The barrel sauna longevity hack
In some areas of Canada people think about the value of stuff in terms of cost of a case of beer. If you have ever visited Finland or know any Finns, they speak about the value of things in terms of saunas. How many saunas would that cost? they might ask in understanding the price of a car.
Saunas, health experts agree, are good for your health. In a study from Finland in 2022, researchers found that saunas combined with exercise is good for heart health.
A barrel sauna with a panoramic window. Saunas may be the new longevity hack.
The study from the University of Jyväskylä, Finland, found that a sauna together with exercise is a viable preemptive combination for improving cardiovascular health and lowering the risk of CVD. In short
“The results of this study lend support for the regular use of sauna bathing with regular exercise, and shows promise as a therapeutic adjunct, particularly for those with lower exercise capacities,” says Earric Lee, a Doctoral Researcher in the Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences at the university.
The exercise protocol used for the study adhered to well-established international and national guidelines: 50 minutes of exercise, three times a week. Each session consisted of 20 minutes of resistance exercise, followed by 30 minutes of aerobic exercise.
The participants in the exercise and sauna group went for 15 minutes of a typical Finnish sauna bathing after the exercise session. Maybe a run or a vigorous canoe?
CVD is the major contributor to morbidity and mortality in the world. Annually, it costs the public healthcare system in Finland tremendous amounts of money. “Any approach that has the potential to alleviate the burden, and work alongside other preventative strategies such as exercise is really worth further consideration,” Lee points out.
So saunas are good and this is the one we want: A barrel sauna built in Canada with a large dome window is both energy efficient and pleasing. Barrel saunas are naturally energy efficient saunas because as the cedar heats up it expands in an even way around the sauna.
The circular design causes the warm air to rise continuously and cool air to fall so the air is constantly moving and being reheated, allowing it to maintain internal temperatures more effectively. The round womb-like structure lends a coziness that feels human.
How long can a barrel sauna last?
Manufacturers say that the average lifespan of a barrel sauna can range from 10 to 20 years depending on the climate and how you maintain the sauna. The barrel sauna keeps its shape over time as it expands and contracts with the climate and weather, but it does not have insulation or a protected roof. If it’s for a summer residence cover it with a tarp in the winter to prevent moisture buildup over the winter.
Other tips: vacuum out the sauna regularly to prevent dust, dirt, or tracked-in leaves. If you live in a wet or snowy climate, check the sauna every few months for water seepage. The barrel bands can be tightened after you first assemble your barrel sauna. If the bands are loose, you can add extra staves to seal the exterior tightly.
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