Sauna Specialist

 Sauna specialist - the entry into professional sauna competence

The International Sauna Academy's "Sauna Specialist" online-seminar offers in-depth basic training for anyone who wants to work professionally in a sauna facility. It is aimed at employees of swimming pools, fitness studios, and hotels with smaller saunas, as well as dedicated sauna users who aspire to a career in this field. The goal of the seminar is to provide participants with the necessary knowledge for safe and competent work in the sauna, including basic first aid measures.

Target Group

This seminar is aimed at employees of sauna facilities, thermal baths, fitness studios, wellness hotels, and spa operators who wish to acquire basic knowledge for the safe and responsible interaction with guests in the sauna. Dedicated sauna users, career changers, or those just starting their careers will also find this an ideal introduction to the professional sauna world.

Objective

The objective of the seminar is to provide participants with a solid foundation of knowledge about sauna operations. The focus is on safety, hygiene, communication with guests, and the health benefits of sauna bathing. Participants will be prepared to assume responsible roles in a sauna facility and provide professional, service-oriented support to sauna operations.

Participation requirements

The following requirements apply to participation in the Sauna Specialist seminar:
Participants must be at least 18 years old and have sufficient English language skills to follow the lessons and actively participate.
No special preparation is required – all relevant content will be presented comprehensively and clearly in the seminar.

Duration and Start Date
The Sauna Specialist online course is flexible and can be started at any time.
Since it is a purely online course with no in-person training, participants can begin learning individually and from any location – entirely according to their own schedule.

Content
This seminar provides practical and safety-relevant knowledge for professional use in sauna operations. The following key topics are discussed:

Heterothermal Bathing Treatments – Experience the Diversity of Heat

Heterothermal bathing treatments are treatments that specifically utilize alternating temperature stimuli – an interplay of heat and cooling that challenges and strengthens both body and mind. These treatments include classics such as the sauna, steam bath, and humid warm air bath. Each of these bathing forms offers its own thermal characteristics: from the dry, intense heat of the sauna to the gentle, humid warmth of the steam bath to the moderate climate of the warm air bath.
This chapter provides a thorough overview of the physiological principles, application methods, and health benefits of each bathing type. A comparative synopsis clearly compares the differences and similarities – thus creating a solid foundation for competent advice and practical application.

Health-Oriented Bathing Routine – Sauna Bathing with System and Effect
A health-oriented sauna session is more than just sweating – it's a holistically designed routine that stimulates bodily functions, strengthens the immune system, and contributes to deep relaxation. The correct sequence and execution of the individual phases are crucial for the health benefits.
This chapter guides you step by step through the ideal sauna bathing routine: from the selection and use of bathing accessories to preparation and time in the sauna cabin with optional infusion. The outdoor area, the cold treatments – such as cold water plunge pools or full sauna baths – and the rest phase also play a central role in the regenerative effects. In addition to practical tips, the chapter also covers sauna bathing rules that ensure safety, effectiveness, and well-being. A structured summary rounds out the chapter – ensuring that every sauna visit is a health-promoting experience.

Sauna Cabin as a Hot Workplace – Focus on Safety and Health
The sauna cabin is not only a place of relaxation, but also a special workplace for employees: a so-called hot workplace. Extreme thermal conditions prevail here, placing special demands on health protection.This chapter defines the term "hot workplace" and explains the plausibility check for thermal stress based on the German Workplace Regulations (ASR). Key physiological parameters such as thermal pulse, changes in water balance, and core body temperature are considered, as are the resulting risks.
The focus is on the legally required risk assessment and specific protective measures: technical solutions for temperature control, organizational measures to reduce stress, and the use of personal protective equipment. The goal is to ensure the long-term safety of employees while maintaining the health-promoting quality of the sauna experience.

Sauna Cabin Workplace Requirements – Responsibility, Equipment, and Safe Operation
The sauna cabin workplace places special demands on people and materials. High temperatures, intense fragrances, and safety-relevant processes converge here – for both employees and users.This chapter examines the equipment and organization of the sauna cabin from an occupational health and safety perspective. It addresses the selection of suitable infusion agents, the quality and care of the infusion stones, and the proper use of aids. Employees must be comprehensively trained and able to perform the infusion in a professional, safe, and customer-oriented manner.
Employers are required to provide the necessary technical and organizational framework – from suitable materials and protective measures to clearly defined responsibilities. The responsible handling of fragrances and communication with bathers are also part of a professional and safe sauna cabin workplace.

Conducting Safe Sauna Infusions – Unleash Their Effects in a Targeted and Responsible Way
The sauna infusion is a central design element in sauna operations – intense, invigorating, and soothing. To ensure that this heat application can safely unleash its full potential, clear technical and safety standards must be adhered to.In this chapter, you will learn how an infusion works physiologically – from the brief increase in humidity to the intense thermal stimulation of the body. The requirements for the sauna cabin must withstand these conditions: appropriate ventilation, stable temperature conditions, and heat-resistant materials are essential.
Furthermore, the equipment – ​​from the infusion bucket and towel to the fanning tool – as well as the proper use of infusion agents such as essential oils or fragrance compositions are discussed. The focus is always on responsible, health-oriented, and professional handling – for a safe experience for both bathers and employees.

