In the heart of Chicago’s business district, wellness seekers, fitness enthusiasts, and busy professionals are discovering restorative rituals that easily fit into their workday. Two popular recovery pairings have emerged: the soothing synergy of infrared sauna and red light therapy versus the invigorating contrast of infrared sauna and cold plunge. Each combination offers powerful wellness benefits, but they support the body in very different ways. Let’s explore what each duo brings to the table, why doing these activities with a buddy can amplify the experience, and how our Wellness Lounge Day Pass at SpaSpace Chicago makes it easier than ever to build recovery into your routine.

Infrared Sauna + Red Light Therapy: Gentle Power, Deep Results

This pairing is designed for total-body restoration. Infrared saunas use light to deeply warm the body, easing tension, increasing circulation, and supporting detoxification at a cellular level. Muscles relax, inflammation calms, and stress gently melts away.

Red light therapy complements the sauna by energizing your cells with targeted wavelengths of light. This helps repair damaged tissue, improve skin clarity and elasticity, and encourage faster recovery from everyday strain or intense workouts. It’s a powerhouse for your skin and muscles alike.

Together, these therapies create a smooth transition from heat to light, guiding your body from stimulation into deep regeneration. There’s no shock to the system—just a steady, restorative flow that helps you feel refreshed, centered, and ready to take on your day.

Infrared Sauna + Cold Plunge: High Contrast, High Impact

This combo brings intensity and adrenaline to the wellness experience. After a deep, penetrating sweat in the infrared sauna, the cold plunge provides a rapid cooling effect that contracts blood vessels, activates circulation, and invigorates the entire body.

The hot-cold contrast encourages your body to flush out metabolic waste and can help reduce inflammation, speed up recovery, and deliver a mental clarity boost. It’s especially beneficial after a tough workout or to wake up sluggish muscles.

However, this method isn’t for everyone. The cold plunge is a bold experience, requiring a bit of mental fortitude. Some individuals may find the sudden cold exposure stressful or overstimulating, especially if not used to temperature extremes. For women in particular, cold plunging may affect hormonal balance, increase the risk of urinary tract sensitivity, or disrupt menstrual cycles when practiced too frequently or during vulnerable phases. It can also be contraindicated for individuals with cardiovascular conditions or low blood pressure. While the invigorating benefits are real, it’s important to approach cold immersion mindfully and listen to your body’s response.

Which Combo Is Right for You?

If you’re looking to calm your nervous system, nourish your skin, and ease into a relaxed state of recovery, the infrared sauna and red light duo might be your go-to. It’s ideal for mid-day restoration or winding down before heading home.

If you crave a jolt of energy, want to boost circulation fast, or love a good challenge, pairing infrared with cold plunge may be a better fit. It’s a bold wake-up call for both mind and body. Just remember to assess how your body responds—especially if you’re new to cold exposure or have specific sensitivities.

The Wellness Buddy Effect

Whether you choose the gentle route or the invigorating path, doing it with a friend makes it even better. Sharing wellness rituals helps with accountability, encourages consistency, and turns self-care into a fun, social experience.

Spending time together in the sauna or post-session in the lounge boosts mood, lowers stress, and can even strengthen your support system. Having a wellness buddy by your side is a great way to stay motivated and make the most of your sessions.

Wellness Lounge Day Pass: The Best of SpaSpace Chicago

At SpaSpace Chicago, we make it easy to explore both recovery paths with our Wellness Lounge Day Pass. You get access to our innovative touchless therapies—including our infrared sauna, red light therapy bar or room, Someadome meditation pod, PEMF Therapy, plus all of the amenities that come with a day spa. Whether you’re easing into your day, hitting reset to mid-afternoon, or unwinding after hours, our space is designed to fit seamlessly into your lifestyle.

Want even more flexibility? Our sauna membership gives Chicago locals unlimited access to infrared sessions and exclusive perks, making it simple to build consistent wellness habits. With full spa services and beautiful amenities available as well, SpaSpace isn’t just a wellness club in Chicago—it’s your urban sanctuary.

Whether you’re recovering from your last workout, preparing for a big presentation, or simply craving a moment of calm, SpaSpace Chicago offers the ideal space to unwind, restore, and reconnect—with yourself and with others.