‘We’re a bit obsessed’: How one couple made saunas part of everyday life

What began as a tip from their sons has become a daily wellness ritual for Neil and Jude O’Shea, who say regular sauna, steam and cold plunge sessions have helped with recovery, relaxation and staying active well into their 60s.

A recovery ritual that’s become a way of life

When Neil and Jude O’Shea first stepped into a sauna three years ago, they weren’t chasing the latest wellness trend.

The Sydney couple were simply taking advice from two of their four sons, who had been using saunas, steam rooms and ice baths as part of their sporting recovery.

Now, the pair are among the most dedicated members at Sydney wellness club XtraClubs, fitting five or six recovery sessions into their week and even planning holidays around bathhouses and traditional sauna experiences.

For Neil, 66, the attraction is simple.

“I feel totally calm, relaxed and de-stressed after every session,” he says. “The sessions also help me recover from any soreness or niggling injuries, and I believe the steam room really helps clear my nose, throat and lungs.”

His regular routine combines sauna, steam and cold immersion, finishing with another spell in the sauna before heading home.

Neil stays active with swimming, walking and spin bike sessions, while he and wife Jude also enjoy hiking whenever they travel.

Jude, 62, credits the routine with helping her recover from marathon training.

She has completed races in cities including New York, Boston, London, Tokyo and Berlin, and is now preparing for this month’s Sydney Marathon after being selected for its High Performance program.

She says the combination of heat, cold and steam has become an important part of her training schedule.

“The sauna gives me time to zone out and push through discomfort, while the cold plunge helps with inflammation and mental training,” she says.

“The steam room is a wonderful place to stretch and relax after coming straight from the cold.”

The couple now use sauna, steam and cold plunge sessions about five times each week.

Their enthusiasm has extended well beyond Australia, with visits to Japanese onsens and traditional bathhouses across Iceland, Hungary, Italy, Ireland, Wales and South Africa. Scandinavia is next on the itinerary.

What does the research say?

Interest in sauna bathing has grown rapidly in recent years, with researchers investigating whether regular heat exposure may offer benefits beyond relaxation.

Some studies have linked frequent Finnish sauna use with improved cardiovascular health, lower blood pressure, better sleep and reduced stress. There is also emerging evidence that alternating between heat and cold may assist exercise recovery for some people, although scientists say more high-quality research is still needed.

Health experts also recommend that older adults, people with heart conditions or anyone taking medications that affect blood pressure speak with their GP before beginning regular sauna or cold plunge routines.

Find out more: XtraClubs

Sydney-based wellness brand XtraClubs has built its reputation around making sauna, steam and cold-water recovery more accessible through affordable memberships. The company now has clubs at Bondi Junction, Green Square, Marrickville and Manly, with a fifth location due to open in Parramatta later this year. Facilities include traditional Finnish saunas, infrared saunas, steam rooms and temperature-controlled ice baths. Members can also take part in guided sauna sessions featuring breathwork and essential oils, or alcohol-free social sessions on Saturday evenings. For more information, visit XtraClubs.