Your Questions. Our Answers.

THE CONCEPT

What happens at WeBorn?

What is WeBorn and what is it not? 

WeBorn is a pioneering well-being concept combining scientifically proven methods to enhance health, namely heat- & cold exposure, breathwork, community, scent, light and music. It also offers an alternative to traditional clubs and bars, offering fun without alcohol.

While movements are part of our classes, it is not a sports, fitness or yoga club.
While emotions can come up (e.g. through strong music or scents), it is not therapy.
While we offer a sauna, it is not a spa.

What do I have to wear?

Please bring swimwear:

  • bathing suit/ bikini for women,
  • bathing shorts for men.

What do I have to bring? 

Swimwear, 1 towel for the sauna & 1 to shower, and an open mindset.

What can I expect to experience? 

Experience a completely new sensory experience via the interplay of scent, light, music, sweat and shiver, led by expert-guides and based on science. We start in the sauna, but instead of the usual lonely and quiet space, you will do breathwork, move and mingle. In the following cold plunge, you will go beyond your comfort zone to build resilience and strength. The details are a surprise. After the class, you will feel reborn and part of a community – WeBorn.

Which class fits my needs best? 

Any class will reduce muscle soreness, decrease stress levels and improve your emotional capacity. Decide first on the class type: 

  • Inward: calm down & look at your current state of mind; meditation, fantasy journeys or little movements  
  • Outward: socialize, move & get energized; an alcohol-free alternative to a party 
  • Special: experience a longer session, learn more about the health benefits and have great food 

Then select a specific class, whose description sounds most appealing to you. 

What are the temperatures of the sauna & cold plunges? 

Sauna: 65-85°C, Cold Plunge: 1-8°C.

Who are the Guides? 

All our Guides have a health background, e.g. trainer, physiotherapy, psychotherapy etc. & are well-trained in the methods we use. Additionally, they’re trained as First Aiders and Mental Health First Aiders.

THE CLASSES

Can I visit a class? 

Am I the right person for this? 

ABSOLUTELY! Whether you are seekinga science-backed recovery from sports, a moment to calm your mind, a sanctuary to enhance your health and well-being or a community to socialize with, WeBorn welcomes everyone with an open mind and a desire to try something new.

Am I too young or too old for this experience? 

We don’t believe in limitations, there is no such thing astoo young or too oldif you feel mentally and physically fit for the experience. However, you must be at least 18 years of age &, for health reasons, we cannot accommodate individuals over 75 years old.

What language are the classes taught in? 

Classes are generally conducted in English, with some specific classes in German. There is always a person on-site speaking both languages.

Should I come alone or with someone else? 

Whatever feels most comfortable to you. WeBorn is all about community, so whether you arrive alone or with company, be sure to make friends and connect with like-minded individuals.

Are men and women in the same class? 

Typically, our class are mixed to promote equality and inclusion. However, we are aware that some might feel uncomfortable in mixed classes; hence, we also offer female-only & male-only classes.

How do I become part of the community? 

Simply by being. Participating in WeBorn’s classes makes you a part of our community. If you want to be even more involved, you are welcome to join our workshops, brunches and special events or even apply as a Guide ;)

Should I drink and eat something before the class? 

You should neither come super hungry nor on a full stomach, as breathing exercises and heat- & cold exposure are most effective in a semi-fasted state. Stay hydrated by drinking enough water before, during and after the class.

THE STUDIO

What does the studio offer?

What amenities do you have in the studio?

We provide complimentary infused water, tea, shower essentials, hair dryers and hygiene products. In case you forgot your towel, you can get one for 2€ at the reception.

How do you make sure the place is clean & safe? 

Safety and cleanliness are our main priorities. We want to ensure a place where everyone feels good and safe. We follow a strict cleaning protocol, including but not limited to sanitation, water tests, thorough floor cleaning, changing the cold plunges’ water every day and using chlorine for the water.

Valuables, Lost & Found? 

  • You can store your valuables in the changing room lockers. We do not take liability. 
  • Lost & found items are kept for 3 weeks. Ask at the reception.

How do I get there? 

Our studio is in Vienna’s city center (Invalidenstraße 11, 1030 Vienna):  

  • By public Transport: Metro U3/U4; S-Bahn S1 & S2 & S3 & S7; Tram O; Bus 74A à Stop: Landstraße Hauptstraße 
  • By car: park on the street (remember to pay for parking during the week) or in one of the 2 garages Wien Mitte The Mall (open 24/7) or Invalidenstraße 10 
  • On foot: you can easily reach us from the city center. 

