Feeling stupid in a sauna

yirara

I'm treating my fractured upper arm joint to some sauna sessions after trying to swim and some exercises. This is followed by a very thorough massage. I normally don't do sauna, or just went to one attached to a pool where everyone would sit in their bikini/swimming trunks. In this bath there are 5 saunas spread over a bigger area, partially outside, and people just walk around naked, either to a sauna/ cooling pool or sit outside to cool down. And I have to say I feel a) either stupid for keeping my bikini on and a towel wrapped around because it's difficult to put the top back on for another pool swim, or b) to walking around naked. And I find myself looking at other people far too much. I guess, while I totally enjoy the heat I don't feel very confident there. Anyone else? How did you overcome this?

nossmf

My gym's sauna area is family friendly with little kids, so no adults allowed to wander nude. But I have a coworker who once went to a "clothing optional" adults-only spa. He said less than half the people actually stripped all the way; the rest kept their suits on, and not just out-of-shape people but all body types. So while I have no advice about looking or not, I can say don't feel like you have to strip just to fit in. You do you, nobody will judge.

penguinmama87

nossmf wrote: »

My gym's sauna area is family friendly with little kids, so no adults allowed to wander nude. But I have a coworker who once went to a "clothing optional" adults-only spa. He said less than half the people actually stripped all the way; the rest kept their suits on, and not just out-of-shape people but all body types. So while I have no advice about looking or not, I can say don't feel like you have to strip just to fit in. You do you, nobody will judge.

I think this is good advice.

I'm not a sauna person but when I go to pools, the beach, etc. I tend to stick out because I wear swimsuits with a lot of coverage - basically a T-shirt and long shorts but made out of swimsuit material (my kids also wear swimsuits like this but it seems more common for children than adults, so I'm the only weirdo unless I'm with friends). I used to feel awkward about it but I mostly ignore it now. Nobody's ever said anything to me about what I'm wearing or stared at me that I'm aware of.

And I agree that it can be disconcerting to see people in a state of undress. I'll admit I just avert my eyes. What are the walls made of? Anything you can count? How interesting is the ceiling? When walking around, pick a focal point and stick to it. If you have to look at a person look directly at their face (if at eyes is too weird do the bridge of their nose or their forehead). This is the kind of thing that becomes more natural with practice - after all, you're not there to look at people or for them to look at you, and neither are they (at least I hope not.)

AnnPT77

There's nothing wrong with relaxing, leaning back if there's a seat that lets you, and closing your eyes. I often do this in the sauna - kinda meditate, just let it all soak in - even if I'm the only one in there.

I'm always wearing at minimum a swimsuit in the sauna (one piece), even if others are naked (as they sometimes are). I don't like sharing my mastectomy scars with the world, and one of my least-desired scenarios is making some poor mother unexpectedly have to explain to her curious child why that lady doesn't have b**bies. At the gym, I even shower in my suit, artfully go from suit to full-body towel wrap with no exposure, then towel to clothes ditto. No one seems to pay much attention, ever, TBH.

avatiach

Everyone else has the same concerns as you. The sauna at the Y I go to has lower light and honestly most ppl seem to be focused on themselves. Try and tune everyone else out!

yirara

nossmf wrote: »

My gym's sauna area is family friendly with little kids, so no adults allowed to wander nude. But I have a coworker who once went to a "clothing optional" adults-only spa. He said less than half the people actually stripped all the way; the rest kept their suits on, and not just out-of-shape people but all body types. So while I have no advice about looking or not, I can say don't feel like you have to strip just to fit in. You do you, nobody will judge.

The rule here is not clothes at all. So if you wear anything people will tell you that it's not ok. I think the reason is that people thing bacteria or fungi will develop in the hot swimming clothes or something. Thus sauna in this country is no clothes at all.

yirara

avatiach wrote: »

Everyone else has the same concerns as you. The sauna at the Y I go to has lower light and honestly most ppl seem to be focused on themselves. Try and tune everyone else out!

Yea, I think that's the way to go. Being somewhat hyperactive it's very difficult to just sit or lay about and do nothing. I'm like: are the 10 minutes over by now? Ugh, I'm bored. Oh wow, they're all naked! Why is this dude looking at me? Or is he not looking? Is the time already over? LOL But honestly, I do enjoy the heat. Just wish I could bring my phone along to distract myself. But obviously, no phones. And I'm not sure it would survive 85C.

SafariGalNYC

I use a towel and lay back and zone out.

Some women use a towel in the sauna or steam room at my gym.. some go fully nude. Mostly no one pays attention to others. Everyone is focused on themselves…

My gym has a lot of models and actors.. sometimes it’s hard not to glance. If you are in a room of semi nude or nude people.. as long as no one is staring or making one feel uncomfortable.. I think people expect that they are going to be seen.

I’d use it as your meditation time.

yirara

I think I'm slowly getting used to it. I did feel uncomfortable when I went into the 85C sauna yesterday and four men came in one after another. So I chose a different one.

Hiawassee88

It might be a time honored tradition, but I couldn't do it. Everyone is focused on themselves, how could you relax in the midst of that chaos. Team sauna. I'd be leery of creepers.