WHOLE-BODY CRYOTHERAPY

EXPERIENCE WHOLE-BODY EXTREME COLD APPLICATION AND BENEFIT FROM REDUCED INFLAMMATION, A BOOST IN MOOD AND ENHANCED RECOVERY. A GREAT RECOVERY THERAPY FOR ATHLETES AND LIFE ATHLETES.

what is whole-body cryotherapy?

Whole-body cryotherapy is an innovative, performance-enhancing and therapeutic process of reducing body temperature through extreme cold application.

This controlled environment stimulates the body’s natural healing mechanisms. Rapid constriction of blood vessels, followed by robust dilation enhances blood circulation, flooding cells with oxygen and helping the detoxification process. Similarly cryotherapy impacts the nervous system, triggering the release of endorphins that can help elevate mood and provide pain relief. Whole-body cryotherapy has a range of additional benefits that athletes and life athletes can capitalise on with repeat sessions. Sessions are quick, efficient and require no special preparation making it a great option for those with busy lifestyles.

How is whole-body cryotherapy different at the body lab?

The Body Lab’s state-of-the-art duel chamber features a pre-chamber resting at -60 degrees, and a main chamber at -110 degrees. Our pre-chamber ensures you are acclimatised to the cold before stepping into the main chamber for a few minutes. Not only does this help you get in the right head space to get the most out of your session, but it also helps ease new users into this recovery therapy.

Additionally, our expertly trained staff at The Body Lab oversee each session answering any questions you have while providing additional information on whole-body cryotherapy. They help to ensure your comfort while giving you insight and guidance on supporting therapies and additional ways you can optimise your recovery.

What are the benefits of whole-body cryotherapy?

Whole-body cryotherapy has a range of benefits, from physiological to psychological. When exposed to extreme cold, our survival response is triggered, which has a cascade of positive effects that can last outside your cryotherapy session.

reduced inflammation

Cryotherapy can elicit a reduced inflammatory response without impacting muscle regeneration. Whole-body cryotherapy is also commonly used to combat arthritis, drastically reducing the pain levels experienced. These benefits can be experienced throughout the body as the cryotherapy chamber lowers skin and muscle temperature.

Pain Relief

Cryotherapy has been used as an effective method to aid in rheumatoid arthritis. Similarly, whole-body cryotherapy can assist in general muscle pain and joint and muscle disorders. The use of extreme cold in pain relief is something we have seen for decades, with the recommended treatment of placing an icepack on the affected area.

Aid with sleep quality

Through exposure to extremely cold temperatures and the muscle-relaxing impact of whole-body cryotherapy, members and users have improved their sleep quality with repeat sessions. This subjective benefit can be experienced, similar to whole-body cryotherapies' ability to minimise the effect and pain of headaches and migraines.

improved mood

Numerous members and whole-body cryotherapy users note that they experience a boost in mood after a session. The extreme cold in whole-body cryotherapy can cause hormonal physiological responses such as the release of noradrenaline, endorphins and adrenaline, causing positive mental effects and potentially aiding short term with mood disorders like anxiety and depression.

Enhanced Recovery

Once exposed to extreme cold, our bodies constrict our blood vessels and send all our blood towards our organs, known as vasoconstriction. Once we return to our normal temperature after the session, our blood vessels expand, sending oxygen-rich blood back to tissues, known as vasodilation. This process can help flush out toxins and inflammation from our body, aiding in post-exercise and recovery.

reduce signs of ageing

Whole-body cryotherapy aids in disrupting the deeper layer of skin throughout the body. Exposure to extreme cold freezes the outer layer, while the deeper layer responds by creating more collagen. As a result, our skin appears smoother and regains some elasticity. Visual improvements may also be a benefit, depending on the person.

how whole-body cryotherapy enhances training

In recent years, whole-body cryotherapy has become a more popular recovery modality for athletes and health-conscious individuals. Cryotherapy can boost energy levels and decrease fatigue, but more specifically, it is used for its recovery benefits. Post-exercise or post-performance whole-body cryotherapy sessions can accelerate the healing process of swollen or inflamed muscles and help decrease the effect of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). This means there is less downtime between high-quality performances, with athletes and life athletes able to return to their peak in a shorter time frame.

