IT STARTED WITH
a little wear and tear.
I've always been an athlete, and I still love being active. Volleyball, Pilates, hiking, skiing, coaching my kids' basketball team... if it involves moving, I'm probably interested.
But after years of sports and plenty of miles on this body, I've learned that recovery doesn't come quite as easily as it used to. The aches stick around longer, and some of the things that always worked for me just weren't cutting it anymore. Apparently, my body didn't get the memo that I'm still 25.
That's part of what led me to sauna.
I was looking for something different. Something that could help me feel better without adding another workout, another appointment, or another thing to my already full calendar.
What I discovered was so much more than a good sweat.
The more I learned about traditional sauna, the more fascinated I became. There's some pretty compelling research coming out of Finland on cardiovascular health, circulation, and how our bodies respond to heat. One recent study even found that a single sauna session temporarily increased the number of immune cells circulating in the bloodstream. The science is still evolving, but it made me realize there's a lot more happening in a sauna than I ever realized.
And what I really love is that sauna isn't just for athletes. Whether you're looking to unwind after a long day, stay active as you get older, spend time with family, or simply try something new, there's a reason to pull up a seat on the bench.
Our family has been coming to Balsam Lake since 2015, and I've always loved this little town. I started imagining a place where locals, weekenders, friends, and families could enjoy traditional sauna, take a class, or just spend some time together. Somewhere welcoming, not intimidating. Good for you, but still a whole lot of fun.
That idea eventually became Balsam Haus.
I'm not a wellness guru, and I'm definitely not here to tell anyone how to live their life. I just believe that taking care of yourself should feel good, be approachable, and maybe even be something you look forward to.
Hope to see you on the bench!
Jen
JEN GREENE | FOUNDER, BALSAM HAUS