Heating up the Greenyards

Did sauna play a part in the big win?

Melrose Rugby Club’s General Manager reveals how incorporating sessions in Beyla into their training routine has become a game-changer, helping players recover faster and perform stronger.

Before packing Beyla up and moving her to her next home we managed to catch Douglas Crawford for a quick chat, and here’s what he told us:

Doug Crawford, General Manager, Melrose RFC

Joanna: How did you hear about Cedar Hus?
Doug: I first heard about the Sauna through a friend and then I went onto your Instagram page and I was immediately impressed by Beyla!

Joanna: So, is that what made you get in touch with us to enquire about hosting Beyla?
Doug: Yes and no. I’ve long been a fan of saunas and recognise how beneficial they are for physical and mental wellbeing. Given Rugby is a very physically demanding sport, I thought it would be a great way to help the players recover after a game, so they can be fresh for training!

Joanna: How have you and the rest of the club found the experience of using our sauna?
Doug: We absolutely loved having Beyla here! Not only did it look at home at the Greenyards, it definitely got everyone’s attention. Having the sauna on our doorstep to use after our Monday night recovery session was just brilliant.

Joanna: And were there any features of the sauna that stood out to you or the team in particular?
Doug: First of all the view (albeit I’m biased) was the nicest I’ve had from a sauna before! Looking out over the pitch, with the stand and the Eildon Hills was very cool. The sauna itself is a very impressive structure. It amazes me how something so well put together can also be portable. Having you on site to facilitate the sessions and look after us so well, ensuring the temperature was right and showing us how to create steam from the rocks was incredible. The players also loved the orange slices! An added bonus was the ice bath… It was popular for all the players and I absolutely loved it!

Joanna: That’s amazing to hear! And yes, I did notice that the ice bath was popular, so very brave of you guys! Have you noted any feedback from the rest of the players about their experience?
Doug: I think once the players got their heads round how they could use and access the sauna they were very much on board with it. The biggest feedback I got from them was: 1) how refreshed they felt afterwards, 2) how well they slept that night after the sauna, and 3) how it was a nice space to catch up about the game and the weekend. The social and mental benefits of spending some time chatting in the sauna shouldn’t be overlooked either!

Joanna: I totally agree, and it’s such a nice alternative to the pub. I think it’s definitely overlooked by many guys. Hopefully having her in such a ‘sporty space’ and seeing you guys enjoying yourselves in the sauna will change their attitudes. Would you say the sauna experience contributed to team bonding or morale in any way?
Doug: Definitely. Especially in the cold dark nights, having the sauna to be able to warm up in, catch up and recover was a huge benefit.

Joanna: Speaking of recovery, are there particular times of the season when recovery tools like a sauna are most critical for the team?
Doug: I’d say the run up to Christmas was ideal. We were approaching the half-way mark of what’s been a very demanding season, so recovery became imperative. I don’t think it was a coincidence that our best performance of the season so far came from when Beyla was at the Greenyards for the Currie game!

Joanna: Yes, 43 to 29 what an impressive win! We thoroughly enjoyed watching it from the sidelines and I’m glad you think the sauna helped you get that. One last question, before we pull Beyla out of here, how likely are you to recommend our sauna to others?
Doug: Very! I’m a big advocate for the benefits of sauna for physical and mental wellbeing so I’d encourage everyone to give Beyla a go!

Well, we hope we’ll see both you and your team in our sauna again, and who knows, we might even visit the Greenyards again