Lifetime Fitness Sauna: Optimal Attire, Etiquette, and Safety Guidelines

What do you wear in the sauna at lifetime?

At Lifetime Fitness, appropriate sauna attire typically includes clean swimwear or lightweight, breathable athletic wear that provides adequate coverage. The primary considerations are hygiene, comfort, modesty, and adherence to club policies, often requiring a towel to sit on for sanitation.

Understanding Lifetime's Sauna Environment & Etiquette

Lifetime Fitness facilities, known for their high standards and comprehensive amenities, offer both traditional dry saunas and often steam rooms. While the specific rules can vary slightly by location and the type of heat therapy offered (e.g., near a pool area versus a dedicated spa zone), the overarching principles of hygiene, modesty, and member comfort remain consistent. Unlike some private or traditional European saunas, nudity is generally not permitted in public gym saunas, including those at Lifetime. Members are expected to be clothed and use a towel as a barrier between their body and the sauna benches.

Optimal Attire Choices for Sauna Use

Selecting the right clothing for a sauna session at Lifetime is crucial for both personal comfort and adherence to club guidelines.

• Swimwear: This is often the most common and recommended choice, especially if the sauna is located near a pool or aquatic area.
  • Benefits: Designed for wet and humid environments, quick-drying, minimal fabric, and inherently modest.
  • Examples: Swim trunks, board shorts, one-piece swimsuits, or two-piece bikinis. Ensure they are clean and not carrying pool chemicals into the dry sauna.
• Lightweight Athletic Wear: For those who prefer not to wear swimwear, clean, light athletic apparel is an acceptable alternative.
  • Benefits: Offers breathability and comfort, allowing the skin to breathe and sweat effectively.
  • Examples: Lightweight athletic shorts (e.g., running shorts), clean t-shirts made of moisture-wicking fabric, or a sports bra with shorts for women.
  • Important Note: Avoid wearing the same clothes you just exercised in, as they will be saturated with sweat, making them unhygienic and uncomfortable in the sauna. Always change into clean attire.

Materials Matter: What to Look For (and Avoid)

The fabric of your sauna attire significantly impacts your experience.

• Recommended Materials:
  • Synthetics (Polyester, Nylon, Spandex Blends): Excellent for swimwear and activewear due to their quick-drying, moisture-wicking properties. They resist absorbing large amounts of sweat and maintain their shape.
  • Bamboo or Tencel Blends: Some newer athletic wear utilizes these natural-synthetic blends, which offer softness, breathability, and good moisture management.
• Materials to Avoid:
  • Heavy Cotton: While comfortable, cotton absorbs and retains sweat, becoming heavy, uncomfortable, and slow to dry. This can also create a less hygienic environment.
  • Denim or Heavy Fabrics: Unsuitable due to their weight, heat retention, and lack of breathability.
  • Street Clothes: Jeans, sweaters, or other everyday clothing items are inappropriate for hygiene and comfort reasons.
  • Metals and Jewelry: Remove all jewelry, including watches, rings, and necklaces, as metal heats up rapidly and can cause severe burns.

Hygiene and Safety Considerations

Beyond just attire, a responsible approach to sauna use includes several key practices:

• Always Use a Towel: This is perhaps the most critical rule. Place a clean towel on the bench before sitting or lying down. This protects the wood from sweat and maintains a hygienic environment for all users. Lifetime Fitness typically provides towels, but bringing your own is also an option.
• Cleanliness: Always enter the sauna with a clean body and clean attire. Consider showering before entering to rinse off any residual sweat, lotions, or pool chemicals.
• Footwear: Wear sandals or flip-flops to and from the sauna area to prevent slips on wet floors and to protect your feet from common floor contaminants.
• Hydration: Drink plenty of water before and after your sauna session to prevent dehydration.
• Listen to Your Body: Limit your time in the sauna, especially if you are new to it. Exit immediately if you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or unwell.

Beyond Attire: Preparing for Your Sauna Session

To maximize the benefits and safety of your sauna experience at Lifetime:

• Shower Before Entry: A quick rinse helps cleanse the skin and prepares your body for the heat.
• Remove All Jewelry: As mentioned, metal heats quickly and can cause burns.
• Hydrate Adequately: Ensure you've consumed sufficient water throughout the day.
• Avoid Eating Heavy Meals Immediately Before: This can cause discomfort.
• Limit Session Duration: Start with 5-10 minutes and gradually increase as tolerated, never exceeding 15-20 minutes for most individuals.

Key Takeaways for a Rewarding Sauna Experience

To summarize, when using the sauna at Lifetime Fitness, prioritize cleanliness, comfort, and modesty. Opt for swimwear or lightweight, clean athletic wear made from quick-drying, breathable fabrics. Always use a towel as a barrier between yourself and the sauna benches. By adhering to these guidelines, you ensure a hygienic, respectful, and ultimately more beneficial sauna experience for yourself and fellow members.