Thermal circuit: who should avoid it and why

A circuit done properly genuinely relaxes. Done badly, or by someone who should not, it produces dizziness, palpitations and a wasted afternoon.

When it is not advised

Uncontrolled cardiovascular disease, arrhythmias, untreated high blood pressure or marked low blood pressure. Fever or acute infection. Open wounds, skin conditions in flare and fungal infections. Pregnancy, unless medically advised and with clear temperature limits. And medication affecting blood pressure or thermal regulation, which is worth checking beforehand.

The right order

Shower first. Begin with the heated pool and jets at moderate temperature to let the body adapt. Continue with the steam room and then the sauna, from lower to higher thermal intensity. Intersperse progressive cooling and rest after each heat stage. And finish in the relaxation area with fluids. That order gets the benefit and reduces the risk of dizziness.

The contrasts

Moving from heat to cold is the part with most effect and the part most often done badly. It must be progressive: wet the feet and legs first, then the arms, and only at the end the trunk and the back of the neck. Plunging into a cold pool after 12 minutes of sauna produces an abrupt response that in sensitive people causes dizziness. And it should never be done alone the first time.

If dizziness, blurred vision, palpitations or nausea appear, leave immediately, lie down with the feet raised and tell the staff.

Duration and hydration

Sixty to one hundred and twenty minutes is enough for a full circuit with 2 or 3 heat cycles. Longer adds nothing and increases dehydration. Drink water before, during and after, around half a litre spread across the session, and wait 1 to 2 hours after a heavy meal. In summer, remember you arrive already carrying some fluid loss from the day itself.