Standardization of Sauna Infusions – Balancing Quality, Safety, and Experience
A standardized sauna infusion not only creates a consistently high-quality experience for guests, but also ensures safety and smooth operation in sauna operations. This chapter demonstrates how professional standards can be developed and implemented.Starting with the basic principles of infusion design, the importance of careful preparation is emphasized – including material control, selection of infusion agents, and the creation of a binding infusion plan. Personal protective measures for employees as well as clear guidelines for guest safety and their preparation for the infusion (e.g., instructions and room ventilation) are integral parts of the process.
The process is carried out according to defined procedures: from the targeted dosage of the infusion water quantity to air distribution and temperature control techniques. Continuous observation of guests is essential to detect excessive demands early on. Finally, aspects of follow-up, cleaning, and prevention (e.g., avoiding slipping hazards or improper use of agents) are addressed. This creates an infusion that can inspire and protect at the same time – for an all-round safe sauna experience.

Special Infusions – Variety of Experiences and Responsibility in the Modern Sauna
Special infusions add a special dimension to the sauna experience – whether through intense scents, nourishing additives, or traditional rituals. At the same time, they place high demands on hygiene, safety, and expertise.In this chapter, you will learn about various special infusions: Salt and sugar infusions have a cleansing and circulation-stimulating effect due to their osmotic effect, while honey infusions pamper the skin and senses – with a proven nourishing and antibacterial effect that is particularly effective in the sauna heat. Alternative additives such as coffee, tea, dairy products, or ice are also discussed – always taking their effects and hygienic relevance into account.
Special attention is paid to traditional banya rituals with their own rules and cleansing aspects, as well as the professional use of innovative products such as sauna aroma balls. Finally, the chapter provides information on applicable hygiene standards and gives clear instructions on unauthorized infusion additives such as menthol crystals – so that variety of experiences and safety go hand in hand.

Incidents in the Sauna – Recognize Risks, Act Correctly
Despite all its health-promoting effects, the sauna is a high-temperature area where critical incidents can occur if used improperly or if there are pre-existing health conditions. It is essential for sauna staff to recognize risks early and act professionally in an emergency.This chapter covers typical emergency situations such as cardiovascular failure, scalds or burns caused by improper infusion, deflagrations or fires due to incorrect use of products, as well as falls from slippery surfaces or circulatory weakness. Unusual, curious incidents are also addressed – to raise awareness and prepare for unexpected situations.
A central element is the action plan within a structured rescue algorithm. It shows step by step how to provide first aid safely – from initial communication and alarm to the recovery position and resuscitation. Particular attention is paid to the gentle but rapid rescue of injured persons from hazardous areas such as the hot sauna cabin. This chapter provides practical knowledge for greater safety – and strengthens the ability to act in an emergency.

Case Studies – Learning from Real Events
Case studies illustrate how quickly small mistakes in the sauna can lead to serious incidents – and the importance of prevention, training, and professional action.This chapter presents real and practical scenarios: scalds and burns caused by improperly dosed or unsuitable infusion agents, falls on or in the immediate vicinity of scorching-hot sauna heaters, and a curious but instructive case of melted contact lenses due to excessive heat exposure. Poisoning caused by unauthorized or overdosed fragrances is also addressed – an often underestimated risk.
Each case is analyzed: What happened? What were the underlying causes? Which safety precautions were neglected – and how could the incident have been prevented? The case studies not only serve to illustrate potential hazards but also as a basis for developing your own safety concepts and training content. The goal is to learn from mistakes – before they happen.

Preventive Measures – Safety and Quality Throughout the Sauna Area
Effective preventive measures are the foundation of safe and professional sauna operations. They protect guests and staff from health risks and accidents – while ensuring a high-quality sauna experience.This chapter provides basic principles of prevention: These include technical safety standards, clear operational procedures, and training for all employees. The measures are systematically broken down for all areas of the sauna facility.In the preparation rooms, hygiene, orientation, and education are paramount – for example, through clearly visible sauna rules and appropriate signage. In the sauna cabin, the focus is on temperature control, non-slip surfaces, and safe handling of infusion agents.The outdoor area must be secured and lit for weather conditions, while the cold water area – whether a plunge pool, shower, or pouring device – should be non-slip, hygienic, and freely accessible. The foot warming pool also deserves attention: temperature control and water hygiene are essential here. In the relaxation area, pleasant conditions, clear rules of conduct, and discreet supervision promote well-being and safety.
Last but not least, the infusion itself is analyzed as a potentially risky activity – with recommendations for standardization, dosage, guest monitoring, and personal protective equipment. This chapter demonstrates that prevention begins in the details – and has an impact on the overall experience.

This content specifically prepares participants to act professionally, responsibly, and safely in sauna operations – even in challenging situations.

Seminar Dates
The online sauna specialist course is completely flexible in terms of scheduling: It can be started at any time, paused if necessary, and repeated as often as desired.
This allows the training to be optimally adapted to your daily routine – without any fixed dates or attendance requirements.

Completion
Upon successful completion of the online course, participants will receive the "Sauna Specialist" certificate from the International Sauna Academy.
The certificate is valid indefinitely, recognized nationwide, and confirms professional qualifications for working in a professional sauna operation.

Seminar Fees
The current seminar fees for the Sauna Specialist online course can be found in the "Dates and Prices" section of our website.
Transparency is important to us: There are no hidden additional costs – no examination fees, no travel or accommodation costs, no mandatory additional seminars. Everything you need for your training is included in the price.

Registration
Registration for the seminar is done in writing using the "Seminar Registration" form, which you can find on our website.
After your registration has been received, you will receive your personal access data to the self-explanatory learning platform.

Start your training now and enter the world of saunas with expertise.