In general, winter 2022–2023 has felt locally more like Seattle than Southeast Pennsylvania: gray clouds providing a steady, damp chill most felt in joints and muscles. A good schvitz could be just the thing for residents needing a physical/emotional pick-me-up.

But access through club memberships or in-home set-ups are either inconvenient (the former) or expensive (the latter). Laura Brzyski cited a third option in Philadelphia Magazine: the drop-in sauna.

As its name implies, a visit to a drop-in sauna needs neither a club membership nor a reservation to enjoy, although availability may need checking.

Further, sites providing ad hoc access to traditional steam or infrared warmth often include extras. Massages, organized stretches, and meditation opportunities, are common add-ons to provide a full mind-body revival.

Two Montgomery County providers offer warm-and-steamy escapes from the Feb. drearies.

Chung Dam Spa & Fitness, Cheltenham, has a granite room heated to 160 degrees. The site’s $30 day pass includes access to an herbal steam bath, hot jade stone and clay rooms, and a hot tub.

Sanctuary Wellness Studio, Flourtown, has a single-person, infrared sauna (restorative and private) that will bake away stress at a balmy 175 degrees. Its roster of classes includes low-impact yoga, Pilates, and barre.

The full list of area drop-in saunas is at Philadelphia Magazine.

_____

A drop-in sauna session can provide numerous health benefits, described here.