Cryotherapy has been adopted as a recurring recovery modality by teams and professionals worldwide as a holistic, non-invasive approach to fitness recovery. Through whole-body cryotherapy, you can aid your muscles, reduce inflammation, and improve recovery quickly; it is perfect for busy individuals and pros looking to get an edge on their training and recovery schedule.

What to expect from a whole-body cryotherapy session

Whole-body cryotherapy can sound daunting at first, but the process is straightforward, easy, and relaxing if you allow it to be. Members begin their sessions by getting prepared; this includes ensuring they have dry clothing, dry socks and full-fitting gloves. Once kitted out, we suggest they spend 30 seconds in our cryotherapy pre-chamber (-60 degrees) to prepare and clear their skin of excess water.

Then, they step into the main chamber for up to two to four minutes. This depends on experience level. After this time, you'll step out and begin warming up, embracing the natural benefits that come with a whole-body cryotherapy session.

The optimum usage for cryotherapy is around 11 minutes a week, so while you can do repeat or daily sessions, we don't suggest overdoing it.

Cryotherapy stands out as an invaluable tool for our members. It aims to enhance training performance and accelerate recovery by significantly reducing muscle soreness and inflammation. This facilitates more intensive and frequent workouts, directly contributing to achieving fitness goals more effectively. Additionally, it promotes overall well-being through improved sleep quality and mental focus, essential for maintaining a balanced lifestyle.

- Jayke Izli | Elite Personal Trainer

FAQ

Learn more about Whole-Body Cryotherapy and see answers to some of the more common questions we get asked.

  • Recommended Frequency can vary depending on numerous factors. Our members step into our main chamber for up to two to four minutes, depending on their experience levels. This time, however, should be determined by a healthcare professional if you have an ongoing condition.

  • The Body Lab Kensington offers a true whole-body cryotherapy experience with our state-of-the-art duel chamber at -110 degrees Celsius.

  • Cryotherapy sessions start from as little as £75 a session, with discounts on bulk sessions.

  • Potential side effects include frostbite, cold burns, cold-induced urticaria and hypoxia. While uncommon, these can occur when whole-body Cryotherapy is performed without supervision, for longer than the recommended periods, or if there is an underlying health condition present.

  • Conditions such as severe hypertension, certain cardiovascular diseases and pregnancy can make Cryotherapy unsafe for specific individuals. Additionally, those with cold-sensitive medical conditions like Raynaud's disease should avoid Cryotherapy as it can increase complication risk.

  • A cryotherapy machine or cryotherapy chamber is a device used to provide whole-body or localised Cryotherapy. At The Body Lab, our state-of-the-art duel chamber features a pre-chamber at -60 degrees and a main chamber at -110 degrees.

  • During a whole-body cryotherapy session at The Body Lab, you'll first enter the pre-chamber for 30 seconds to prepare for your session. This chamber rests at -60 degrees. You'll then move into the main chamber at -110 for between 2 - 4 minutes, where cold air circulates, depending on your experience level.

  • Cryotherapy can be an excellent supporting treatment to reduce pain and inflammation, aiding recovery from various injuries.

  • Cryotherapy can improve blood circulation, reduce inflammation, and stimulate collagen production, potentially leading to healthier skin.

Read more about Whole-Body Cryotherapy

Read more about Whole-Body Cryotherapy, including research on its benefits, by checking out The Body Lab blog. You can also find information on other recovery therapies to aid your fitness and well-being journey.

Book online

Book your Cryotherapy session online with our live booking system. Simply, choose the date you require to book to check the availability of the therapy and then complete the steps to confirm the booking. If you have any questions, just get in touch.

Other services at the body lab

Learn more about the other recovery therapies at The Body Lab, including Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Floatation Therapy and Red Light Therapy. You can also benefit from a range of specialist training, including elite personal training.

floatation

Embrace the feeling of weightlessness and benefit from mental & physical calmness.

infrared cabins

Heat up and detoxify your body from the inside out with penetrating infrared rays.

hyperbaric oxygen

Improve your oxygen absorption effortlessly and reduce free radicals from oxidative stress.

Osteotherapy

Strengthen your musculoskeletal framework via a non-invasive form of manual medicine.

Massage Therapy

Rejuvenate the body, mind and soul with relaxing and deep tissue massages.

personal training

Gain access to an Elite Personal Trainer that guides you on the best path for your fitness journey.