How to get started

Jake Miller

34, Portland, Oregon

I’m a carpenter, always hauling wood and bending over projects, so my back’s been a mess for years. A buddy convinced me to try an infrared sauna at the gym, and I’ll be honest—I wasn’t sold at first. But after my first 20-minute session, it was like someone loosened the screws in my spine. The heat wasn’t suffocating like a regular sauna; it just sank in deep, and I could feel my muscles unclench. Now I go twice a week, and I’m not popping ibuprofen like candy anymore. It’s weirdly relaxing, too—like a mini-vacation from my toolbox.

Lila Carter

28, Austin, Texas

I’ve always been obsessed with skincare, but masks and serums weren’t cutting it for my acne scars anymore. I stumbled across red light therapy at a spa, and after a few 15-minute sessions, I couldn’t believe the difference. My skin’s smoother, those stubborn red marks are fading, and it’s got this glow I’ve never had—like I’m cheating at life. It’s not some instant fix, but sticking with it a couple times a week has me ditching heavy foundation. Plus, it’s kinda fun just chilling under the light, zoning out.

Tom Hayes,

41, Chicago, Illinois

Stress was eating me alive—work deadlines, two kids, no sleep. I’d heard about infrared saunas helping you chill out, so I gave it a shot at a wellness spot downtown. First time, I sat there sweating for 25 minutes, and it was like the world slowed down—my shoulders dropped, my jaw unclenched. That dry heat just melts the tension away, and I actually slept through the night after. Now it’s my Friday ritual; I leave feeling lighter, like I’ve dumped a week’s worth of baggage. My wife says I’m less of a grump, too.

Priya Sharma

29, Mumbai, Maharashtra

I sit at a desk all day coding, and my neck and shoulders were screaming by evening—those knots were no joke. A colleague raved about infrared saunas, so I tried one near my flat. Twenty minutes in, and I was sweating like mad, but the heat felt so good, like it was ironing out the stiffness. Now I go every weekend, and it’s not just my body—it’s my head, too. The calm sticks with me, like a little escape from Mumbai’s chaos. I’m hooked, and my posture’s thanking me.

Rohan Patel

36, Bangalore, Karnataka

I picked up red light therapy after a cricket injury left my knee swollen and sore—physio helped, but it was slow. A mate suggested this light thing at the gym, and after a few 10-minute sessions, the puffiness started dropping, and I could bend it without wincing. It’s not some miracle cure, but it’s like my knee got a fast-forward button—less pain, quicker bounce-back. I’ve even noticed my skin’s looking sharper, which my wife keeps pointing out. It’s weirdly satisfying just sitting there letting it work.

Anjali Kapoor

45, Delhi

Between running a business and keeping up with my teens, I was a ball of stress—couldn’t switch off, even at night. A friend dragged me to an infrared sauna session, and I was skeptical—sweating to relax? But that first 30 minutes, with that warm, dry heat wrapping around me, I felt my brain finally quiet down. It’s not loud or steamy like the old saunas; it’s this gentle wave that washes the tension away. I go twice a month now, and it’s my reset—my husband says I’m nicer to be around after!

Ethan Brooks

32, Sydney, New South Wales

I’m a surfer, and my shoulders cop it from paddling—always tight and achy. I tried an infrared sauna at a mate’s gym, and after 25 minutes, it was like the heat drilled right into the soreness. I walked out dripping but loose, like I’d had a massage without the price tag. Now I hit it after big swell days, and I’m back on the board faster—no more sitting out with stiff arms. It’s chill, too—just me, the heat, and a podcast. Beats icing my joints any day.

Sophie Bennett

27, Melbourne, Victoria

My skin’s been a nightmare—red patches, dry spots, you name it. I’d seen red light therapy on Instagram and gave it a go at a local clinic. After a couple weeks of 15-minute sessions, my face started calming down—less irritation, more even tone, and this glow that’s got my mates asking what I’m using. It’s not a quick fix, but it’s like my skin’s finally breathing. I love just lying there under the light—it’s my little treat after a hectic day at the cafe.

Liam Walsh

39, Perth, Western Australia

I tweaked my back shifting furniture, and it wouldn’t let up—every move hurt. A physio suggested red light therapy to speed things along, and I tried it at home with a cheap panel. Ten minutes a day, and after a week, the ache was duller, not sharp—couldn’t believe it. It’s not loud or fancy, just this quiet light that seems to fix stuff under the surface. My wife’s started using it for her dodgy knee, too. We’re both moving better now, and it’s become our weird little ritual.