The science is simple: by subjecting yourself to the extreme cold, your body is sent into shock and works overtime to kick-start its essential systems. This revs up blood circulation, boosting the immune system and reducing inflammation.
Think back to the swollen ankle you acquired playing netball, or that bump on your head – your first thoughts turned to grabbing the nearest bag of frozen peas to relieve your injury, right? This is just one, slightly smaller (and more amateurish) version of cryotherapy.The perks of taking the plunge are endless; a better night's sleep, a supercharged metabolism, banished cellulite and smoother wrinkles to name but a few. Sold?
What to expect from cryotherapy?
Your arctic adventure will begin with a brief medical examination, where your pulse and blood pressure will be checked to ensure you’re fit for what lies ahead. You’ll then change into your bathing suit before being given clogs, socks, gloves and mouth and ear protection to fend off frostbite. It's now time to brave the first of two ice cryo chambers. Here, the air is cooled to minus 60 degrees. After a very brief 30-second stint to allow your body to acclimatise, you’ll then be ushered into a second chamber where temperatures average a casual minus 132 degrees. Once inside you are encouraged to shout, dance, skip or jump around to avoid completely icing over! Three thaw-filled minutes later, you'll be released from the chamber, and the session will end with a turn on the exercise bike, a swim or a brisk massage to warm you up.
The science is simple: by subjecting yourself to the extreme cold, your body is sent into shock and works overtime to kick-start its essential systems. This revs up blood circulation, boosting the immune system and reducing inflammation.
The feel-good factor should kick in as soon as you leave the chamber and begin to warm up. Take our word for it, the overall experience is an uplifting and exhilarating one. Promise!
Good to know
For maximum results, more than one session is advised – but make sure to leave at least a day before going sub-zero again. And for those uneasy about the big freeze, a fully trained member of staff is on standby, so if at any time you feel uncomfortable you can easily make a quick exit.
