Playlist: fulfillment – a soft, feel-good playlist about being present and happy exactly as you are
Let’s face it, the world is tough right now, and spending the day with a good friend yapping and taking care of yourselves is now more vital than ever. SWTHZ just opened in Pike and Rose this May and I had been dying to try it out, so I booked my friend, Kristen, and I for a full hour SWTHZ experience. The experience included a private suite equipped with an infrared sauna, cold plunge and vitamin-C shower. Kristen and I work out a lot and so I liked that this experience would support our recovery outside the gym and still make space for some quality time to catch up.
The SWTHZ experience has amazing benefits for your body whether you workout or not. The sauna and cold plunge experience has been shown to reduce inflammation, assist in muscle recovery, and strengthen the immune system. That on its own is amazing but I knew experiencing these recovery aspects with a friend would only increase those benefits even further because sharing in community and connecting with someone you care about will contribute to the stress relief and emotional support.
Right off the bat, I knew SWTHZ was the right choice for this experience. The staff was incredibly helpful. They were prepared with anything we may have needed or had forgotten to bring with us. I was running over from an event where I had to be dressed up so their stock of makeup wipes, hair ties and shower caps really came in handy as I swapped my businessware for a more casual vibe.
Charity, our host, offered us water bottles and electrolytes, which is so smart because we were definitely going to need to replenish after the sauna. She also offered us hand towels (eucalyptus or unscented) and pointed us to the water machine for either flat and sparkling water. If that wasn’t enough, the machine offered four different flavors for our water and allowed you to control the strength of the flavor that went into the water. I had only just walked in and yet all these amenities were enough to make me never want to leave. They had truly thought of everything!
Our suite welcomed us with hand written notes and fresh towels. The suites had TVs we could connect to streaming services with. If I hadn’t been with a friend I may have considered using it, but Kristen and I had things to discuss!
This was my first time taking a cold plunge so I asked how long it was recommended to spend in the cold plunge, which was about 52 degrees. She recommended aiming for 30 seconds as a first time user so that was my bench mark.
When our timer started, Kristen and I got cozy in the sauna. It was so nice to relax and talk to my friend. After about 15 minutes, Kristen braved the cold plunge first making it in about knee height. I didn’t make it much further, but it was so nice to have the moral support of a friend getting into the cold plunge. It definitely made it easier to face the cold.
Back in the sauna, my legs still felt freezing after being in the cold plunge for only a few seconds. We continued to catch up and talk about life while drinking our electrolyte water and wiping the sweat from our faces.
About halfway through our hour I decided to brave the cold plunge again. This time I had a new strategy- get into the water as fast as I could before I could think about turning around. I got in to just at my rib cage, which felt like such a huge success. I did make it 30 seconds which I was really proud of. At the end of our session, I made it in a final time for about the same distance but I stayed in a little longer. I didn’t make the full plunge but I was really proud with how long I managed to stay in for the first try.
I really loved how there was a space in the back where you could do your hair and make up after your session. There were hair dryers with attachments, hair straighteners, dry shampoo and spray deodorant. I was really impressed with how they really had thought of everything. Don’t worry if you forget to pack something, I guarantee you they have you covered.
The first session was $45 and then adding a guest was $30. It’s definitely reasonable for all the amenities you’re getting. I’d definitely recommend getting there early for your first session. They are strict about when the timers start and the intro paperwork does take a while.
After our SWTHZ session, Kristen and I had more to catch up on, so we went across the street to Summer House to refuel. The vibes here are to die for and the food is amazing. It’s an ideal place for continuing hopeful, uplifting conversations, talking about dreams and making future plans.
We ordered the jalapeño cornbread to share and then I got the chicken adobo tacos and Kristen got the fish tacos. We ended up trading a taco so we could each try one anothers. I definitely recommend that because then you get to try more! To round it all out I got the perfect summer cocktail– the Golden Hour. It is truly the essence of its namesake– a soft summer sunset. Made with gin, watermelon, cucumber, lime, and agave, this cocktail is bright and well-balanced.
On the way home I ordered a London Fog from Sunday Morning Bakehouse for my drive home. It was the perfect cozy drink to keep me company while I drive home during rush hour traffic.
All in all, this was such a relaxing day filled with joy and friendship. There’s an immeasurable positive effect, both physical and emotional, of indulging in self-care with your friends. It was such a good reminder to plan and schedule moments like these because they are imperative to my well-being.
