The bathhouse isn’t just a place – it’s a rhythm. A ritual. A return to self. Whether you’re here to slow down, shake off the day, or explore something new, there’s space for you here.
You might be visiting to recover after training, soothe stress after a long week, or reconnect with yourself in between the busy. Maybe it’s your first time, or maybe you’ve done it before but want a little more intention in the way you move through the space.
That’s where this bathhouse for beginners guide comes in. It offers a simple, supportive path through your session – designed to help you feel confident, relaxed, and completely at ease.
Step 1: Begin with Heat (10–20 minutes)
Start with the sauna or steam room. The warmth begins the detox process – loosening muscles, calming your nervous system, and easing you into the experience.
It’s a full-body signal to slow down. Let the heat envelop you. Breathe deeply. Arrive in the space.
Step 2: Rinse and Refresh (Shower)
After your first round of heat, take a cool shower. This prepares your body for contrast and helps keep the pools clean for everyone.
You’ll step out feeling lighter, sharper, and ready to begin your circuit. It’s an essential part of the bathhouse for beginners routine – cleansing and centring before contrast therapy begins.
Step 3: Contrast Therapy (3 Rounds)
- Cold Plunge (1–3 minutes): Step into the plunge pool. The water is brisk, often around 10°C. Start slow, breathe deeply, and immerse your whole body – including your head if you’re able. This helps regulate your temperature and maximises the benefits.
- Warm Pool (1–3 minutes): Move gently from cold to warm. The pool eases your muscles back into softness and helps your body balance out. This is your moment to melt.
Repeat this cold-to-warm cycle three times. It helps improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and energise both body and mind.
Step 4: Return to Heat (10–20 minutes)
Head back into the sauna or steam room. After contrast, this heat feels even more grounding. Your pores are open, your muscles relaxed, and your body ready to release what’s left.
This second round of heat helps deepen the detox process and leaves you in a state of full-body calm.
Step 5: Seal It with Cold (Shower)
To close the ritual, take a cool or cold shower. This final step helps seal in the benefits of everything you’ve just experienced. It closes your pores, brings your body back to balance, and leaves you feeling fresh, alert, and fully reset.
You might feel tingly, relaxed, or even a bit euphoric. That’s your body recalibrating – and it’s all part of the experience.
What to Do Afterwards
To continue supporting your body post-session:
- Drink plenty of water
- Eat a light, nourishing meal
- Avoid intense exercise for at least an hour
- Rest or move gently, depending on how you feel
- Let the benefits settle in – they often continue into your sleep and the following day
This kind of mindful aftercare rounds out your bathhouse for beginners experience, ensuring your body receives the full benefit of the ritual.
What’s Provided
Everything you need for a seamless session is here. At Native State, we provide:
- Fairtrade teas by TeaGood – warm and grounding after your circuit
- Cold and sparkling water – freely available before and after
- Sans[ceuticals] body wash, shampoo, and conditioner
These are the thoughtful extras that make your bathhouse for beginners journey feel completely supported from start to finish.
What to Bring
All you need is your swimsuit. We recommend drinking plenty of water before and after your session. A loose-fitting outfit for afterwards is ideal – you’ll leave feeling lighter, looser, and deeply relaxed.
Safety Notes
If you’re pregnant or have any medical conditions, it’s always best to check with your GP before beginning contrast therapy.
After your session, take your time getting up and moving around. If you feel light-headed, sit, sip water, and ease back into your day gently. Our team is always nearby if you have any questions.
Signs You’re Getting It Right
You may leave the bathhouse feeling warm, light, and deeply relaxed. That’s your body thanking you.
Some of the most common post-session signs include:
- A grounded sense of calm
- Tingles or warmth through your skin
- A drop in heart rate and an increase in mental clarity
- Gentle fatigue or a subtle energy lift
- Looser muscles and slower breathing
These are signs your body has been supported – not overwhelmed.
Conclusion: Find Your Flow
There’s no perfect way to do the bathhouse. This bathhouse for beginners guide gives you a place to begin – but the real value comes from listening to your body, slowing down, and finding your own rhythm.
Some days you might lean into the warmth. Others, the cold will wake you up in the best way. The only rule? Come as you are, and let the experience meet you there.
Ready to explore the bathhouse?
Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, Native State’s bathhouse is here to welcome you back into your body. Let the heat, cold, stillness, and breath guide you towards balance.
Looking to make it a regular ritual? Our Memberships offer flexible options – whether you’d love unlimited bathhouse access with the Ultimate Membership or a weekly session with the Essential tier.
Check out our bathhouse and membership options to find what works best for you.
