I moved to the sauna capital of the US. Could I take the heat?

‘A good sauna is like a candle that lights another candle, and when you experience it, you want it for yourself.’ Composite: The Guardian/Getty Images

First there was the sauna, which I loved. A small building with a stove inside to make you sweat seemed perfect for the middle of winter, when the priority was getting warm. I felt my sinuses clear from the sauna heat, and that alone is enough of a health benefit for me – I have a toddler, so I basically have permanent congestion thanks to winter daycare germs.

Then came the hard part. After the sauna’s 180F (80C) heat, walking outside was a relief. But I had to amp myself up to descend a step ladder into the ice, and I was pretty sure I would hate it.