For over a year and a half, UMN students as well as people around the United States have not been able to enjoy the amazing benefits that a sauna provides. Although immediately it was with good intention to limit peoples exposure to this virus by reducing sauna use to reduce proximity with other strangers, the landscape has now drastically changed in Minnesota with the roll out of millions of vaccinations for COVID-19. Governor Walz has recently reduced restrictions for gatherings and indoor settings, but we don't believe that these restrictions have been properly eased for encompassing health therapies like the sauna. 

There are many scientifically backed studied showing the benefits of sauna use not only physical (i.e cardiovascular), but more importantly for mental health. You can read more about these amazing benefits here: 

Ignite immune system through sauna use​

Clinical effects of regular sauna use​

Sauna use and COVID-19​

Mental health and sauna use

Students at the University of Minnesota have been long waiting the re-opening of the sauna at the Rec well. The University of Minnesota has always been an advocate for students and faculty mental health, and the issue is as prevalent as it has ever been. Re-opening the sauna would be synonymous with these values and could be safely implemented with the correct COVID-19 guidelines.

Let's get back to normal, together. #UMNproud