A close up of rows of red LED lights, similar to what you might see if you try experiencing a steam pod with red light.

Experiencing A Steam Pod With Red Light

30th December 2024 - New Experience Number 46.

Jump to 'Try it yourself'

Visiting The Recharge Hub in York, I tried two new things on my visit to the amazing gym, the second of which was experiencing a steam pod with red light.

I’d just had my first ever fifteen minute submersion in an ice bath, and now I was going to warm up and relax with another of their wellness offers, as another experience towards my challenge of trying fifty-two new things in the year.

What Is A Steam Pod With Red Light?

I’d heard of steam therapy, and I was vaguely aware of red light therapy, but I’d never heard of combining the two.

The pod itself was a tall, narrow, and quilted tent, big enough for one person to either stand or sit inside. 

Red lights illuminate the interior of the pod, and a constant flow of steam emits for the duration of the session. 

Benefits To Experiencing A Steam Pod With Red Light

Combining steam therapy with red lights brings about various benefits. Of course, the experience will be different for different people, but these are just some of positive impacts that have been reported. 

  • Helps to open pores and cleanse the skin, leaving you feeling fresh faced and super clean.
  • Can improve respiratory functions, helping you to breathe more easily.
  • Relaxes muscles – great if they’ve been working hard.
  • Can help to alleviate pain – as the heat can increase blood flow which can loosen joints.
  • Supports wellbeing – as it gives you an opportunity to quietly relax.
  • Can help the skin to heal, particularly after injury or surgery.
A tall and narrow black tent-like pod in a corner. There are red lights inside and around it. This is where Challenge Fifty-Two tried Experiencing a steam pod with red light
An enclosed pod with enough room to sit or stand.

What It Was Like Inside The Pod

I got out of the ice bath, and went straight into the steam pod. Marius zipped me inside as I relaxed onto the deck chair. 

A plastic window meant I wasn’t in total confinement, and was handy for Marius to be able to check in on me, but I’m not sure it would be enough to help anyone who experiences claustrophobia. 

The small window didn’t really let in any light. Instead, the red light strips on the inside of the pod emitted a soft glow, reminding me of tail lights on cars on a wet night.

Temperature - Experiencing A Steam Pod With Red Light

The heat wasn’t oppressive like I have experienced in traditional saunas. It was more of a gentle wet and warming sensation. The steam felt delicate as it quietly flowed into the private chamber and moistened my skin.

I didn’t have to add any water onto hot coals, as this was all automated and simply continued to emit the steam for the 20 minute session. It really was a case of just sitting back and relaxing.

Stillness

You can’t really take anything into the pod with you. A book would get hopelessly wet and damaged, and electrical devices would more than likely soon be full of condensation and break.

It’s not often we are in a situation where we are not doing anything, and we don’t have anything to read, watch, or listen to. 

Time in our own company can be quite noisy as our minds race through to-do lists and plans. However, I’m pleased to say that although it took a couple of minutes, I relished taking some quiet time out of the day. 

Challenge Fifty-Two, a white woman with dark hair. She is sitting inside a steam pod and is looking at the camera through a window in the pod. She is in a red light.
Marius took this picture for me whilst I was in the pod.

How I Felt After Experiencing A Steam Pod With Red Light

I wasn’t gasping for fresh, less humid air as I stepped out of the pod. I was nicely warm without being too hot, and the steam had warmed me to my bones. The red light had been more comforting than I’d anticipated. 

Feeling deliciously cleansed, rested, and re-set, I drove home with relaxed shoulders and felt thoroughly contented.

Why You Should Try A Steam Pod With Red Light

I can definitely recommend giving this a try. You’ll feel the lovely warming sensations which your body will thank you for. 

At the very least, you’ll get an opportunity to step away from the world for some quiet and mindful time. So whatever you get out of your time in the pod, you’ll experience something to boost your wellness.

Want To Try It Yourself?

  • I experienced the steam pod with red light at The Recharge Hub in York.
  • They are a brilliant gym, and you don’t need to be a member to book their wellness facilities.

Cost Of Experience

  • I paid £15 for a 20 minute session in the pod.

Recommendations

  • Relax. Get comfy and let yourself unwind in the warmth.
  • Breathe. Breathe deeply and let the steam do the good stuff.
  • Wear. I wore swimwear as I went into the pod straight after the ice bath. Your clothes are likely to get wet with the steam, 
  • Drink Water. Make sure you drink plenty of water afterwards.
  • Don’t forget your towel. 
  • Enjoy. Relax and let the warmth do it’s thing. Let me know how you get on if you try the experience of a steam pod with red light.

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