Infrared vs Traditional Sauna: Which One’s Best for You?

The Sauna Showdown

So, you’re ready to bring the sauna experience home. But now comes the ultimate debate: infrared sauna vs. traditional sauna. Both promise relaxation, faster recovery, and next-level wellness, but the way they heat your body couldn’t be more different.

If you’re unsure which one’s your perfect match, this guide breaks down how each sauna works, its key benefits, and how to choose the best sauna for your lifestyle. So, let’s turn up the heat.

Traditional Sauna 101: The Classic Heat Experience

A traditional sauna is all about that timeless, steamy ritual. Using a wood stove, electric, or gas heater, it reaches temperatures of 150°F–195°F (65°C–90°C). Toss a splash of water on hot stones and, boom, you’ve got that familiar wave of steam that makes you melt into relaxation.

Traditional saunas heat the air first, which then warms your body from the outside in. Expect intense sweating, loosened muscles, and a total mind-body reset.

Best for:

• Fans of the classic Finnish sauna feel

• Those who enjoy humid heat and deep sweating

• Relaxation, stress relief, and improved breathing

Infrared Sauna 101: The Modern Deep-Heat Option

Infrared saunas bring innovation to your wellness game. Instead of heating the air, they use infrared light to warm your body directly — up to 1.5 inches beneath the skin.

Temperatures hover between 120°F and 150°F (49°C–65°C), so you can enjoy a lower-heat, deeper sweat that feels surprisingly gentle but works hard under the surface. No steam, no humidity — just pure, penetrating heat that promotes recovery, circulation, and detoxification.

Best for:

• Post-workout muscle recovery and soreness relief

• Lower heat tolerance

• Compact home setups and energy efficiency

Infrared vs. Traditional Sauna: How to Choose

Still torn? Let’s simplify.

Common Sauna FAQs

1. Are infrared saunas as effective as traditional saunas?
Yes, just in different ways. Traditional saunas raise body temp through hot air; infrared heats the body directly. Both help with relaxation, detox, and circulation, but infrared can penetrate deeper for better muscle and tissue recovery.

2. Do infrared saunas use more power?
Not at all. They actually use less electricity, thanks to lower operating temperatures and efficient infrared panels.

3. Which sauna is better for beginners?
Infrared saunas are beginner-friendly. The lower temperatures make it easier to stay comfortable while still sweating out toxins and easing sore muscles. Once you’ve built up your heat tolerance, try a traditional sauna for that authentic steamy experience.

Which Sauna Should You Choose?

If your goal is muscle recovery, deep relaxation, and easy home setup, go infrared.
If you love intense heat, steam, and the classic sauna feel, stick with traditional.

Either way, you’re boosting recovery, energy, and overall well-being.

At Gym Emotion, we have a comprehensive range of traditional indoor and outdoor saunas from Thermasol and infrared saunas from HealthSmart, Dynamic, Maxxus and Golden Designs.