Outdoor Sauna - Opening Summer 2026
A new Outdoor Sauna experience is opening at Exeter Golf andf Country Club this summer for members to use with the Outdoor Swimming Pool, indoor pool, gym or classes, golf, squash or tennis – for wellness, relaxation, hot and cold therapy and fresh air – all year-round*.
Here are the benefits of regular use of an Outdoor Sauna and Outdoor Pool.
Discover the Power of Outdoor Wellness: Sauna & Heated Pool Benefits
In today’s fast-paced world, recovery is just as important as the workout itself. Whether you’re lifting weights, playing a round of golf, or competing on the court, incorporating regular sessions in an outdoor sauna and heated pool can transform both your performance and overall wellbeing.
At Exeter Golf and Country Club, this combination of heat, water and fresh air creates a powerful, natural recovery ritual.
Why Outdoor Wellness Hits Different
Unlike indoor facilities, outdoor saunas and pools introduce an added dimension: fresh air and nature. Exposure to the elements enhances relaxation, helps regulate breathing, and creates a deeper sense of mental reset.
Stepping from heat into cool air—or a refreshing shower—stimulates the body in ways that indoor environments simply can’t replicate.
The Benefits of Regular Sauna Use
Using a sauna consistently offers a wide range of physical and mental benefits:
1. Improved Circulation
The heat causes blood vessels to dilate, increasing blood flow. This helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to tired muscles—speeding up recovery after exercise.
2. Muscle Relaxation & Reduced Soreness
Post-workout stiffness is eased as heat relaxes muscle fibres and reduces tension, making it ideal after gym sessions or competitive sport.
3. Stress Reduction
Heat exposure lowers cortisol (your stress hormone) and promotes the release of endorphins, leaving you feeling calmer and more balanced.
4. Detoxification Through Sweating
While often overstated, sweating does support the body’s natural detox processes and leaves you feeling refreshed and cleansed.
The Role of the Outdoor Heated Pool
A heated outdoor pool complements the sauna perfectly:
1. Gentle Recovery
Warm water reduces pressure on joints while allowing light movement—ideal for active recovery days.
2. Improved Flexibility
Muscles remain warm and pliable, helping to increase range of motion and reduce injury risk.
3. Cardiovascular Support
Swimming or even light movement in water can gently elevate heart rate without strain.
Cold Showers & Fresh Air: The Game Changer
Adding cold exposure into the mix elevates the benefits:
Boosts circulation through rapid constriction and dilation of blood vessels
Reduces inflammation after intense exercise
Enhances alertness and energy levels
Strengthens mental resilience
Alternating between sauna heat, cold water, and fresh air creates a powerful “contrast therapy” cycle that leaves you feeling fully revitalised.
How It Complements Your Training
Gym Workouts
After strength or cardio sessions, sauna use helps reduce muscle soreness and speeds up recovery—meaning you can train more consistently.
Golf
Golf may not feel intense, but it places repeated strain on the back, shoulders and hips. Heat therapy helps maintain mobility and prevent stiffness between rounds.
Tennis & Squash
Fast-paced, high-impact sports like tennis and squash demand quick recovery. Sauna and cold exposure help reduce inflammation and keep you agile for your next match.
Mental Benefits You Shouldn’t Ignore
Beyond the physical, this routine offers a powerful mental reset:
Time away from screens and distractions
Improved sleep quality
Reduced anxiety
A sense of routine and balance
It’s not just recovery—it’s restoration.
Building It Into Your Routine
For best results, aim to incorporate sauna and pool sessions 2–4 times per week, especially after exercise. A simple routine could look like:
- 10–15 minutes in the sauna
- Cool down with fresh air or a cold shower
- Relax or move gently in the heated pool
- Repeat if desired
Always listen to your body and stay hydrated.
Final Thoughts
Combining an outdoor sauna, heated pool, fresh air, and cold therapy creates a holistic approach to fitness and wellbeing. It enhances recovery, supports performance, and helps you feel your best—both physically and mentally.
Whether you’re training hard or simply looking to unwind, this outdoor wellness experience is one of the most effective ways to invest in your health.
