Single session aftercare: what to do in the first 24 hours
By Lincoln Park Pilates & Events | August 6, 2026
Questions after your sauna session? Call us at +13122865845 or email info@lincolnparkpilates.com.
Our #1 rule after a Single Session infrared sauna is simple: cool down slowly and hydrate right away. People love that our space feels comfortable and thoughtfully set up, and that relaxed vibe can make it tempting to hop right back into a busy Chicago day. Give your body 10 to 30 minutes to settle, then drink 16 to 32 oz (500 to 1, 000 mL) of water or an electrolyte drink within the first hour.
Your first 60 minutes after an infrared sauna (the part most people rush)
Infrared sauna uses infrared light to warm your body directly, not just the air around you. That deeper, more comfortable heat is a big reason people leave feeling relaxed. It also means you can stand up too fast and feel a little floaty if you don’t take a beat.
Quick 3-step reset: Sit for a minute, breathe normally, then stand slowly. Start sipping water right away, even if you don’t feel thirsty yet.
0 to 10 minutes: cool down on purpose
We generally recommend you step out of the heat and cool down gradually. Skip the “shock your system” move. Let your heart rate settle, and if you’re heading back out into summer humidity, give yourself an extra minute before you face the sidewalk heat.
10 to 60 minutes: fluids, then a light bite
Aim for 500 to 1, 000 mL of water or electrolytes within the first hour. If it’s a hot Chicago day, you walked a bunch, or you’re popping over toward North Avenue Beach, lean toward electrolytes. A light snack with a little salt often helps too. Keep it simple, especially if your stomach feels a bit off.
Big “don’ts” for the next 24 hours
- No alcohol. It stacks dehydration on top of dehydration.
- No hot tubs or extra heat sessions. Give your body one job at a time.
- Skip intense cardio for 24 hours. Easy walking is usually fine once you feel normal.
If you booked a lunchtime session in the Southport Corridor before errands or DePaul classes, build in that short rest window so you’re not sprinting straight into a meeting or the CTA.
The next 7 days: how to keep that “slept better” feeling going
A lot of people tell us they love the way they feel afterward. We’ve heard everything from “I slept better than I have in weeks” to noticing their skin looks amazing the next day. Aftercare is what helps those wins stick around instead of fading by dinner.
Hydration stays the priority
Keep water and electrolytes in rotation for a day or two, especially in Chicago summer heat. If your urine is getting dark, your body is asking for more fluids. If you’re someone who sweats a lot, electrolytes often help you feel steadier than water alone.
Be smart with sun and heat
Right after sauna, your skin tends to be warm and a little more sensitive. Avoid baking in direct sun immediately after your session, especially if you’re headed toward the lakefront. Give yourself time indoors first, then use common-sense sun protection.
Pair it with movement, just not the hard stuff
Light movement later the same day is usually fine once you’re fully cooled down and hydrated. Many of our regulars pair sauna days with Pilates, barre, or yoga on lighter intensity days. The goal is to feel better, not wring yourself out twice.
Shower, skin, and the “why is my skin dry?” fix
You can absolutely shower after your Single Session, just don’t do it the second you step out. Cool down first, then hop in with lukewarm water. Hot water right after sauna often makes people feel lightheaded, and it can leave your skin feeling extra tight.
Keep it gentle: Use a mild, fragrance-light cleanser and pat dry. Then moisturize right away if your skin feels dry. That simple step is often what helps people keep that next-day glow they talk about.
Skip heavy exfoliation the same day. And if you’re prone to redness, keep skincare simple for 24 hours. Your skin just went through a lot of heat. Let it calm down.
When lightheaded isn’t “normal” anymore (and we want you to reach out)
A little lightheadedness right after sauna usually comes down to standing up too quickly, not drinking enough, or trying to do too much too soon. Sit down, sip fluids, and give it a few minutes. Most people feel fine once they cool down and rehydrate.
Stop and seek care if you have persistent dizziness, fainting, a rapid heartbeat that won’t settle, or prolonged nausea.
And if something just feels off, let us know. Our team is known for being welcoming and helpful, so you won’t be brushed off. We’d rather answer a quick question than have you guessing.
If you’re coming from Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Old Town, North Center, Wicker Park, or Bucktown, plan your session timing so you’re not rushing to a train or immediately power-walking miles home. Build in that recovery buffer. Your body will thank you.
Want your next Single Session on the calendar?
Single Session infrared sauna is $45. If you’re pairing it with classes, we’ll help you pick a timing that supports recovery and doesn’t leave you wiped out. Stop by 2105 N Southport Ave, Suite 200, Chicago, IL 60614 in Chicago or reach us at +13122865845.