Two Years In: A Customer's Daily Sauna Journey

Ryan was one of the first customers, and nearly two years later, he's still firing up his Nightjar sauna nearly every day. I caught up with him to hear how this wellness routine has become an essential part of his life.

The Spark That Started It All

Ryan's sauna journey began the way many do – with a neighbor's invitation. "I tried my neighbor's setup and it was really the feeling afterward that got me hooked," Ryan explains. But it wasn't until he experienced the sauna and cold plunge combination that something truly clicked. "I just wanted to have that experience every day if possible."

That feeling was powerful enough to transform a casual interest into a daily practice that's now woven into the fabric of his routine.

The Vacation Reset Ritual

After nearly two years with his Nightjar sauna, Ryan has developed some telling habits. When he returns from any vacation, before unpacking or settling back in, he fires up the sauna. "The first thing I do is sweat out the trip," he says. It's become his way of transitioning back to home life, literally and figuratively cleansing away the travel experience.

Morning Sessions: Hot, Fast, and Focused

Ryan's preferred sauna times fall into two distinct categories. His morning sessions happen after school drop-off and follow a precise routine he's perfected over time. "I get in and really get it hot – lots of steam, really sweating – and stay in for about 10 minutes."

Then comes the plunge. Ryan doesn't mess around with temperature – he wants his cold plunge as cold as it goes, 40 degrees or lower. After a quick 30-second plunge, he takes a moment outside the sauna, maybe answers a couple emails, then returns for a longer 15-minute sauna session. He finishes with an extended 2-3 minute plunge before rinsing off in the outdoor shower and starting his workday.

Evening Social Sessions: Community and Connection

His evening sessions take on a completely different character – social saunas with friends that often involve beers and conversation. These gatherings have become a regular feature of his social life, turning the backyard into a wellness-centered hub for connection.

The Kids Love It Too

The cold plunge has become particularly popular with Ryan's children, especially his son. "His son's friends will come over and they'll all take turns hitting the plunge," creating an unexpected social activity that gets kids excited about cold exposure and wellness practices.

The Reset Effect: Why the Plunge is Crucial

When asked about the benefits, Ryan is clear about what works. While he appreciates the sauna for relaxation and fresh perspective, he emphasizes that "the plunge is crucial for the reset to take effect." The combination creates something neither practice achieves alone – a complete reset that prepares him for whatever comes next.

Would He Recommend It?

After nearly two years of daily use, Ryan's recommendation is straightforward: "If your yard can fit it and your budget allows it, you will have no regrets at all."

This kind of endorsement from a long-term customer tells us everything we need to know about the lasting impact of integrating sauna and cold plunge into daily life. Ryan's experience shows how what begins as curiosity about wellness can evolve into a cornerstone practice that enhances everything from work performance to family time to social connection.

Ryan's Nightjar sauna and cold plunge setup continues to be a daily source of wellness and community in his backyard. His experience reflects what we see across our customer base – once you experience the powerful combination of heat and cold as part of your routine, it becomes not just a luxury, but an essential part of living well.