2. At The Gym
When it comes to the
gym, there are a plethora of
germs and bacteria that can
cause infection.
Furthermore, many display rude
behaviors that are offensive to
others. There are many who fail
to take this into consideration
when they use the sauna. While
many feel that it is not big deal
if they do not employ proper
sauna etiquette, the hazards
and risks a large number of
people sharing these attitudes
pose can become expansive.
3. Workouts are for the Gym
It has been proven that weight can be lost in the heat of
a steam room. This is partly due to the water weight
shed through sweat and largely because the body’s
metabolism goes into overdrive in attempts to lower the
body temperature.
Many take their time spent in these small rooms to
increase weight loss by jogging in place, doing jumping
jacks and engaging in other exercises. This is rude and
inconsiderate to those sharing this confined area. Unless
there is no one else currently in the room, these
exercises should remain reserved for the gym.
4. Don't Leave the Door Open
A common complaint shared by
those who enjoy steam rooms is
when others leave the room and
leave the door open. This requires
those left behind to have to get
up and shut it. During the
process, heat is lost.
Furthermore, when entering the
room, the door should not be left
open while the incoming
individual stops to chat with
someone outside of the room. In
this case, the door should be shut
and the conversation finished
prior to entering the steam room.
5. Don't Bask in the Nude
Saunas are normally made of wood, and wood is known
to absorb sweat and germs. While they are sanitized by
the maintenance staff daily, there are still particles that
remain. Not only does this expose the nudist to the
bacteria left behind from the last person, but it also
poses risks to the next person to fill their spot.
Furthermore, due to the close proximity found in these
quarters, it can become very uncomfortable for others to
be forced to sit so close to someone choosing to sit in
the nude. It is common courtesy to wear a towel or
other covering when choosing to sit in a steam room.
6. Keep Your Musical Interests to
Yourself
Music is an art, and not everyone appreciates the same styles. It is a common
courtesy to keep volume to a minimum when in close quarters with other
people. If a person desires to listen to their music while they enjoy their time
in the hot box, a pair of headphones should be brought along to confine the
music to their ears only.
With a variety of picture-taking devices on the market, it can make others in
the room uncomfortable as the person next to them browses for a song they
want to hear. They have no way of knowing if they are being photographed in
such a private setting.
In reality, it is a better idea not to bring electronic devices into steam rooms to
begin with. The heat and humidity found here can easily cause damage to
such instruments.
On a side note, it is also respectful to keep talking to a minimum. Many use
their steam room time as a chance to meditate and mentally recover from a
long day. They likely do not want to be forced to listen to a conversation going
on next to them.
7. Bring a Couple of Extra Towels
When entering a sauna session, it is
good practice to bring an extra towel to
sit on to create a barrier between the
germs on the seat and the body. While
etiquette is good practice, there are
always those who do not consider
others, and this helps steam room users
avoid contact with bacteria left behind.
Furthermore, it is a good idea to have
yet another extra towel on had to be
used after the session is over. It is not a
good idea to dry off with the same towel
used in the sauna as this will spread
germs and sweat all over the body.
8. Steam Rooms are Not Clothes Dryers
In the gym, clothes are destined to become saturated
with sweat. Those who work out should never use steam
rooms as a means of drying their clothes while they
shower or swim. This lack of courtesy is rude to those
who wish to use the area for its intended purpose.
9. Don't Stare
While many people choose to go into steam rooms
naked, they are normally not trying to attract
attention, and it is rude to stare. If offended by their
lack of discretion, a towel can be offered;
however, others in the room should not point, stare or
make crass comments to others in the room.
10. Take a Shower Before Getting In
As mentioned, steam rooms are notorious for germs and
bacteria. Many go straight from a strenuous workout
straight to the steam room covered in sweat and grime.
Furthermore, those who have just come from the pool carry
with them chlorine that, when heated, can cause irritation
to others in the room. Before jumping into a steam room, it
is considerate to take a quick shower to remove
bacteria, dirt and chlorine.
11. Think Before You Act
Steam rooms are public settings, and this should be kept forefront in the
minds of those who employ their use. Before engaging in any activity
that may be offensive to others, it is common courtesy to first ask them
if it will bother them.
A steam room can offer its users a safe and effective means of losing
weight as well as a comfortable place to warm up after swimming.
However, it should be kept in mind that these are public areas. Proper
etiquette should utilize when using them. When everyone employs these
basic rules, the steam room experience can be one that can be enjoyed
by all.