Does the idea of sweating with a group of people in a room sound appealing? All over the country, more people are taking up the Nordic pastime of sauna.
The popularity has risen due to a push by the health and fitness industry on how this practice can optimise your workouts.
But what is behind our fascination with sauna, and is it here to stay?
Guests
- Antti Räsänen, sauna builder and member of the Finland Australia Chamber of Commerce
- Jennifer E. Cheng, lecturer in sociology at Western Sydney University
Listen to the 15 minute talk on ABC radio: Why is sauna culture on the rise in Australia.
More from the ASA
News Article Australia has embraced sauna culture. It’s time to do it naked With new saunas popping up apace, getting our gear off should be normalised. Sweating into towels feels more… 26 July 2026 Read more →
News Article The heat is on as sauna culture takes off As sauna culture starts to take off, Suzanne Hill discusses the benefits of the tradition with Nikita… 26 July 2026 Read more →
News Article Sauna Dip Manly The Quarantine Station at Sydney’s North Head was once a place where sick people were isolated as a back-stop… 26 July 2026 Read more →