I recently did this Aufguss class during a visit to the bathhouse for a friend’s birthday, and I have to tell you, this was hands down the hottest room I’ve ever been in. The temperature was over 190°! As soon as I walked in to begin the class, I felt like running right out. I started feeling lightheaded and dizzy almost immediately.
The instructor running the class used a towel and essential oils to create air and wind movements in a way that was absolutely amazing. I was seriously impressed with his ability to keep moving for 15 minutes in that extremely hot sauna. The class has three 5-minute rounds, but I was only able to stay for one before I felt like I was about to fall flat on my face. There was one guy who, apparently not properly conditioned, managed to stay for all three rounds, but he was completely exhausted afterward.
This heat is intense, and you really need to condition your body for it. Thankfully, someone had electrolytes for me to drink after the class—without that, I’m pretty sure I would’ve had one of the worst headaches ever. I’ve done hot yoga many times, but that’s much easier compared to how intense this was. They say the benefits come from releasing heat shock proteins, which is interesting. I’m glad I tried it, but I’m not sure I can do it again anytime soon. Or maybe it’s a matter of adapting, and one day I’ll love it. But wow, that room was seriously hot.
Just a life long New Yorker sharing the journey through my lens. Please take note of a post’s date. The views I express here are subject to change and evolving as I grow and learn.
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