Frequently asked questions

• What warranty comes with the sauna?

  Our saunas come with a five-year structural warranty, and two-year warranty on all components.

• Can I use the sauna outdoors?

  The Lyra and Velora saunas are designed for indoor use only. We do have outdoor saunas arriving soon—sign up to our mailing list to be the first to know when they arrive!

• How hot do the saunas get, and how long do they take to heat up?

  The Lyra and Velora saunas both heat up to 65°C. Heating time is around 30mins, subject to ambient room temperature.

• What are the EMF levels in your saunas?

  The Lyra and Velora saunas have both low EMF far infrared heaters and full spectrum heaters. Whilst the full spectrum heaters offer some great benefits, they do add to the overall EMF rating. This results in an overall EMF rating of 10mG.

• What type of infrared do the Lyra and Velora saunas use?

  The Velora saunas are full spectrum infrared which works alongside far infrared low- EMF carbon heaters. The Lyra saunas are far infrared saunas with low EMF.
  Far-infrared heaters focus only on long wavelengths designed for deep sweat, while full-spectrum heaters combine near-, mid-, and far-infrared light to provide a wider variety of therapeutic benefits, including cellular regeneration and improved circulation.

• Are saunas good for you?

  Yes! Recent evidence suggests saunas can be helpful for people with high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease, pulmonary conditions, arthritis, and other painful syndromes.

  The biggest practical risk is dehydration.
  
  

• How does an infrared sauna work?

  Traditional saunas raise the air temperature within the chamber to very high levels to warm the body, whereas infrared saunas heat the body directly rather than heating the surrounding air.

  This results in deeper tissue penetration. You feel the heat as a warming sensation on your skin within the first few minutes of a session. Because the body is heated directly rather than through superheated air, infrared saunas can be effective at lower temperatures, making the experience more comfortable for many users.
  
  

• How often should you sauna?

  For most people, 1–3 times per week is a solid starting point for health benefits. Daily sauna use is safe if sessions are limited to 15–20 minutes with proper hydration.

  Infrared saunas, like ours, operate at lower temperatures and are generally suitable for more frequent use—daily sessions are common while traditional Finnish saunas are more intense and 2–3 times a week for longer durations is typically recommended.
  
  

• Are saunas safe? Are there people who shouldn't use one?

  Safe for the vast majority of healthy adults. Hydrate well, start with 10–15 minute sessions, and exit if you feel dizzy or unwell. Speak to your doctor first if you're pregnant, have uncontrolled high blood pressure, a heart condition, or take medications affecting heat regulation.

  If you're easing back into health after a difficult period, sauna is a genuinely gentle way to start supporting your body again.

• How much do the Infrared saunas cost to run?

  Infrared saunas cost roughly around $0.50 per session. Traditional electric saunas are a little more run $25–$50 per month. Against a gym or spa with sauna access, most home units pay for themselves within 18–36 months. Used consistently at home, the cost-per-session is hard to beat.

• What electrical circuit do I need?

  Less than most people expect. A 1-person infrared sauna fits in roughly 1m x 1m — a spare room, garage corner, or covered outdoor area works. Smaller (1 & 2 person infrared models) plug into a standard 10amp household outlet. Larger units and traditional saunas may need a15amp plug or larger - contact us to find out more.

• What's the difference between infrared and traditional steam — and which is right for me?

  Both work. Traditional saunas run hotter (65–90°C) with the longest research history, particularly for cardiovascular and immune benefits. Infrared runs cooler (43–58°C), heats up instantly, costs less to run, and is easier to install - making it more practical for daily home use. If you want something you can step into after work without planning, infrared fits real life better.

• How does sauna use support exercise recovery?

  Post-exercise heat accelerates recovery through vasodilation, faster clearance of metabolic waste, and reduced inflammation. A 2024 study found infrared sauna sessions after resistance training improved neuromuscular recovery and reduced muscle soreness significantly better than passive rest. Heat stress also triggers heat shock proteins, which support cellular repair. For anyone training consistently, it's a recovery tool with a legitimate evidence base - not an indulgence.

• I deal with chronic tension, joint discomfort, or muscle pain. Can a sauna help?

  Heat therapy increases circulation to affected tissue, reduces inflammatory markers, and releases the involuntary muscle tension your body holds around pain. Clinical studies show meaningful relief for people with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia. For pain that movement alone doesn't resolve, sauna addresses the recovery and nervous system component that exercise can't always reach.

• What are the long-term health benefits of regular sauna use?

  More substantial than most people expect. Decades of Finnish research links regular sauna use to significantly reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, hypertension, and dementia. Mechanistically, it improves endothelial function, reduces arterial stiffness, and produces cardiovascular adaptations comparable to moderate aerobic exercise. Few passive health tools carry this quality of evidence.

• I want to feel better day-to-day without overhauling my life. Is a home sauna realistic?

  Very. The home part matters more than most people realise — no drive, no booking, no friction. You simply use it more. Three to four sessions a week is where research shows real improvements in energy, sleep, and stress resilience. A 20–30 minute session fits around a normal evening. No routine overhaul required.

• Can a sauna help with stress, tension, and poor sleep?

  Yes, and there's clear physiology behind it. Heat exposure lowers cortisol, triggers endorphin release, and shifts your nervous system into rest-and-recover mode. 83% of regular sauna users report improved sleep lasting one to two nights after each session. For persistent tension that nothing else seems to shift, it's one of the most reliable tools available.

• Is infrared light safe for skin?

  Generally yes, with some caveats. Side effects may include temporary skin redness, but unlike ultraviolet light, which can cause skin cancer, red light therapy hasn't demonstrated such risks.

  Although it is generally safe when used correctly, infrared light requires following the manufacturer's usage recommendations as excessive exposure could cause tissue damage. People with darker skin tones should be especially cautious, as their skin can be more sensitive.
  
  

• How do I purchase using an interest-free payment option?

  If you’d like to pay interest-free, please contact our team on 0800 119 153 to discuss the available options.

• Where is Freedom Wellness Co. based?

  Freedom Wellness Co. is a New Zealand-owned and operated company, based in Christchurch. 

  On the Freedom Pilates side, our programmes are shaped by our founder Cath Julius, who has 25+ years of experience in Pilates instruction and physiotherapy. This expertise underpins how all our Pilates and equipment, programmes, and classes are designed. 

  We’ve been supplying reformers since 2019, with a focus on high-quality equipment and expert-led training for home use.