Benefits of Cryotherapy for Active Health and Wellness
Nov 23, 2023 • 8min read
When it comes to staying fit, active and healthy, fitness enthusiasts and athletes alike are always on the lookout for innovative methods to elevate their performance and well-being. Cryotherapy, a cooling treatment that has gained significant popularity in recent years, stands out in this regard.
Once a well-kept secret among elite athletes, cryotherapy has now become widely accessible, offering a number of benefits not just for professional competitors but also for everyday fitness enthusiasts who are striving to enhance their overall well-being.
In this blog, we’ll delve into the numerous benefits of cryotherapy, explore why it’s a favorite among both athletes and fitness enthusiasts, discuss the different types of cryotherapy available and provide guidance on how often it should be incorporated into your wellness routine.
What is Cryotherapy?
Cryotherapy is a therapeutic method involving brief exposure to extremely cold temperatures, often as low as -250°F, in controlled environments. This exposure triggers physiological responses that reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, promote muscle recovery and enhance overall well-being.
The Benefits of Cryotherapy For Recovery
Pain and Inflammation Relief
One of the primary benefits of cryotherapy for athletes and regular gymgoers is its ability to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. Athletes frequently use cryotherapy to recover from intense training sessions or injuries. The extremely cold temperature constricts blood vessels, which can help reduce swelling and relieve pain. Cryotherapy triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, providing a natural way to manage discomfort.
Enhanced Recovery
Cryotherapy has become an indispensable tool for those looking to optimize their performance and recovery. The brief exposure to freezing temperatures promotes faster muscle recovery by reducing muscle soreness and increasing circulation. This is especially vital for individuals who need to maintain peak physical condition. By reducing the recovery time between workouts and games, cryotherapy helps the body stay at the top of its game.
According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) may help reduce inflammation, boost the body’s ability to fight off harmful substances and improve the functioning of the autonomic nervous system, all of which can be beneficial for your body’s recovery after physical activity.
Boosted Metabolism and Weight Management
Cryotherapy can also help individuals who are focused on weight management and metabolism. When exposed to cold temperatures, the body works hard to maintain its core temperature, leading to an increase in calorie expenditure. Regular cryotherapy sessions can support your weight management goals by helping you burn extra calories while keeping your appetite in check.
Elevated Mood and Mental Clarity
While cryotherapy is widely recognized for its physical benefits, it can be equally impactful on mental well-being. The treatment stimulates the release of endorphins, not only elevating your mood and reducing stress but also enhancing mental clarity and focus. This holistic approach to wellness underscores an important truth: when your body feels better, your mind typically does too. Many individuals report a noticeable improvement in mental acuity and overall mood following a cryotherapy session, making it a comprehensive tool for both physical and mental rejuvenation.
Types of Cryo at EōS
EōS Fitness offers specialized cryotherapy services tailored to Members’ needs:
CryoLounge+ Loungers
- Targeted Cool Zones: Utilize cool zones to target achy muscles, effectively reducing inflammation, soreness, and swelling after tough workouts.
- Comfort with Heat Zones: Apply heat zones on other body areas for added comfort and relaxation.
- Contrast Mode: Switch cold and hot zones during the last 3 minutes of your session for optimal results.
- Temperature Control: Maintain a comfortable body temperature during the session, with options to set two out of six zones in a different contrast mode. Most users prefer the head and feet in warm settings.
- Versatile Auxiliary Pad: Use the Auxiliary Pad for hard-to-reach areas like knees, wrists, shoulders, etc., for targeted treatment.
This CryoLounge is included in the EōS Will Power Membership, and is available at select locations.
Cryo Chambers
- State-of-the-Art Facility: Our cryo chamber is a full-body cryotherapy solution, providing an immersive and revitalizing experience.
- Whole-Body Benefits: This chamber is designed to envelop your body in a controlled cold environment, which is excellent for reducing overall muscle inflammation, enhancing recovery and boosting the body’s natural healing processes.
- Quick and Efficient: Sessions in the cryo chamber are brief yet intense, offering a fast and effective way to reap the benefits of whole-body cryotherapy.
This advanced cryotherapy option is available at select EōS locations, as a monthly add-on to any Membership type.
How Often Should You Do Cryotherapy?
The ideal frequency varies based on individual goals. For enhanced recovery and performance, multiple sessions per week may be beneficial, while 1-3 sessions per week can suffice for general wellness. Our Personal Trainers can provide personalized advice.