HEALTH

Which health implications persist?

What do doctors say about WeBorn?

Our approach is rooted in science and supported by health professionals. Their endorsements underscore the effectiveness and safety of our methods: 

  • Dr. Sebastian Leixnering, MSc: "WeBorn, an innovative concept, complements traditional therapies by using targeted measures to improve mitochondrial activity (cell function) and the efficiency of ATP metabolism (muscular/ sports performance enhancement). This leads to an optimal prevention of muscle injuries."
  • Dr. Eva-Maria Polterauer: "From my own experience, I can only confirm the scientific evidence regarding the benefits of heat & cold therapy. After a WeBorn class, you feel energized, vital, and healthy. It greatly stimulates metabolism and is highly recommended!"

Why should I take a WeBorn class at all? 

Dive into a unique, new experience with science-backed health methods, like heat- & cold exposure. To mention but a few, these boost cardiovascular health, enhance your immune system, reduce stress and build resilience. 

Unlike other sports facilities, spas, or treatment places, WeBorn addresses four health vectors at once: 

  • Physical Health: Experience faster muscle recovery, greater physiological health, reduced pain and simply improved overall physical health. 
  • Mental Health: Enhance resilience and give your mind a break; feel rejuvenated and energized. 
  • Emotional Health: Explore and manage various emotions in a safe space, improving emotional detection and coping skills. 
  • Social Health: Through the focus on community and socializing, connect with like-minded individuals. 

What are the benefits of cold exposure? 

There are numerous, scientifically proven benefits, some of which include:  

  • Immune system:  enhanced immune function & reduced inflammation 
  • Metabolism & body weight management: increased metabolic rate (+350%), support in weight management & fat burning, reduced cardiometabolic diseases. 
  • Prevention of lifestyle & cardiovascular diseases: increased insulin sensitivity, reduced blood pressure (-7 to -8%) & heart rate (-5%), improved cardiovascular health. 
  • Other physiological benefits: improved sleep and blood circulation, adaptation & higher resilience to the cold, increased diuresis (+89%), conversion of white adipose tissues to brown adipose tissues (=”healthy fat”) 
  • Athletic benefits: enhanced athletic recovery, performance & healing of bruises 
  • Mental health: increased resilience, improved stress response, enhanced mood & wellbeing (e.g. dopamine +250%)  

If you are interested in further details, please ask our Guides or head to our blog section. 

Sources:
Hanssen, M.J.W. et al. (2016). Short-term cold acclimation recruits brown adipose tissue in obese humans. Diabetes, 65, 1179–1189.
Huberman,A. (01.05.2022). The Science & Use of Cold Exposure for Health & Performance. Andrew Huberman Lab. https://www.hubermanlab.com/newsletter/the-science-and-use-of-cold-exposure-for-health-and-performance. Retrieved on December 1, 2023.
Huo, C. et al. (2022). Effect of Acute Cold Exposure on Energy Metabolism and Activity of Brown Adipose Tissue in Humans: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Frton Physiol., published online

What are the benefits of heat exposure? 

There are numerous, scientifically proven benefits, some of which include: 

  • Prevention of illnesses:  lowered risk of vascular diseases & reduced occurrence of inflammation, dementia & pain 
  • Respiration: decreased pulmonary congestion & risk of respiratory diseases, improvement in pulmonary artery pressure in patients with asthma & chronic bronchitis 
  • Physiological benefits: improved homeostasis, improved skeletal muscle mitochondrial function & decreased levels of cortisol & cholesterol. 
  • Athletic benefits: increased athletic performance & reduced pain of delayed onset muscle soreness 
  • Mental health: lowered risk of psychotic illnesses, elevated mood & wellbeing 

If you are interested in further details, please ask our Guides.

Sources:
Huberman, A. (01.06.2022). Deliberate Heat Exposure Protocols for Health & Performance. Andrew Huberman Lab. https://www.hubermanlab.com/newsletter/deliberate-heat-exposure-protocols-for-health-and-performance#:~:text=Heat%20the%20sauna%20to%20a,often%20as%207x%20per%20week. Retrieved on January 11, 2024. 
Hussain, J., & Cohen, M. (2018). Clinical Effects of Regular Dry Sauna Bathing: A Systematic Review. School of Health and Biomedical Sciences RMIT University.
Kukkonen-Harjula, K., & Kauppinen, K. (2006). Health effects and risks of sauna bathing. International Journal of Circumpolar Health, 65:3, 195-205, DOI: 10.3402/ijch.v65i3.18102

Why do you use music, light and scent? 

