What to expect going in for your first sweat session
When I first arrived at Shape House, I was offered a change of clothes and a basket to put my belongings in. You want to wear something breathable, like cotton, that covers your arms and legs as well as some thick socks on your feet. Next, you're ushered into your own private space (think a bed with a TV encircled by an opaque curtain). The room is dimly lit, aside from the glow of your personal TV and it is relatively silent. An employee helps you get into the bed, which feels like a really thick sleeping bag lined with a plastic sheet. After helping you select something on Netflix, they tuck you in, prop your head up to a comfy position and give you some headphones. Your entire body (minus your head) is tucked into the infrared blanket. You can easily remove your hand to change the channel, take a sip of water or open the bed up if you get too hot. You are encouraged to drink a lot of water in the 55 minutes of your sweat session and the attendant comes to check on you at the 20-minute mark, the 40-minute mark and at the end. With "Portlandia" queued up, I was ready to begin sweating.
Image courtesy Hannah Savin
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First portion
Immediately, you notice the soothing warming sensation that is coming from inside the bed (the room itself is at a pleasant, normal temperature). I remember feeling very relaxed as I watched TV, thinking I could honestly drift off to sleep if I let myself. By the 20-minute mark, an attendant comes to check on me. I can't believe how fast the time is flying. I'm already sweating, but I'm still cozy and relaxed. I've already finished my first water bottle, so they bring me a refill. About halfway in, I notice that I'm really sweating now. My clothing is sticking to me and I'm a little uncomfortable, but happy to have this opportunity to sit back, watch a little TV and clear my mind.
Image courtesy Hannah Savin
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Last 15 minutes
At 40 minutes, the attendant returns with a cool, lavender-scented cloth to put on my forehead. I'm happy to have it as at this point I can feel beads of sweat dripping down my face and with my hands tucked into the blanket, I can only let them drip. My clothing is soaked and I can't wait to change into dry clothing. I know there are only 15 minutes left at this point, but the time goes by very slowly. At the 55-minute mark, the attendant returns and I'm so happy to see her. I'm cooked at this point — it looks like somebody dumped a bucket of water over me. She helps me out of the bed and I'm pleasantly surprised that I am not experiencing any head rushes or lightheadedness (the way saunas and jacuzzis can sometimes affect me). Next, we head to a final room to sit and enjoy some tea and orange slices while my body temperature returns to normal.
Image courtesy Hannah Savin
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Closing thoughts
After changing back into my clothing and hitting the road, I realized how rejuvenated I felt after leaving Shape House. I definitely was more energetic than when I had arrived and my muscles felt warmer and more pliable. It was like the tension had just melted out of my body, along with any bloating or excess water weight. I was told not to shower for at least two hours to allow my body to keep up the sweating process and continue to reap the benefits. I did notice my skin had a nice rosy glow to it, much like after completing a cardio workout. I also should note that I had a lot of insect bites throughout my body, which seemed to heal a lot faster after my session.
In addition to all of the physical effects of my sweat session, I should note the positive mental effects as well. I felt extremely clear-headed afterward, probably the product of disconnecting from work, social media, and my phone. This simple act of taking "me time" to sweat and detoxify my body allowed me to focus on myself and just be (which is something I find very hard to do). More often than not, when I do get personal time, I'm either too focused on my thoughts to actually relax or I'm playing around with my phone. If you have trouble disconnecting, I definitely recommend giving sweating a try. As for me, I intend to implement this into my healthy living routine for my physical and mental health. I'm already looking forward to my next session!
