FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
And info for first-timers
Have questions about sauna, cold plunge, or how The Wellness Club works? No worries, we have you covered. If your question isn't answered here, please, shoot us an email at team@thewellnessclub.com.
Guest Code of Conduct and Liability Waiver
Our most important goal at TWC is that everyone has a safe and memorable experience. That's why we created our Guest Code of Conduct. If everyone abides by these rules, we'll all have a good time. It looks longer than it reads – please review it before coming!
Phones?
Nope. Never! For a place that revolves around relaxing and restoring yourself, our most important rule doesn't even have to do with the sauna or cold plunges: no phones, ever.
It sounds cliche, but this is a place where you are *actually* meant to unplug. When you get your locker, leave your phone inside. There are timers and clocks throughout the space to track time.
How do you sauna?
We know that sitting in a 185ºF room for the first time can sound intimidating. But try it once and we think you'll come back for more.
For those new to sauna, you can always ask our staff what we recommend starting with––usually 10 minute intervals. There are timers on the wall you can use, as well as a clock. If you feel uncomfortable, know that you can step out at any time. You build endurance to heat like exercise––it takes time and reps.
You should know that it is very normal for first-timers to experience a bit of dizziness and lightheadedness during or after their first session. Don't push it. Make sure you stay hydrated and it will pass. Please don't drive a vehicle until it does! Bring your own water bottle––we have a bottle filler and even hot water for tea, if you're into that.
Be mindful that certain materials heat up extremely quickly. REMOVE ALL JEWELRY and leave it in your locker. Certain plastics conduct heat––looking at you, flip flops. Certain water bottles (like those made of glass bottles or certain plastics) will get too hot to touch if you bring them into the sauna. Feel free to leave water bottles on the counter just outside the sauna if you aren't sure if your bottle can handle the heat.
How do I cold plunge?
First of all, use our showers in the Bath area to rinse off before you get in the plunges––no exceptions.
Is 38ºF cold? It sure is. But you don't have to start there! Start with our warmer plunge and see how far you can get. Setting a goal of just dunking yourself in is where we all start. Then you progress to 15 seconds, then 30, and before you know it, you can handle 60+ seconds without stressing. We don't recommend dunking more than a couple of times per session. If you're new to sauna and cold plunge, spend a few minutes cooling down from the sauna before you get straight into the cold. Your body will need some time to adapt to the 130–150ºF swings in these environments.
Pro tip: remember to breathe. Get into the water on a long exhale. Your body's shock response will sharpen your breath, but remember to control it––long slow breaths and remind your body that you are not under threat, even though it tells you you are. Giving yourself something to focus on, other than the temperature of the water goes a long way in relaxing the body.
Don't dunk your head under. It's a good idea to use the buddy system when cold plunging, if possible.
How do self-guided sessions work?
When you sign up for your one hour, self-guided session, how you use your hour is up to you. Just make sure you save some time to shower and change at the end, if you're going to do that. Some people like to start with the cold, and then go into the sauna, some like it the other way around. Play around with it and find what feels good to you. Some days, maybe you just want to sauna, other days you come to just challenge yourself with the cold. We have 15 minute windows built in between our sessions and we ask that you respect those windows to give our staff to organize and clean the space for you.
How do guided sessions work?
Guided sessions are especially great for first-timers, but honestly, anyone can get something out of a guided session. When our doors open, we will mostly offer "Intro to Sauna" guided sessions, hosted by Aleks. As we build out of offering, we plan to offer guided sessions that include breathwork and meditation––yes, in the sauna. You may think it sounds fu-fu, but we challenge anyone to try them once and see how you feel after.
What are rules on shoes?
We are BYOS (bring your own shoe). Our rule with shoes is similar to gym locker rooms. Some people more comfortable and sanitary if they specific, clean footwear (like slippers or sandals) to wear. That's totally fine. But footwear isn't required. Rest assured, we clean the space thoroughly and make sure it stays sanitary.
And yes, the floor can be slippery when wet. Never rush, and be careful.
Do I bring a towel?
When you check in, you'll be given two towels. How you use them is up to you, but you must always sit on a towel if you are sitting on wood, whether than is in the lounge or in the sauna itself.
Changing rooms vs. the locker room
We are a co-ed experience. You are not permitted to change in the locker area. We have four private changing rooms––changing happens exclusively in there. Two of those private changing rooms are full bathrooms. One of them is fully ADA compliant.
When you check in, you will be given a wristband that can lock any locker of your choosing, if it isn't already in use. Please lock it, even if you don't have valuables in your locker. The wristband should not get hot enough in the sauna to bother you.