…because they offer scientifically proven health benefits. These elements enhance the overall experience and reinforce the message & topic of each class.  

  • Music (sound) significantly improves the mental & physical health-related quality of life, increases motivation & learning, helps to process emotions & reduce anxiety, and many more 
  • Light (colors) can have a profound effect on the emotional state and trigger various emotions. 
  • Scent can lead to changes in blood pressure, muscle tension, pulse rate and mental condition. High quality essential oils are used to cure physiological and psychological diseases. 

If you are interested in further details, please ask our Guides or head to our blog section. 

Are there any health restrictions? 

While our classes offer numerous benefits, it’s essential to acknowledge potential risks associated with heat-& cold exposure, such as (but not limited to) the occurrence of cardiac diseases, hypotension, infectious diseases with fever, death, skin irritations, heat burns, dehydration, hyperthermia, hypothermia, frostbites, and immune system suppression. Certain health conditions may preclude participation, so it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before attending.

What emergency responses are in place? 

We have comprehensive emergency protocols in place, including first aid kits, emergency buttons and trained Guides capable of providing first aid. There is always someone at the reception who can immediately contact an ambulance.

Can I visit if I’m pregnant or not feeling well?

We prioritize the well-being of our participants and encourage responsible decision-making regarding attendance. 

It is recommended to consult with a doctor before attending your first WeBorn class. After that, the general rule is to decide as if you were going to the gym: if you do not feel fit enough for the gym, you should neither attend a WeBorn class. If you do not feel well, please stay at home.

If you are pregnant, we cannot allow you access (unfortunately).  

POLICIES

Which policies are in place?

Booking 

  • Expiration dates vary depending on the package or membership bought, please check at check-out. Gift cards never expire. 
  • Packages and memberships can also be bought for your friends and family. 

Cancellation 

  • Please cancel at least 12 hours prior to your class to avoid losing a class count. Late cancellations (less than 12 hours) are not reimbursed. 
  • If you have an unlimited membership a late cancellation will additionally block you from booking any further classes for 2 weeks, to prevent misuse. 
  • Cancellations must be done via your profile on the website; phone or email cancellations are not accepted. 

No Show 

Unfortunately, a no-show (not showing up without having cancelled) results in complete loss of the class count. If you are using an unlimited membership, a no show will additionally block you from booking any further classes for 2 weeks, to prevent misuse.

Late arrival 

  • To ensure the best of all experiences, arrive 15 to 20 minutes prior to class so that you have time to get change and settle in.  
  • As we start the class together on time, late arrivals are not permitted to class. If that is the case, you will lose your credit. 

Waitlist 

For any class, there are waitlist spots which you can enroll for. If a spot opens before the class starts you will be notified via email and are able to book the class. Otherwise, no class count is used and remains available for another booking.

Refund 

Cancelling a class up to 12 hours prior results in a class count refund to be used at WeBorn studios. None of our products or services are financially refunded if 14 days have passed since purchase.

No booze or schmooze 

  • We are a strict alcohol-free zone to ensure safety during heat- & cold exposure. Also, we believe that fun parties do not need alcohol. If you arrive drunken, you will not be granted access. 
  • We are a strict non-flirting zone. While we value community and encourage building connections, don’t expect to use WeBorn as your real-life replacement for online dating platforms. Violators could be denied re-access. 

Phone 

  • Breathe. Connect. Reset. without your phones. During the class, we have a strict no-phone policy as we want to ensure that everyone has a pleasant experience, a break from technology and a functioning phone after the class (extreme temperatures make it hard for phones to enjoy). 
  • No pictures can be taken downstairs behind the Community Area unless otherwise indicated. 
  • In the community area a social and connecting environment is key. Phones may be used in silent mode only, no calls allowed. 

Sauna etiquette 

Before sauna bathing, shower thoroughly and dry off well. Please enter and leave the sauna quickly. Leave your slippers outside of the sauna and do not bring any drinks with you. In the sauna, please use a big towel to sit on so that no body part touches the wood. Respect others’ practice and the space they might need.

Cold Plunge etiquette 

Before cold-plunging, shower thoroughly and wait for your turn. Please be respectful of other people’s space. If you prefer having the plunge alone, notify the Guide beforehand. They will try their best to accommodate your wish, but it can’t be guaranteed. Directly after the cold plunge, remain in the seating area around the Guide. At best, use your body heat, not the towel, to dry off.

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