Frequently asked questions

Infrared Saunas

What is an infrared sauna?

We use top of the line Clearlight infrared saunas. Where a traditional sauna uses steam or heated rocks to heat the air, an infrared sauna uses light to create heat. This infrared radiant heat penetrates into your skin, tissues, muscles, and cells to increase heart rate and oxygen flow.

What’s the difference between infrared saunas vs traditional saunas?

The primary difference between infrared saunas and traditional saunas is the method of how the heat is produced. Traditional saunas use hot rocks or steam to heat the air in the sauna. Infrared saunas use infrared light to heat the body directly and therefore have a much more comfortable operating temperature. Infrared saunas are more effective at detoxifying the body than traditional saunas.

What are the benefits of using infrared saunas?

The benefits of using infrared saunas include: improved circulation, healing of muscles, weight loss, detoxification, lowering of chronic pain and fatigue, anti-aging, and relaxation. Infrared saunas can help improve sleep, relieve joint pain, help heal wounds and speed up recovery by increasing blood flow to your muscles.

How often should I consider using infrared saunas?

Infrared saunas are safe to use daily. It may take a few sessions to see progress, and the more often the use, the better the results. We recommend using the saunas at least twice a week. Our saunas can be used anytime of the day or evening depending on your health and wellness goals.

How long is the session and what’s the ideal temperature?

Session times can vary from 25 minutes and 50 minutes depending on your booking preference and tolerance to heat. The optimal temperature to gain all the benefits of the infrared sauna remains between 40 -65 degrees celsius, however, we recommend you always consider the time and temperature that is comfortable and safe for you and build progressively over time. Please listen to your body and don’t push yourself too far.  If at any point you feel unwell you should stop immediately.

How do I prepare for an infrared sauna?

Both before and after your sauna, drinking enough water is important to avoid dehydration. To achieve the best results, avoid wearing makeup, lotions, deodorants, sunscreens, or any other substance that would cover the skin as infrared light waves need to be able to penetrate the skin without being blocked.

What do I wear?

The rooms are completely private, towels and shower products are provided, swimwear is optional and we leave it to the discretion of our clients.

Are the sauna rooms private?

Yes, each room is private. Please note one our large saunas is not equipped with shower facilities, you will need to shower at home, please check at the time of booking.

How many people can use the infrared sauna at a time?

Our saunas are all large 3 person saunas, however to ensure a comfortable experience we limit the session to 2 people at any one time i.e you and a friend.

How safe are infrared saunas?

Generally very safe, however if you have any existing medical conditions, you agree not to undertake any of the Activities without prior medical advice, in particular, if any of the any of the following conditions or circumstances apply to you: 

  • Cardiovascular issues, obesity or diabetes; 
  • You are taking medications, including but not limited to diuretics, barbiturates or beta-blockers;  
  • There is alcohol or drugs in your body, or you have a history of alcohol or drug usage; 
  • You are over sixty-five (65) years of age;
  • You suffer from chronic conditions / diseases associated with reduced ability to sweat or perspire, such as Multiple Sclerosis, Central Nervous System Tumours or Diabetes with Neuropathy; 
  • You are a haemophiliac or an individual prone to bleeding;  
  • You have a fever or heat insensitivity; 
  • You are pregnant or menstruating; 
  • You suffer from joint injuries or swelling; 
  • You have an implant, such as metal pins, rods, artificial joints or any other surgical implants; or
  • You have a pacemaker or use a defibrillator. 

Ice Baths

What is an ice bath?

Our ice baths are handmade by Odin Australia, they are often referred to as cold plunges and involve immersion in cold water. Water temperatures are typically set below 10 degrees celsius, however they are capable of reaching near-freezing temperatures. Each is equipped with a state-of-the-art cleaning system to keep the water crystal clear.

What are the benefits of using ice baths?

The benefits of ice baths are well researched and documented, they include reducing muscle soreness, improved recovery time, enhanced immune function and increased circulation. The cold shock from an ice bath can help trigger the release of endorphins, which can help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety leading to improved mood, better sleep and increased resilience to stress.

How often should I consider using an ice bath?

It is completely up to the individual. Ice baths are safe and effective to use multiple times a week or even daily.  The results of cold exposure are progressive and increase with regular use. Our ice baths can be used anytime of the day or evening depending on your health and wellness goals.

How long is the session and what’s the ideal temperature?

Singular ice bath sessions are 20 minutes, which includes your shower time for both before and after your ice bath as well as dressing time. Showering before your ice bath is mandatory, and showering after is optional.

The suggested time of staying in the ice bath depends on your experience and tolerance to cold. We suggest beginners no more than 1 - 2 minutes of cold exposure, intermediates no more than 2 - 4 minutes, advanced no more than 5 -10 minutes, however, we recommend you always consider the time and temperature that is comfortable and safe for you and build progressively over time. Please listen to your body and don’t push yourself too far.  If at any point you feel unwell you should stop immediately.

Can hypothermia occur?

Hypothermia can occur by remaining in the ice bath for too long. Please listen to your body and don’t push yourself too far.  If at any point you feel unwell you should stop immediately.

How do I prepare for my ice bath?

It is mandatory that everyone showers before entering the ice bath. You can also set aside your post bath clothing for easy access, and have the opportunity to shower again after you are finished in the ice bath.

What do I wear?

