Now imagine stepping into a chamber that’s colder than Antarctica for a few minutes and stepping out feeling re-energised, lighter, and ready to take on your next session. That’s full body cryotherapy in a nutshell.
Let’s be honest: it sounds a bit mad. Standing in a cryotherapy at temperatures as low as -110°C doesn’t exactly scream relaxation. But full body cryotherapy is fast becoming a go-to recovery tool for athletes, fitness lovers, and even celebs across the World. So what’s all the fuss about?
Let’s break down the top 10 benefits of full body cryotherapy for fitness recovery—and why you might want to give it a go.
1. Speeds Up Muscle Recovery
Top of the list—and for good reason—is cryotherapy’s ability to speed up recovery post-workout. When you exercise, tiny tears form in your muscle fibres. That’s completely normal, but it’s also what leads to soreness and fatigue.
Full Body Cryotherapy helps by reducing inflammation and flushing out toxins, essentially giving your muscles a fast-forward button for healing. The cold temps constrict blood vessels (vasoconstriction), which reduces swelling. Once you’re back in the warm, the blood vessels dilate again (vasodilation), pumping oxygen-rich blood back into your muscles.
Think of it like an ultra-boosted ice bath—without the shivering or soggy socks.
2. Reduces Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS)
You know that feeling two days after a heavy workout when sitting down feels like a chore? That’s DOMS. Cryotherapy can seriously help reduce the intensity of that next-day soreness.
Because it combats inflammation and soothes stressed muscle fibres, full body cryotherapy helps your body recover more efficiently. Many users report feeling significantly less sore the next day after a cryo session, meaning you can get back to training sooner rather than hobbling around like you’ve aged 40 years overnight.
3. Full Body Cryotherapy Improves Circulation
At first glance, stepping into freezing temperatures might not sound like something that’s good for your blood flow. But surprisingly, it is.
When your body is exposed to such extreme cold, it goes into survival mode—blood rushes away from your extremities and towards your core to protect vital organs. Once you step out of the chamber, the reverse happens: blood floods back through your system, enriched with nutrients and oxygen. This process boosts overall circulation, helping with muscle oxygenation, joint mobility, and even skin health.
Basically, your body gets a fresh delivery of everything it needs to repair and refresh itself.
4. Reduces Inflammation and Swelling
Inflammation is your body’s natural response to injury or strain, but too much of it can slow you down—especially when you’re trying to stay consistent with your workouts.
Cryotherapy has been shown to lower pro-inflammatory markers in the body, meaning less swelling in sore joints and muscles. Whether you’re dealing with tendonitis, shin splints, or just general post-workout puffiness, a few sessions in the cryo chamber can help calm things down and keep you on track.
5. Enhances Athletic Performance
This one’s especially popular with professional athletes and sports teams. By speeding up recovery and reducing muscle fatigue, cryotherapy allows you to train harder and more consistently.
When your body recovers faster, you’re able to increase your training load without overtraining or risking injury. For athletes looking to improve endurance, strength, or even reaction times, cryotherapy has become part of their regular routine.
It’s no surprise that Premier League footballers, rugby players, and Olympic athletes are using it regularly. But you don’t have to be a pro to benefit.
6. Full Body Cryotherapy Improves Sleep Quality
Here’s one you might not expect: cryotherapy can actually help you sleep better.
Post-session, many people report feeling calmer, more relaxed, and sleeping more deeply. This is partly due to the endorphin rush (hello, natural mood boost), but also because cryotherapy reduces inflammation and helps regulate cortisol—the stress hormone that can mess with your sleep cycle.
And let’s be honest, quality sleep is one of the most overlooked recovery tools out there. If you’re not sleeping well, your muscles aren’t recovering properly—no matter how much protein you pack in.
7. Boosts Endorphins and Mood
After a cryotherapy session, many people feel euphoric. That’s not just the adrenaline from braving the cold—it’s a real biochemical reaction.
Cryotherapy triggers a release of endorphins and dopamine, helping to lift your mood and reduce anxiety or stress. It’s a bit like the “runner’s high” you get after a long workout, just without the need to run a half-marathon to get there.
This can be a huge mental boost, especially when you’re in the middle of a tough training block or feeling low on motivation.
8. Supports Joint Health and Mobility
If you’re dealing with stiff joints or minor injuries (knees, ankles, shoulders—we’re looking at you), cryotherapy can help increase mobility and relieve joint discomfort.
The anti-inflammatory effects of cryo are especially beneficial for those with old injuries, mild arthritis, or age-related wear and tear. Many users report feeling looser, more agile, and less restricted after regular sessions.
It’s a handy option if you’re trying to stay active long-term without constantly battling joint niggles.
9. Saves Time Compared to Other Recovery Methods
We all love a good massage, sauna, or hot bath—but let’s face it, they take time. Cryotherapy, on the other hand, is done in under five minutes.
A full session (including prep and change time) takes around 10–15 minutes max. That means you can pop in during your lunch break or straight after a workout and be back out the door without losing half your day.
If you’ve got a busy schedule but don’t want to skimp on recovery, cryotherapy is one of the most time-efficient options available.
10. Complements Other Recovery Tools
Cryotherapy doesn’t have to replace your existing recovery routine—it can fit in alongside it.
Whether you’re doing foam rolling, compression therapy, sports massage, or infrared sauna sessions, adding cryotherapy to the mix can amplify the benefits of each. It primes your body to better absorb the positive effects of other treatments.
In other words, cryotherapy can be the missing puzzle piece in your well-rounded recovery plan.
Final Thoughts: Is Cryotherapy Right for You?
So, there you have it—10 reasons why full body cryotherapy is worth considering if you’re serious about fitness and recovery. From speeding up muscle repair to boosting mood and sleep, there’s a reason more and more gyms and wellness centres across the World are offering cryo chambers.
Of course, it’s not a magic fix—you still need to stretch, eat well, stay hydrated, and get proper rest. But cryotherapy can be a powerful tool in your kit, helping you train smarter, recover faster, and keep your body performing at its best.
If you’re curious, book a taster session or explore cryotherapy packages at a reputable cryotherapy centre to see how your body responds. Just don’t forget your socks and gloves—frostbite is not on the menu!
Have you tried full body cryotherapy? Share your experience in the comments or let us know your top recovery tips. And if you’re new to cryo, check out our beginner’s guide to help you prepare for your first session.
