hike, bike, kayak… sauna!
Our ritual of a post-workout sauna session began years ago in Quebec. Our winter routine was simple but effective: long walks on snowy trails with the dogs, followed by a more strenuous activity. By late afternoon, we would transition to a spa. This wasn’t just for rest; we were taking notes on the flow and feel of the experience to bring back to Waterstruck.
We also embraced the tradition of lighting up our own sauna after a long, challenging run, making sure recovery was a top priority upon our return. We fell in love with the invigorating hot-and-cold cycles. This practice not only soothed our sore muscles but also became a vital part of our training routine. This transformative experience inspired us to build a community around it—creating a run club not just for the workout, but for the shared recovery and connection afterward.
The Boothbay Peninsula and its surrounding areas are an adventurer's paradise. This region offers a diverse range of activities that wind through coastal forests, along rocky shorelines, and past serene wetlands. For the ultimate post-adventure sauna experience.
The Perfect Pairing: Hiking, Kayaking, biking and Sauna
For us, the perfect adventure day on the peninsula is all about mixing up our activities before we settle into the sauna. Here are our go-to spots in the area before a session.
Hiking & Running: Our favorite long run starts at Dodge Point Preserve. We love connecting its trails to the River Link Trail, which gives us a fantastic continuous run through scenic woods and along the river. For a more tranquil walk, we often visit the trails at the Frances Perkins Center, where a gentle path leads right to the Damariscotta River.
Kayaking: When we're ready to get on the water, we head straight for the Damariscotta River. The public access at the Damariscotta Town Landing or at Dodge Point Preserve is perfect for launching our own kayaks. If you need equipment or a guided tour, we highly recommend Maine Kayak—they've always taken great care of us and make exploring the estuary a breeze.
Mountain Biking: For a different kind of adventure, our go-to spot is the Schmid Preserve in Edgecomb. It's a fantastic pre-sauna workout with a diverse network of trails that offers everything from easy cruising to more challenging rides.
Road Biking: The rolling hills and sparse roads of Nobleboro are some of our favorites to ride on the road. Challenging but serene, the loop starting and ending in town is great, and just 4 miles away from Waterstruck!
The Science of Recovery: Health Benefits of a Post-Workout Sauna
After a day of exploring, there's no better way to unwind than with a post-workout sauna session. The heat helps to soothe sore muscles, improve circulation, and melt away lingering tension.
The benefits go beyond simple relaxation:
Aids Muscle Recovery: The heat significantly boosts blood flow, delivering more oxygen and nutrients to tired muscles. This process can help reduce muscle tension and alleviate delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS).
Boosts Cardiovascular Health: Regular sauna use increases your heart rate, mimicking a low-intensity workout and helping to improve cardiovascular performance.
Reduces Stress: The relaxing environment can lower cortisol levels and promote the release of endorphins, leading to an improved mood and better sleep quality.
Combining an active day of hiking or kayaking with a therapeutic sauna session is the perfect way to embrace a well-rounded, healthy lifestyle. It’s the ultimate blend of invigorating activity and peaceful relaxation - we love it, and we hope you are encouraged to pair these together for your next visit!