Article #3552

A thriving sauna culture is growing in frosty Minnesota as people warm to the health benefits and sense of community

• How much do you spend on health and wellness a month?

First there was the sauna, which I loved. A small building with a stove inside to make you sweat seemed perfect for the middle of winter, when the priority was getting warm. I felt my sinuses clear from the sauna heat, and that alone is enough of a health benefit for me – I have a toddler, so I basically have permanent congestion thanks to winter daycare germs.

Then came the hard part. After the saunas heated to about 180F (80C), walking outside was a relief. But I had to amp myself up to descend a step ladder into the ice, and I was pretty sure I would hate it.