Every sauna has its own atmosphere, but the true controller of the experience are its users. From private quiet ones, to busy public ones, there will always be a mix of different “types” of sauna goers/users and their different preferences of enjoying sauna. There are several archetypes that has come to existence across Finland and abroad, adding some fun, comfort, and a tad bit of chaos across the steamy world of sauna users. Find out if you fit into the archetypes listed below!
- The Oven Mitten – Mainly because they can handle the heat well, this person takes sauna seriously. VERY seriously. Sits at the top of the bench, closest to the ceiling where the heat is the strongest. They pour löyly very strategically, maybe 3 ladles at ta time and always says “ah, its fine it’s not even that hot yet.” While others try to endure, or get out of the sauna to escape from the intense heatwave. Bonus! Sometimes they think of sauna sessions as a contest of who stays the longest!
- The Chiller – They come to vibe, and chill. Takes it easy and usually goes for the lower benches, steady heat, frequent breaks. Refreshes with some water, sometimes chats, and really take their time. They truly feel that sauna is for relaxation, not suffering. They keep the vibe calm, and keeps things light.
- The Yapping Social Butterfly – This person always has a story, rumor, gossip, or life advice ready to fire at anytime. You will hear about every detail of their day, week, hour, about their neighbor’s dog, and even about their distant relative’s trips before you even start to sweat. They are near the borderline of being TMI (too much information) type of people but it’s all okay because they’re like a walking audio entertainment system ready to release any podcast, news, and maybe even some music whenever you need or don’t need.
- The Cold Blooded Mammal – Cold blooded individuals who dive into the frozen lake, and returns like nothing happened. The polar opposite of “oven mittens”. These people are unfazed whenever dipping in a cold ice bath or the frozen lake. They sometimes claim that “it’s not that cold,” while everyone shivers back to the sauna. These people sometimes have their blood colder than most reptiles.
- The Casual Vihta/Vasta Enjoyer – Always has a birch whisk in the arsenal. Does not only benefit by slapping the skin and improving their circulation, but also blesses the room with fresh birch aroma. They usually prefer to enjoy the sauna in its purest and most traditional form. They say you haven’t truly experienced true finnish sauna, without the vihta/vasta. True keepers of the Finnish sauna rituals, tradition and culture. This person usually has deep ball knowledge.
- The Microwave Fridge – These are the type of people who can’t sit still. Two minutes they’re in, and after a couple minutes they’re out. They usually easily heat up, thus the microwave, and easily get cold like a fridge. However, its not a bad thing to be one. Sometimes this kind of quick segments keep the body in a constant state of change which might help in constant circulation of body fluids etc.
- The Silent Ghost – They arrive quietly, sit quietly, and leave quietly. If you don’t pay attention, you won’t notice them. Usually, they enjoy sauna as a meditation, healing, and a space to disconnect from everyone else. Its best to not disturb them and let them enjoy their space.
There’s no right or wrong way on how to enjoy, it’s a subjective matter. Whether youre an Oven Mitten, Chiller, Cold Blooded Mammal, Casual Vihta/Vasta Enjoyer, Microwave Fridge, Silent Ghost, or maybe not even anything above. Enjoying is up to you and your preference, after all when relaxing your priority should be yourself.