Backyards Reimagined

BY LISA COWNIE

It's something you won’t find often in a backyard in south central Minnesota. So, when Cal and Linnea Wilson started building one in their North Mankato backyard, it drew some attention.

“People do wonder if we have a smoker in our back yard, but it’s mostly been a low-key addition to our home. We’ve found that the social aspect of the sauna has really been the biggest unforeseen benefit. It’s not often enough that you can sit down with likeminded folks and engage in a common interest without the normal distractions of day-to-day life. Sitting inside of a sauna has a way of moving your focus to what’s right in front of you,” says Cal Wilson.

The Wilson family, Cal, Linnea and their three kids, lead active lifestyles. Having their own sauna adds to their healthy way of life.

“We had begun a backyard renovation and really just started dreaming without any limits. After many iterations, changes and difficult decisions, we eventually ended up including the sauna in our final plans. We had limited prior experience with saunas from health clubs and hotels, but those ended up being mere echoes of what we were to soon discover. Our authentic Finnish sauna sports a Kuuma wood-burning stove and a completely cedar interior that acts as our backyard health and wellness escape. It’s our place to relax and unwind, both physically and mentally. There’s something very primal about the heat and cold. We enjoy a connection to the natural world in a space of tranquility, fun and relaxation...

and we Minnesotans need more outdoor activities to enjoy in the cold winter months!” says Cal. Even the process of installing the sauna was a worthwhile experience.

“Upon some urging from my brother-in-law, I purchased an eBook called ‘Build Your Own Sauna’ by Minneapolis native Glenn Auerbach that acted as a step-by-step guide from start-tofinish. It was a huge inspiration and I can’t recommend it enough to anyone else looking to do the same. We were in the middle of COVID lockdown in the Fall of 2020 with little else to do on nights and weekends, so I went to work. I had help from a number of folks, but little-by-little we inched closer and closer until when we enjoyed our first sauna session on March 21 of 2021,” says Cal.

The Wilsons are certainly on to something. Experts widely agree and much has been made of the health benefits of using a sauna. Physically, experts agree, nothing is more reinvigorating than a deep, healthy sweat every day.

In general, experts say, sitting in a sauna can increase your circulation and relax tense muscles. The act of taking a moment and relaxing can be a useful tool for relieving stress, which has its own slew of health benefits. Saunas have also been connected to improved cardiovascular health.