As snow blankets Pittsburgh’s craggy, unevenly-paved streets and tree-lined hillsides and the air turns dry and chilly, it’s hard to know what to do to get the cold out of your bones. Pittsburgh wind chill has a way of worming itself inside of you. One way to combat this is to surround yourself with warm air through a practice originating with the cultures of the frozen north: saunas. Luckily, Pittsburgh is home to not one, not two, not three, but four pop-up saunas. To paraphrase a now-iconic Phineas and Ferb quote, if I had a nickel for all of the pop-up saunas in Pittsburgh, I’d have four nickels—that’s not that a lot, but it’s kind of impressive that there’s that many in a small city.
Heat Up with Pittsburgh’s Signal Sauna
One of these winter oases is Signal Sauna, currently in Larimer nearby Jackworth Ginger Beer, Goodlander Cocktail Brewery, and KLVN Coffee Lab. (A potential great winter activity is an extra-spicy Jackworth Ginger Beer after a steam at Signal). Signal Founder Ryan Campbell received a Master’s Degree in Sports Science from University of Pittsburgh and wanted to combine science-backed benefits of sauna and cold plunge with a social space people could hang out.
What Are the Health Benefits of Sauna?
Those benefits include protection against neurological and cardiovascular disease, preserving muscle mass, and repair of cell damage, according to Science Direct. There are a number of ways to enjoy the sauna, and it can be a solo activity if you get a sauna blanket bag, a solo infrared sauna at a day spa, or are lucky enough to have one in your home. There are many different kinds of saunas you can find at different spa experiences. Signal Sauna is a “dry sauna,” as opposed to a “wet sauna” or steam room like you might find at a gym, meaning it gets its 150-190 degree heat from a woodfire barrel.
Once you’re inside, you can poor hot water on the rocks yourself to add extra heat and steam throughout a 90 minute session. The heat from the sauna puts your body into hormesis, a stress response that mirrors how your body responds to intense exercise. This builds muscle and increases the body’s ability to handle physical stress. A 2015 Finnish study found that individuals who sauna 2-3 times per week experienced a 23% reduction in cardiovascular-related deaths, and those who sauna 4-7 times per week saw an even more remarkable 48% reduction. Additionally, a 2017 study revealed that sauna bathing can lower the risk of dementia by 66% for those who sauna frequently (4-7 times a week) compared to those who enjoy it only once a week.
Not Just Physical Benefits
“While these health benefits are profound, what truly stands out to me is the deeper sense of well-being that sauna bathing fosters, especially when shared with others,” Campbell told TABLE.
He stressed that in divisive times, the sauna is an equalizer. “What makes the sauna even more special is its ability to bring people together across all walks of life,” Campbell said. “Whether you’re with friends or meeting strangers, it’s a place where everyone is equal, where differences fade away, and genuine connections are made.” At Signal Sauna, Campbell hosts ambient music sets, yoga classes, a book club, and a tea-time conversation hour.
“The warmth of the sauna offers more than just physical relaxation. It provides a unique space for connection and social wellness. It’s a chance to step away from the rush of daily life, unplug from technology, and simply be in the moment. In many ways, the sauna experience is like gathering at the pub but instead of a hangover, you’re left with a sense of clarity and peace.” That’s a pretty undeniable sell. As the dregs of winter plod on, consider a Pittsburgh sauna shvitz to warm your heart.
Story by Emma Riva
Photo courtesy of Signal Sauna
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