First Time 10 Sessions: What to Expect & How to Prepare

People tell us all the time that the first thing they notice here is how clean the studio is and that our locker room has showers and an infrared sauna. If you’re feeling a little nervous about your first 10 Sessions package, that’s normal. Heat can feel like a big commitment until you know what it actually feels like and how we pace it.

Here’s the simple version: we start you conservatively with shorter, lower-temperature sessions and a quick orientation. Most first-timers do 20 to 30 minutes to begin, we help with check-in, we talk hydration and clothing, and we’ll usually suggest 2 to 3 sessions per week so your body builds tolerance over the package.

Before your first infrared sauna session: the prep that actually matters

Our space gets described as “beautiful, pristine, with a spa-like vibe, ” and we keep it that way on purpose. Your prep doesn’t need to be complicated, but a few small choices make your first time feel way better.

We generally recommend you avoid intense exercise immediately before your session, especially in Chicago’s hot, humid summer weeks when you’re already sweating just walking around. In the winter, people often tolerate the warmth more easily, but hydration still matters. Either way, show up a little early so you’re not rushing.

At check-in, let us know if you’re pregnant, have a heart condition, or you’re on any medications that affect heat tolerance or blood pressure. And if you’re unsure, it’s smart to consult a medical professional before you start.

Inside your first 10 Sessions visit in Lincoln Park: check-in to cool down

When you arrive at our Lincoln Park / Southport Corridor studio, we’ll greet you and get you set up. People mention the warm welcome a lot, including meeting Sue at the front desk and, yes, sometimes KC the studio dog. That friendly start helps, especially if you’re new to this kind of heat.

1) Quick orientation and a conservative first session

We’ll walk you through the basics so nothing feels awkward or mysterious. Infrared sauna uses infrared light to heat your body directly, rather than heating the air around you like a traditional sauna. That’s why many people find it more comfortable at lower temperatures, especially for a first time infrared sauna session. For your first 2 to 3 visits, we keep it shorter and cooler. Most beginners land in the 20 to 30 minute range.

2) What it feels like and what’s normal

You’ll warm up gradually. Some people sweat quickly, some take longer, and both are normal. The goal is not to “tough it out.” The goal is steady, comfortable heat that supports muscle relaxation, stress relief, and recovery. If you feel lightheaded, headachy, or suddenly nauseous, that’s your cue to stop and cool down. Tell us right away. We’d rather adjust the session than have you leave feeling wiped out.

3) After you step out: a calm cool-down

Give yourself a few minutes before you sprint back into your day. This is where our locker rooms and showers come in handy. A lot of people in Chicago fit sauna into a routine around workouts or plans, especially if they’re coming from the Southport Corridor or meeting friends near DePaul or heading toward North Avenue Beach. We’ll help you time it so you don’t feel rushed.

After your sauna: how to feel good the rest of the day (and not crash)

Most people leave feeling looser and calmer. Sometimes you’ll also feel pleasantly tired, like you finally took a deep breath. The biggest “first timer” mistake we see is doing too much too soon, then wondering why they feel drained later.

“I used the infrared sauna and absolutely loved it! I slept better than I have in weeks, my skin looked amazing the next day, and the cold that I had magically disappeared.”

one of our regulars

Here’s what we generally recommend after your session: drink water, cool down gradually, and give your body a little space before you jump into a hard workout. And skip alcohol right after. Heat plus dehydration tends to be the combo that makes people feel woozy.

If your goal is recovery and consistency, plan your next session before you leave. That’s how the 10-session package turns into a real routine for a lot of Lincoln Park and Lakeview locals, plus folks coming in from Old Town, North Center, Wicker Park, and Bucktown who want something close to home.

How to pace an infrared sauna 10-session package (and the tip that makes it easier)

A 10 Sessions package is $315, and it works best when you treat it like a short training block. Most people do well with 10 sessions over 4 to 6 weeks. That usually means 2 sessions per week, sometimes 3 if you’re tolerating it easily and your schedule allows.

Here’s the insider tip: don’t schedule your first session on a day you’re already running on fumes. We’ve had people show up right after a long hospital shift and still feel welcomed and taken care of, but your first sauna session goes better when you can listen to your body and not rush the cool-down.

And if you’re booking in July, Chicago heat can sneak up on you. It’s totally fine to keep sessions shorter on those extra humid weeks and build up again when the weather cools.

Address: 2105 N Southport Ave, Suite 200, Chicago, IL 60614