The rooms are completely private, towels and shower products are provided, swimwear is optional and we leave it to the discretion of our clients.

Are the ice bath rooms private?

Yes, each room is private.

How many people can use an ice bath at a time?

The ice baths are suitable for use by one person at a time but the session can be shared. To ensure a comfortable experience we limit the session to two people at any one time i.e you and a friend, with 2 people in the room with 1 person at a time in the ice bath.

How is the water kept clean?

Our ice baths are top of the line with 3 different filtration systems: UV Sanitation, Ozone, and Micron particle filtration, recommended for commercial applications. The water and filters are regularly changed to ensure crystal clear and clean water every time.

Are there breathing techniques I should be aware of?

Breathing techniques and exercises are not strictly necessary but can be highly beneficial. If you are experienced and have practices you are currently working with, you can use those techniques. Some tips include: long, slow breathing with a full inhale and slow exhale, as well as trying to stay out of your head and in tune with your body to be “in the zone”.

How safe are ice baths?

Generally very safe, however if you have any existing medical conditions, you agree not to undertake any of the Activities without prior medical advice, in particular, if any of the any of the following conditions or circumstances apply to you: 

  • Cardiovascular issues, obesity or diabetes; 
  • You are taking medications, including but not limited to diuretics, barbiturates or beta-blockers;  
  • There is alcohol or drugs in your body, or you have a history of alcohol or drug usage; 
  • You are over sixty-five (65) years of age;
  • You suffer from chronic conditions / diseases associated with reduced ability to sweat or perspire, such as Multiple Sclerosis, Central Nervous System Tumours or Diabetes with Neuropathy; 
  • You are a haemophiliac or an individual prone to bleeding;  
  • You have a fever or heat insensitivity; 
  • You are pregnant or menstruating; 
  • You suffer from joint injuries or swelling; 
  • You have an implant, such as metal pins, rods, artificial joints or any other surgical implants; or
  • You have a pacemaker or use a defibrillator. 

Sauna & Ice Bath Combination

What is a sauna and ice bath combination?

We provide a private room with a large sauna and medium sized ice bath where you can easily transition from the sauna to the ice bath to gain maximum benefits. All of the above FAQ's apply. The rooms are completely private, towels and shower products are provided, swimwear is optional and we leave it to the discretion of our clients.

What are combined benefits of the sauna and ice bath?

It promotes rapid changes produced in your circulatory system when you go from very warm environments to very cold water. 

When you immerse yourself in a hot environment, your blood vessels open up. This is known as vasodilation.  When you submerge part or all of your body in cold water, the opposite happens small blood vessels called capillaries respond to the cold by getting smaller. This is known as vasoconstriction.

For optimal health and wellness outcomes we recommend the hot to cold transition. The benefits are similar to those of infrared sauna and ice bath separately but amplified.

As with the treatments separately, we recommend you always consider the time and temperature to a level that is comfortable and safe for you and progressively over time. Please listen to your body and don’t push yourself too far. If at any point you feel unwell you should stop immediately.

How safe is combined heat and cold exposure?

Generally very safe, however if you have any existing medical conditions, you agree not to undertake any of the Activities without prior medical advice, in particular, if any of the any of the following conditions or circumstances apply to you: 

  • Cardiovascular issues, obesity or diabetes; 
  • You are taking medications, including but not limited to diuretics, barbiturates or beta-blockers;  
  • There is alcohol or drugs in your body, or you have a history of alcohol or drug usage; 
  • You are over sixty-five (65) years of age;
  • You suffer from chronic conditions / diseases associated with reduced ability to sweat or perspire, such as Multiple Sclerosis, Central Nervous System Tumours or Diabetes with Neuropathy; 
  • You are a haemophiliac or an individual prone to bleeding;  
  • You have a fever or heat insensitivity; 
  • You are pregnant or menstruating; 
  • You suffer from joint injuries or swelling; 
  • You have an implant, such as metal pins, rods, artificial joints or any other surgical implants; or
  • You have a pacemaker or use a defibrillator. 

Overall

What's your change, cancellation and no show policy?

Deposits are non-refundable, you can reschedule your appointment upto 12 hours before the time of your appointment and your deposit will be transferred over to your future booking. If you are unable to reschedule, please contact us at least 12 hours before your appointment.

An appointment no show results in a charge of the full appointment fee.

Is CalmBar a members-only center?

No, CalmBar is an inclusive wellness center that allows single bookings, multi-bookings, and walk-in appointments. However, joining our membership program provides the best value for our offerings.

Can I show up without an appointment?

Yes, we accept walk-ins. Please take into account that without an appointment, there is no guarantee we have any openings available. We encourage guests to make an appointment online or contact us directly to ensure availability.

What should I wear to my appointment?

You can show up to your appointment wearing regular work, street, or gym clothes, although we recommend wearing comfortable loose clothing to best enjoy the space. Some people prefer to wear swimwear in the saunas and ice baths.

Are there group sessions?

Our facilities accommodate groups of up to 2 people in each room.

How long will my appointment be?

Appointment times vary between 25 minutes and 1 hour 10 minutes. Please contact us directly to discuss your appointment needs and how long you should expect to be at CalmBar.

Are children allowed?

We are only able to accommodate customers of 16 years and over.

Do you have showers available?

We have showers available in 3 of our 4 rooms. Please confirm in your booking if you are needing a shower.