Yes to both. My gym has both but I much prefer the steam room. Whenever I go in the sauna I always feel like I'm waiting for something that never happens 😂

No, it’s its own thing that originated in Russia. It combines elements of both the Swedish sauna and the Turkish hammam.

Here is a quick comparison in their temperature and humidity levels:

🇷🇺 The average temperature in a Russian banya typically ranges from 70 to 90 degrees Celsius (158 to 194 degrees Fahrenheit), with humidity levels around 50-70%.

🇸🇪 A Swedish sauna tends to have higher temperatures, ranging from 70 to 100 degrees Celsius (158 to 212 degrees Fahrenheit), with lower humidity levels around 10-20%.

🇹🇷 A Turkish hammam has moderate temperatures, usually between 40 to 50 degrees Celsius (104 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit), with higher humidity levels around 90-100%.

In a Russian banya, there are also some unique practices that give it a different experience and the feeling afterwards I would say is the best. Here just a few that come to mind:

1. Banya has something called a venik (birch or oak branches): A special person will come in and use bundles of these branches to gently massage and stimulate the skin, enhancing blood circulation and providing a refreshing sensation.

2. Plunges in cold water or snow (I’m sure you have seen Russians doing this 😂 there are always funny memes with this): After heating up in the banya you will often cool off by taking a dip in a cold body of water (from a pool to even rolling in the snow during the winter months). You will do this a few times with a special person that is trained and can guide you in breathing). This contrast of temperatures is believed to have health benefits.

3. Drinking kvas: It's customary to enjoy a refreshing drink of kvas, it’s a traditional fermented beverage made from bread, in between banya sessions (often times they even pour Kvas ALL OVER YOUR while you are hot in the banya and it feels AMAZING!). I would say Kvas is a staple in Russian banyas and adds a unique cultural element to the experience.

4. Shamanic music: If you get a good traditional one there are guys that play shamanic music for you while you get your treatments and it can really put you in a meditative state.

There are many more things, but you can google and read more about it. Often times it’s a full day that Russians dedicate to this experience, with food, music, massages, and it’s not uncommon to even sleep there for a few hours because the body is so relaxed. Often times they go as a big group of friends, family (babies go as well), or even just a nice date for couples.

I put some random photos I found on Google for you to get a better image of it.