Athletes have long relied on saunas to help loosen tight muscles. “The increase in blood flow to the peripheries and muscles helps counter the build-up of lactic acid and other substances associated with muscle damage during exercise,” explains Dr Jack. The increase in heart rate may also have longer-term cardiovascular benefits. And for any germ-phobes, as they’re less moist than the traditional variety, infrared saunas are less welcoming to bacteria and fungus.

Still not sold? Even typical wellness refuseniks might embrace what we’re calling the Cyber Sauna. Forget awkwardly sitting still for half an hour, avoiding eye contact and shuffling in silence, this is where wellness meets hedonism. At one end of the scale, there’s Helsinki’s Burger King Sauna which is, well, exactly what it sounds like – a hot box attached to the fast-food joint where you’re encouraged to munch fries in 80°C heat while watching a 48inch TV. Gross? We think so.

Closer to home, and far more sensible is The Hot Box sauna in Loch Tay, Scotland, which has a fully stocked licensed bar, as well as a DJ and karaoke room available to hire for private functions. “The idea for a ‘hangout sauna’ came from similar ventures in Scandinavia,” explains Angus Mackay, general manager at Taymouth Marina. “The owners of the spa wanted to create a place where you can socialise with others and promote the Danish spirit of hygge, which is taking pleasure and enjoyment from simple moments”.

As it takes around 20 minutes of sitting in a sauna to unlock the health benefits, the idea behind this heated hedonism is to make those often mind-numbing minutes pass faster. It may also make them futile, but that’s by the by. Look out too for Bathing Under The Sky who will be offering pop-up saunas at the Wilderness, Secret Garden Party and Isle Of Wight festivals this summer.

Clean eating may have been one of 2016’s huge trends, as people did away with heavily processed foods, but as Kate Percival, founder of the women’s health club Grace Belgravia, observes, in 2017, “People are becoming increasingly conscious of the toxins we put in our bodies. Now, the priority is cleansing, with people using saunas and other natural techniques to help rid the body of toxins.” With rejuvenation of mind, body and soul on offer, and health benefits that continue after you’ve towelled off, there’s never been a better time to work up a sweat.

Sweat therapy: why a new breed of saunas have become the latest wellness buzzword