If someone asked you to willingly stand in Arctic temperatures as part of a hydro-cooling treatment, you’d probably run in the other direction, right?
But the cryotherapy craze is taking off in a big way.
The treatment boasts some pretty impressive benefits from muscle repair to boosting metabolism. And Jennifer Aniston, Alicia Keys, Roxy Jacenko, Cristiano Ronaldo and Daniel Craig are all fans. So, y’know, #bodygoals.
What does cryotherapy involve?
I headed to Cryo in Edgecliff to check it out. It essentially involves you standing in an ice cold chamber filled with nitrogen mist for up to three minutes. When we say ice cold, we mean MINUS 140 DEGREES. But it doesn’t feel too chilly, honest.
You’re given slippers and gloves and when you’re inside the tank, it feels more like a dry cold – it’s very bearable. And you won’t be in the chamber for more than three minutes.
The staff are super professional and completely walk you through it – you’re in and out before you know it.
Me in the cryo chamber.
How does cryotherapy work and what are the benefits?
Here comes the science part… Subjecting your body to freezing temperatures releases the ‘fight or flight’ response, which is not only a metabolism booster but promises a release of happy endorphins and adrenaline.
As your body warms up and brings you back to a normal temperature, it can reportedly burn between 500 – 800 calories in 24 hours.
It’s also said to be good for muscle repair – something I was in dire need of when I went in for my first session as I’d just run a 14 kilometre race and was in a world of pain. (This was very out of character so I really needed all the help I could get…)
Does cryotherapy work?
I actually did feel ‘lighter’ after the three treatments I received and practically floated back to my desk and my sore muscles did feel less painful than before I had the treatment.
However, I’m not sure about the metabolism/fat-burning aspects as it was only three sessions and this would be something that would have to be monitored carefully.
Oh, but I did sleep like a baby. That was probably the best benefit of all!
For more information, head to cryo.com.au
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