Discover the Transformative Power of Cryotherapy at EōS
Cryotherapy is not just a trend; it’s a proven method for enhancing your health and well-being. Whether you’re an elite athlete looking to gain a competitive edge or someone seeking relief from everyday aches and pains, cryotherapy offers a range of benefits, from pain relief and muscle recovery to enhanced metabolism and mental clarity. With EōS Fitness leading the way in providing innovative cryotherapy options at select locations, access to these benefits has never been easier.
Ready to start your cryotherapy journey? The CryoLounge is available as part of the EōS Will Power Membership at select locations. If you don’t have an EōS Will Power Membership, there’s no time like the present to upgrade!
More Recovery Options Offered at EōS
Apart from cryotherapy, EōS Fitness also provides alternative recovery methods:
The Tank: EōS’ Innovative Recovery Space
Dive deeper into recovery at The Tank, EōS Fitness’ state-of-the-art recovery zone. Here, you can unwind and rejuvenate after an intense workout session with our diverse range of equipment:
- Stretch Tables: Lower stress levels by improving circulation and reducing muscle tension. These tables help establish the appropriate muscle length, restore your body’s natural stability-mobility balance, especially in the hips and feet joints, and aid in recovery by increasing circulation and decreasing muscle tension. For an enhanced experience, try our Assisted Stretch Program, available as an add-on at select locations.
- Hypervolt Percussion Massagers: Ideal for both warm-up and recovery, these massagers offer multiple speeds of percussion for deep-penetrating relief, helping to massage away muscle stress and tension.
- Normatec Compression Boots: Perfect for post-workout recovery, these dynamic air compression boots provide a massage that helps your legs feel refreshed faster, improving your training and maximizing performance.
- DreamSeat Recliners: Experience ultimate relaxation in our DreamSeat recliners. These recliners are designed for supreme comfort and relaxation, making them the perfect spot to relax and recover.
- Human Touch® Massage Chairs: These chairs offer a luxurious massage that helps to reduce tension, promote relaxation and enhance overall well-being.
The Tank is exclusively available as a part of the EōS Will Power Membership at select locations. Visit the Front Desk for more information.
Sauna
Step into our exclusive saunas at EōS Fitness and immerse yourself in a unique spa-like experience. Our saunas are designed not just for detoxification but for a holistic wellness journey that offers a multitude of benefits:
- Detoxification and Purification: Sweating out toxins in a sauna helps to cleanse your body, keeping your muscles loose and aiding in detoxification.
- Enhanced Muscle Relaxation: Experience relief from soreness and muscle tension, perfect for post-workout recovery.
- Improved Circulation: The warm environment promotes better circulation and increased oxygen flow throughout the body.
- Serene Environment: Relax both your body and mind in a calm and tranquil setting, ideal for mental rejuvenation.
- Restorative Experience: Our saunas offer a peaceful and healing space, contributing significantly to your overall wellness and recovery process.
Recovery Room: Your Personal Zen Zone
Recovery is a key component in achieving your fitness goals. Our Recovery Room is a sanctuary where you can relax and give your body the care it deserves. As part of the EōS Will Power Membership and available at select locations, this room features:
- Human Touch® Massage Chairs: Designed for deep relaxation and muscle recovery.
- Normatec Compression Boots: Available at select locations, these boots help in reducing leg soreness and improving circulation.
- CryoLounge+ Loungers: Offered at select locations, these unique loungers provide both cooling and heating capabilities for an enhanced recovery experience.
Rejuvenate: A Comprehensive Recovery Option
The Rejuvenate monthly add-on is available at select locations and offers a variety of advanced recovery tools and treatments:
- Cryotherapy: A full-body cryo chamber for an enclosed cooling experience.
- Therabody Reset Rooms: Equipped with tools like compression boots, SmartGoggles, and Therabody loungers for advanced recovery.
- Wellsystem Hydrotherapy Massage Bed: Features light and sound therapy along with water-jet dry massage for a holistic recovery experience.
- REVIVE: A red light therapy chair, designed for wellness and rejuvenation.
- Human Touch® Massage Chairs: Offering a luxurious massage for relaxation and muscle recovery.
- Hyperice Percussion Massagers: Ideal for targeting muscle stiffness and enhancing recovery.