Infrared Sauna vs. Traditional Sauna: Which One Should You Try in Hampton Roads?

If you live anywhere in Hampton Roads — Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, even out toward Suffolk — you’ve probably heard someone casually drop “Oh yeah, I’ve been doing red light skin therapy sessions lately” like it’s the newest fitness badge of honor. And honestly? It kind of is.

But if you’ve never tried either an infrared sauna or a traditional sauna, choosing between them can feel weirdly confusing. Like… they’re both saunas. They both make you sweat. They both make you feel like you’ve released the stress of the last 20 years. So what’s the actual difference? And which one should you try?

Traditional Saunas: The Classic “Hot Room” Experience

If you’ve ever been in a gym sauna at the YMCA in Ghent or a beauty angel red light therapy spa in Virginia Beach, you’ve probably tried the traditional version. It’s basically a wooden room heated by a hot stove (sometimes rocks, sometimes electric). The air gets hot — really hot — to the point where your skin feels like you’re sitting next to a campfire.

Typical temps: 170°F–200°F
Feels like: super dry, intense heat

People love traditional saunas because:

• You sweat almost immediately
• The heat feels strong and immersive
• It’s great for endorphins and relaxation
• It mimics that Finnish-style “reset your whole spirit” vibe

But it can also be… a lot. If you’re sensitive to heat, you may walk out after five minutes feeling like you just lost an argument with the sun.

Infrared Saunas: The “Slow, Deep, Cozy Heat” Everyone’s Obsessed With

Infrared saunas have exploded across Hampton Roads lately — you’ll find them at wellness studios in VB, cryo places in Norfolk, and even a few tanning salons that have added infrared cabins as part of their upgrade options.

Here’s the main difference:
Instead of heating the air, infrared saunas warm up your body directly.

Temps: 120°F–150°F
Feels like: gentle warmth that slowly builds from the inside out

People love infrared because:

• You sweat a lot but without feeling suffocated
• You can stay in longer
• It’s great for muscle soreness, inflammation, and detox vibes
• You don’t walk out looking beet red (thank God)
• Many cabins include extras like chromotherapy and Bluetooth speakers

It feels more like relaxing in a warm blanket than surviving in a furnace.

Which One Should You Try? Here’s the Real Talk.

If you’re in Hampton Roads and you’re still not sure which one fits you, here’s how to choose:

Go with a traditional sauna if:

• You love that intense, full-force heat
• You want a quick sweat session
• You’re familiar with gym saunas and enjoy them
• You want that old-school “steam and silence” feel

They’re straightforward and powerful — especially if you’re the type who likes a challenge.

Go with an infrared sauna if:

• You can’t handle extreme temperatures
• You want something more therapeutic
• You’re dealing with muscle soreness
• You want to stay inside longer without feeling overwhelmed
• You prefer slow, deep warmth instead of blazing heat

A lot of people in Hampton Roads end up preferring infrared because the heat feels “smart,” not aggressive.

Where Do You Find Saunas in Hampton Roads?

Without naming every single spot on the map, you’ll see both types sprinkled around:

• Virginia Beach — tons of wellness studios and hybrid tanning + sauna centers
• Norfolk — more modern, boutique-style infrared setups
• Chesapeake & Suffolk — gyms and small spas offering traditional saunas

A lot of salons now do “infrared + red light + massage chair” combos like FIT infrared body wrap too, which honestly feels like the adult version of a theme park.

Bottom Line: Both Are Great — Just Different

You really can’t go wrong with either one. It just depends on your heat tolerance and what kind of experience you want.

Traditional saunas = intense, fast, powerful sweat
Infrared saunas = gentle, deep, therapeutic heat

If you’re unsure, try both. Hampton Roads has plenty of spots where you can do single sessions without committing to a package. Give each one a shot and see what your body likes.

FAQs

Q1. Is an infrared sauna better for beginners?
Usually, yes. The lower temperature makes it easier to stay inside longer without feeling overwhelmed.

Q2. How long should a session be?
Traditional: 10–20 minutes
Infrared: 20–40 minutes (because the heat is gentler)

Q3. Can I use a sauna before a spray tan?
Nope — avoid any sauna for 24–48 hours before a spray tan. Sweat + heat = uneven color.

Q4. Do infrared saunas really help with pain or inflammation?
Many people say yes. The deep-penetrating heat can feel amazing for tight muscles or soreness.

Q5. Which one burns more calories?
It varies, but infrared often leads to a slower, steady sweat that some people say feels more “detoxing.”

Q6. Can I combine sauna sessions with red light therapy?
Absolutely. A lot of Hampton Roads wellness studios offer both in one visit, and they pair well.

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