From professional football training facilities to clubhouse recovery spaces, sauna use is an essential wellness tool.
But at the highest levels of sport, it’s not just about having a sauna. It’s about building one that performs. That’s where Thermory sets the standard.
The Rise of Heat in High-Performance Recovery
Today’s athletes are training harder, longer, and more precisely than ever before. Recovery has evolved to match, and sauna bathing is playing a major role.
Used consistently, sauna sessions can support:
- Increased circulation and oxygen delivery
- Reduced muscle soreness and stiffness
- Faster recovery between training sessions
- Mental reset and stress reduction
For elite teams and high-performance athletes, these benefits are competitive advantages.
The Pros Recover in Thermory Saunas
The Baltimore Ravens
At the Under Armour Performance Center—known as “The Castle”—the Baltimore Ravens have redefined what a recovery environment looks like.
Designed by ZGF Architects, the 20,000-square-foot renovation centers around a hydrotherapy suite built to support both physical and mental recovery. At the heart of it: Thermory’s Thermo-Magnolia (hand-picked by ZGF interior designer, Haley Twillman).
Elena Acuna, Senior Communications & PR Manager at ZGF, explains:
“The Ravens sought a design that would reflect their values, foster team connection, and enhance both mental clarity and physical recovery. The ZGF team took inspiration from the nest of a raven to design a facility that promotes power and focus to support the mind, body, and soul of the Ravens’ players.”
Along with sustainable Thermory wood, biophilic design elements, including natural wood, light, and organic textures, create a connection to nature that enhances well-being and reduces stress.
From saunas to plunge pools, every detail was designed with intention. Thermo-Magnolia was chosen not just for its warmth and beauty—but for its ability to perform under constant heat and humidity, with minimal maintenance.
Cristian de Rosa, Thermory Northeast Territory Manager, adds:
“The goal was to create warmth and a sense of recovery and rejuvenation. Magnolia stood out immediately—the clear grain and warm tone made it the perfect fit for a space designed to support elite athletes.”
The result is more than a facility—it’s a recovery ecosystem built to support players like their superstar quarterback and running back at the highest level.
Professional Los Angeles Baseball : A Championship Winning Sauna
In Chavez Ravine, their Thermory sauna use is part of the daily routine—which means durability is a requirement. Working with Symmetry Sauna, the team selected Thermo Alder for its balance of performance, aesthetics, and longevity.
Sam Rogers of Symmetry Sauna explains:
“One of the primary concerns for this sauna was durability, because the players would be using it on a regular basis as part of their recovery routine. We educated the construction team on Thermory’s thermally modified lumber, and they ultimately chose Thermo Alder for its beauty, price point, and durability.”
The feedback speaks for itself:
“The team and organization love it. We have an inside source who uses the sauna daily and reports that everyone loves it.”
This is the reality of modern recovery spaces: they’re high-traffic, high-performance environments. Thermory saunas can now be found in many pro and college facilities to athletes’ homes.
Sauna Material Choice Matters in Recovery Spaces
At this level, every detail matters and the quality of wood materials are no exception.
Our thermally modified wood is engineered specifically for the demands of sauna environments:
- Unmatched durability under repeated heat and humidity cycles
- Dimensional stability that resists warping, cracking, and shrinking
- Low resin content for a cleaner, more comfortable experience
- Sustainability, achieved using only heat and steam (no added chemicals ever!)
Design Your Sauna Like The Pros With Thermory
The future of fitness is about recovering just as efficiently as training. Saunas are quickly becoming a cornerstone of that philosophy.
Whether you’re designing for elite athletes or everyday performance and recovery, the foundation matters. At Thermory, we’re proud to help define a new standard in sauna design: intentional spaces that can keep up with the powerful athletes who use them.
Explore our thermally modified sauna materials and complete sauna kits.
(Hint: Pro football’s recent championship QB chose our Barrel #62).
Photo Credits: Symmetry Sauna. Ema Peter Photography. Elvo Jakobson.
