sauna use follows a round-based rhythm: 8-15 minutes in the hot cabin, followed by a shower and rest; this cycle is repeated 2-3 times depending on your tolerance. A sauna isn't an endurance contest — what makes it relaxing is getting the rhythm right, not staying in longer.

1. Pre-sauna shower — Take a warm shower and dry off before entering; dry skin sweats more evenly.
2. First round (8-12 min) — Sit or lie on your towel. Beginners should start on the lower benches (cooler); the heat intensifies noticeably higher up.
3. Cooling down — After leaving the cabin, breathe normally in room-temperature air for a few minutes, then shower from lukewarm to cool. An icy shock isn't necessary — listen to your body.
4. Rest and hydration — Sit for 10-15 minutes and drink water. This is the most overlooked yet most important part of the cycle.
5. Second and third rounds — If you're feeling good, repeat the same pattern. As a general rule, total cabin time shouldn't exceed 30-40 minutes a day.

First time in a sauna?

One round on the lower bench is enough for your first session. If you feel dizzy, your heart races, or you feel overwhelmed, step out and let our staff know. Sauna tolerance builds over time — don't aim for a long session on day one.

Sauna or Turkish Bath?

Short answer: if you want a dry, quiet heat break, choose the sauna; if you want a steamy cleansing ritual with a scrub and foam, the Turkish bath is for you. They're not rivals — they complement each other.

• Type of heat: The sauna offers dry heat at 80-90°C with low humidity; the hammam wraps you in a steamy, humid 40-50°C atmosphere.
• Experience: The sauna is quiet and solitary — you sit, sweat, and rest. The hammam is a hands-on ritual guided by an attendant, including a scrub and foam massage.
• Duration: A full sauna cycle takes 45-60 minutes; a hammam session runs 60-90 minutes.
• Skin: Want a physical exfoliation with a scrub? Choose the hammam. Just want to sweat and unwind? The sauna is enough.

Can't decide? Combine both: a short sauna round first, then the hammam ritual — or plan your day as a full spa programme with rest and refreshment breaks in between. Not sure which order suits you best? Just tell us what you need on the phone and we'll put together the right combination together.

What Should You Watch Out for in the Sauna?

Enjoying the sauna comes down to a few simple rules: stay hydrated, don't overdo the time, and listen to your body. The list below is for both your comfort and your safety:

• Drink plenty of water before and after your session; save the coffee and tea for the rest break.
• Don't use the sauna after drinking alcohol — heat makes alcohol harder on circulation and raises the risk of dizziness.
• Don't go in on a full stomach; leave at least 1-1.5 hours after your last meal.
• Leave jewellery, watches, and glasses outside the cabin — metal heats up and can be uncomfortable.
• Sit on your towel — this is both a hygiene rule and basic sauna etiquette.
• If you don't feel well, don't push through the session — stepping out is always the right call.

Who should check with a doctor before using the sauna?

Anyone who is pregnant, has a cardiovascular condition, fluctuating blood pressure, or a fever, or takes regular medication should get medical advice before a sauna session. A sauna is not a medical treatment — always make health decisions together with your doctor.

How Often and How Long Should You Use the Sauna?

For general use, 1-3 sessions a week with a total of 30-40 minutes of cabin time per session (across 2-3 rounds) is a comfortable benchmark for most people. Going more often doesn't mean "better" — your body needs recovery time too.

What temperature should a sauna be?

A traditional Finnish sauna runs at 80-90°C. For beginners, the lower benches — the relatively cooler part of the cabin — are the right starting point; you can move up as you get used to it. Our cabin's temperature is checked regularly and kept steady.

What's the best time for a sauna?

There's no single right answer: evening sessions after work are ideal for unwinding from the day, while gym-goers often prefer it after training to relax their muscles. We're open every day from 10:30 - 03:00, so both a calm morning slot and a late-night break are possible. Our one tip: finish 1-2 hours before bed rather than right before sleep, so your body temperature has time to settle.

Is a shower before the sauna necessary?

Yes — for both hygiene and comfort. A short, warm shower preps the skin for sweating, and drying off beforehand helps sweating start more evenly. The same rule applies afterwards: rinse off before heading to the rest area.

Why Does a Massage Feel So Good After a Sauna?

Since your muscles are already warmed and loosened after the sauna, a massage session straight afterwards feels far deeper — the therapist's hands reach tense areas from the very first minute. That's why one of our guests' favourite combinations is a 20-30 minute sauna break followed by a 50-60 minute massage.

The reason people looking for a sauna in Kızılay and Çankaya choose Aren Ankara Masaj Salonu is the same as with the hammam: the cabin and rest area are aired out and cleaned after every use, towels and wraps are fresh for every guest, and sessions are scheduled with privacy in mind. You can also combine the sauna with the hammam ritual or a spa programme.

We're open every day from 10:30 - 03:00 — for your sauna + massage plan, just give us a call. We'll help you choose the right massage type for your needs over the phone and prepare your session around your preferred temperature and duration.