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I can admit, I’m addicted to saunas. Over the past five years, I’ve probably clocked over 1,000 sauna sessions.
Eventually, I got so used to the soaring temperatures that I bragged I could camp out in the heat for an hour or more. Naturally, when I was invited to preview the brand-new Othership location in Williamsburg (officially opening today), the answer was absolutely yes.
I’d heard their sauna was one of the “hottest” in the city. But I didn’t realize that it would, in fact, be the sauna that was too hot for me. Or, perhaps, I’d just failed to hydrate in preparation for it.
Considering the mysterious drink that immediately revived me, it’s probably the latter.
Here’s how it went down: We arrived at Othership, arguably New York City’s buzziest new wellness spot.
A guide explained the rules, warning us it could get hot, sweaty and uncomfortable at times — especially up top, where the heat rises.
We shrugged, laughed at the plausibility of getting too sweaty, and claimed seats on the highest bench of the communal, steam-filled room. Class began: guided breathwork, aromatic essential oil snowballs and gua sha self-massage. It’s all very wellness.
About twenty minutes in, the dizziness hit. The instructor assured us we were nearing the end and would soon feel the benefits. But, in that moment, all I felt was the urge to throw up.
I probably should have stood up and walked out right away. I was in denial.
When the session finally ended, I shot up so quickly that I slammed my head on the low ceiling — that hurt. Then I hurdled toward the exit, everything moving in slow motion. Sounds blending. Lights dimming. Somehow, I found a bench to collapse against.
I don’t remember much of the next 15 minutes; just a blur of people moving toward the cold plunge, someone asking if I was OK, and an employee gently helping me to a quieter spot to lie down. She rushed off and returned with a cup, urging me to drink it, and I’d immediately feel better.
She was right. As I half-consciously sipped the sweet liquid, my vision started coming back. Within seconds, I could make out faces and follow conversations. Ten minutes post-drink, I was back on my feet, feeling completely normal again. All thanks to a cup filled with Nuun electrolytes.
Let me be clear: I don’t blame the Othership sauna for what happened in any way. If anything, I probably didn’t hydrate properly that day. Dehydration is the usual culprit in these kinds of situations, which is likely why the sodium- and potassium-packed drink brought me back almost instantly.
It’s well known that electrolytes help restore fluids and boost hydration. What I didn’t fully appreciate is that they also support nerve signaling and, in turn, enhance oxygen delivery — and Nuun seems to work fast. I bounced back quickly enough to make it to the ice bath afterward (pictured below).
Now, I’m not just a shamelessly enthusiastic sauna pusher. I’m also a shamelessly enthusiastic electrolyte pusher, and I tell all my friends to have some of these Nuun tablets on hand and at all times. As for me? I’m stocking up like my next sweat session depends on it, because it just might.
This article was written by Miska Salemann, New York Post Commerce Writer/Reporter. As a health-forward member of Gen Z, Miska seeks out experts to weigh in on the benefits, safety and designs of both trending and tried-and-true fitness equipment, workout clothing, dietary supplements and more. Taking matters into her own hands, Miska intrepidly tests wellness products, ranging from Bryan Johnson’s Blueprint Longevity Mix to home gym elliptical machines to Jennifer Aniston’s favorite workout platform – often with her adorable one-year old daughter by her side. Before joining The Post, Miska covered lifestyle and consumer topics for the U.S. Sun and The Cannon Beach Gazette.
