Wet or Dry, Clubhouse II Is Keeping Things Hot: Your Playbook for Steam & Sauna Etiquette

Heat rooms at Clubhouse II come in two flavors—dry sauna and humid steam. Here’s how ours work, why they’re good for you, and what you should (and shouldn’t) do when you step inside.

There’s something timeless about walking into Clubhouse II’s steam room at        3 a.m. and feeling your whole body loosen. It’s part spa, part therapy, part secret handshake for guys who understand the value of a good sweat. But heat isn’t just heat—it’s a ritual with its own etiquette, a few science-backed perks, and some house rules to keep it working for everyone.

The Steam Room: Self-Regulating Heat (and No, Water on the Vent Won’t Help)

Our steam room runs pretty much 24/7, cycling on and off to maintain a temperature around 110–120°F. Think of it like a smart shower that knows when to hiss. We shut it down between 8:30 and 9:30 a.m. for cleaning, so plan your morning detox accordingly.

A few friendly notes from the front desk:

• Don’t “help” the steam generator. We see you, Styrofoam cup in hand. Dumping hot tub water on the thermostat vent won’t make the steam thicker—it’ll just leave a soggy cup on the floor. Trust the system.
  
• Mind the door. Holding it open while you chat with your buddy lets all the steam out. It’s a steam room; it’s supposed to be hot. Come in or go out, but don’t do the half-and-half thing.
  
• Be courteous. It’s a shared space; people go there to breathe, not to watch a doorway drama. If you need to cool off, step outside. There’s a towel hook with your name on it.

The humidity helps open your airways, clear congestion and ease bronchitis symptoms . Steam also dilates blood vessels, lowers blood pressure and improves circulation . Those are nice side effects, but the real magic is how it makes your brain quiet for a minute.

The New Sauna: Digital Controls & a Bit of Discipline

We recently replaced our old always‑on unit with a digital-control sauna. It’s smarter, more energy‑efficient, and less temperamental. Here’s how to use it like a pro:

1. 1. Check the display. If you see a temperature and countdown timer, it’s on. If the screen is blank, press the power button on the wall console.
      
   2. Set your heat. Our sauna runs best between 150°F and 190°F, which aligns with recommendations for traditional saunas health.clevelandclinic.org. If you’re new, aim closer to the lower end.
      
   3. Set your timer. It defaults to 60 minutes of run time, but that’s the unit, not your session length. For most men, 15–20 minutes per round is more than enough . If you’re new, start with five minutes and work up .
      
   4. Cool down. After each round, take a cool shower or step into the lounge to let your body reset. Hydrate. Repeat if you like.

This new setup should extend the life of the unit—and spare us all those “sauna closed for repairs” signs. It also keeps the heat consistent, which is key for those vascular benefits: the high temperature raises your heart rate and causes blood vessels to dilate , mimicking a light workout in terms of cardiovascular load.

Why Heat Helps: The Research & the Real Talk

Long‑term studies out of Finland found that frequent sauna use was linked to a lower risk of sudden cardiac death, fatal coronary heart disease, and all‑cause mortality . A more recent survey in Sweden reported fewer hypertension diagnoses among regular sauna users . Scientists think the heat‑induced “vascular exercise” plays a role .

On the mood front, regular sauna bathers reported higher energy, better sleep, less anxiety, and fewer high blood pressure diagnoses than non‑users . Heat may trigger endorphin release and mimic the cooling cycle your body experiences before sleep . Steam rooms contribute as well: the moist air opens airways and improves congestion , while the warmth can lower blood pressure and ease muscle stiffness .

That said, none of this is magic. Saunas and steam rooms work best as part of an overall healthy life—good sleep, decent nutrition, and real human connection. They don’t cure your problems; they give you space to breathe through them.

How to Keep the Vibe Right at CH2

• Hydrate & pace yourself. Heat dehydrates; water and electrolytes are your friend.
  
• Respect your body. The Cleveland Clinic suggests keeping sessions to     15–20 minutes and adjusting if you’re new . If you’re dizzy, leave.
  
• Stay sober in the heat. Alcohol, poppers, and other substances in the sauna or steam room aren’t just discouraged; they’re unsafe .
  
• Check with your doctor if you have low blood pressure, heart rhythm issues, or a history of stroke . Heat therapy isn’t for everyone.
  
• Follow the house etiquette. Phones live in lockers. Towels are plentiful (swap used for fresh). Flip‑flops help. Consent is always the baseline.

Heat as Part of Our Community

At Clubhouse II, the sauna and steam room are less about wellness trends and more about shared ritual. They’re where conversations start and end, where hangovers go to die, and where you sometimes sit quietly next to a stranger and both walk out feeling lighter.

Our new sauna controls may seem fancy, but the heart of it hasn’t changed: men in towels, heat, silence (mostly), and a sense that you can lay your armor down for a few minutes. The steam room still feels like stepping into a cloud that knows your secrets. And yes, it’s supposed to be that hot.

Swing by any time. The heat is waiting, the room is ready, and the towels are clean. Check Events if you like to pair your sweat with a theme night.

Written with insight (and a wink) by Lance Friess.