Trying Cryotherapy: Supercooling Therapy to Heal Your Body - 20 Minute Fitness #027

On this week's episode of 20 Minute Fitness we are jumping on the trend of cryotherapy and sensory deprivation tanks. Exploring what they are, where they came from and if they actually work. Cryotherapy is essentially stepping into a booth that is cooled with gasified nitrogen. The benefits suggesting this hyper-cooling therapy activates your body's cold shock response. Unlock a trove of benefits from increased metabolism to lowered inflammation. While the sensory deprivation tank (AKA float tank) is a pod that you float in a skin temperature solution of 1,000 lbs of Epsom salt and water. All in order to achieve the sensation of weightlessness.


Just because we love our listeners so much I even tried them for myself! Hear all about my experience at the lovely Reboot Float Spa who offers both cryotherapy and float tanks, here in San Francisco. While I was at Reboot Float Spa, I also explored some other alternative therapy treatments too! Including a session in Reboot's infrared sauna.

Three Things You Will Learn

1.) What's The Science Behind These Alternative Therapies

2.) What Being Cooled To -147 degrees Fahrenheit Actually Feels Like
When walking into the “cryo” experience it was a little intimidating. I mean it's a booth that fills with freezing mist, that's a little scary. However, it's not that bad. In fact, when stepping into the booth it was almost refreshing. I tried a beginner session of three minutes cooling down to -147 degrees. After about 2 minutes it became noticeable chilly, but nothing unbearable. What I can equate it to is standing outside waiting to get into a bar in January. So if you have ever had a horrible cold New Years then congrats, you can handle cryotherapy.

3.) If There Is Any Noticeable Benefit To All Of This?
When walking into the session I was feeling a little groggy coming down from a pretty gnarly cold. However, after the cryotherapy, my sinuses felt distinctly less congested. After that, I moved on to the infrared sauna. In 30 minutes of sitting in the sauna, I forgot I felt sick that morning. Then leaving after completing the float tank, I felt my throat feel clear and my energy was up. So, placebo or not I did feel way better after leaving.

Enjoy!

As always full show notes are available on our website 20minute.fitness.