That’s where cryotherapy for gym-goers comes in.
This chilly treatment has become a bit of a buzzword in the fitness world—and for good reason. More and more athletes, PTs, and weekend warriors are turning to cryotherapy in London to recover faster, reduce soreness, and keep smashing their fitness goals without burning out.
But what exactly is cryotherapy? How does it help gym-goers specifically? And is it just another passing wellness fad—or a real game-changer for your recovery routine?
Let’s break it down.
What Is Cryotherapy?
At its core, cryotherapy is a cold therapy treatment that involves exposing the body to extremely low temperatures—think -85°C to -110°C—for a short period, usually 2 to 4 minutes. Sounds intense, right? It is, but that’s kind of the point.
Whole-body cryotherapy is typically done in a special chamber that blasts you with super-cooled air. You’ll wear protective gear (gloves, socks, shorts, and a headband), and then you step in, brace yourself, and let the cold do its thing.
The aim? To trigger your body’s natural healing processes by briefly putting it under controlled stress. In response to the cold, your body constricts blood vessels, boosts circulation, releases feel-good endorphins, and dials up anti-inflammatory responses. Once you step out, the rush of warm, oxygen-rich blood back into your muscles and tissues can help speed up recovery.
Why Gym-Goers Are Loving Cryotherapy
Now let’s get into the nitty-gritty of why cryotherapy for gym-goers is becoming such a hit. Whether you’re doing HIIT, CrossFit, heavy lifting, or endurance training, your muscles are constantly under strain. Here’s how cryotherapy helps:
- 1. Reduces Muscle Soreness (DOMS): Ah yes, the dreaded Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness. You know the one—you smashed leg day on Monday, and by Wednesday, you’re walking like a penguin. Cryotherapy helps reduce inflammation and flush out lactic acid, meaning less soreness and stiffness the day after.
- 2. Speeds Up Recovery: When your body recovers faster, you can train more consistently. Cryotherapy gives your recovery routine a boost by improving circulation and reducing microtears in muscles. It’s like giving your body a fast-forward button.
- 3. Supports Injury Prevention: Injuries often happen when muscles are fatigued or tight. Because cryotherapy helps ease inflammation and promote mobility, it may help reduce the risk of strains, pulls, and overuse injuries.
- 4. Boosts Mental Focus and Energy: Gym motivation isn’t just physical—it’s mental too. One surprising benefit of cryotherapy is the endorphin rush. Many people report feeling energised, alert, and even euphoric after a session. Ideal if you’ve hit a training plateau or need a little push to stay committed.
- 5. Improves Sleep Quality: Good sleep = better muscle recovery. Some studies suggest that cryotherapy can improve sleep patterns and promote deeper rest. So, you’re not just recovering during the day—but all night long too.
Cryotherapy and the Science of Recovery
Let’s geek out for a second. Why does cold therapy work so well?
Here’s what happens inside your body during a cryotherapy session:
- Vasoconstriction: Blood vessels narrow, reducing inflammation and swelling.
- Endorphin Release: Your brain floods with feel-good hormones, which can also help with pain management.
- Improved Blood Flow Post-Session: When you leave the chamber, vessels dilate, flushing out toxins and delivering oxygen and nutrients to sore muscles.
- Reduced Cytokines: These are inflammatory markers. Cryotherapy has been shown to reduce their levels, meaning less inflammation.
That’s why many athletes and gym-goers report less soreness, quicker bounce-back times, and more consistent performance when they incorporate cryotherapy into their routine.
Whole-Body vs. Localised Cryotherapy: Which Is Best for Gym Lovers?
There are a couple of different ways to use cryotherapy:
Whole-Body Cryotherapy: This is the go-to for most gym-goers. It delivers systemic benefits, which means it’s not just treating one sore spot—it’s supporting your entire recovery system. Great for people training regularly or doing full-body workouts.
Localised Cryotherapy: This targets specific areas—great if you’ve got a niggling knee issue, sore shoulders, or a tight lower back. The treatment involves a handheld device that applies cold air directly to the affected muscle or joint.
For most people who hit the gym regularly, whole-body cryotherapy offers the most well-rounded benefits. But if you’re dealing with a particular injury, localised cryo can be a brilliant add-on.
How to Fit Cryotherapy into Your Gym Routine
One of the best things about cryotherapy is that it doesn’t eat up loads of time. A full session takes less than 10 minutes from start to finish, making it easy to slot in before or after your workout.
Here’s how you might use it:
- Post-Workout: Ideal for reducing inflammation and accelerating recovery.
- Rest Days: Boosts circulation and helps your body repair faster, even on days you’re not training.
- Before Training: Some people use it to wake up the nervous system and get mentally focused—though it’s usually more common post-workout.
As for how often? That depends on your goals. Some gym-goers do 1–2 sessions a week, while others doing intense training might go 3–4 times. Many cryotherapy centres offer cryotherapy packages in London and elsewhere, so you can save by booking multiple sessions.
Real Talk: Is Cryotherapy Just for Elite Athletes?
Not at all. While top athletes like Cristiano Ronaldo, Usain Bolt, and Anthony Joshua swear by cryotherapy, you don’t need to be a pro to benefit. If you’re committed to your fitness journey—whether that’s training for a 10k, building muscle, or just trying to stay active—cryotherapy can help you stay consistent and avoid burnout.
In fact, many everyday gym-goers say that cryotherapy has helped them:
- Train harder, more often
- Avoid long recovery gaps
- Bounce back from small injuries quicker
- Keep motivation levels up
And that’s what it’s all about—training smart, not just hard.
What Cryotherapy Won’t Do (Let’s Be Real)
While cryotherapy is a brilliant tool, it’s not a magic cure for bad habits. It won’t fix a poor training plan, lack of sleep, or dodgy nutrition. Think of it like a recovery booster, not a replacement for proper rest, hydration, or warm-down routines.
It’s also not suitable for everyone—those with severe circulatory issues, cold sensitivities, or certain heart conditions should speak to a healthcare provider before booking a session.
But for most gym-goers, it’s a safe, effective, and fast-acting way to give your body that extra bit of TLC it deserves.
Should You Try Cryotherapy?
If you’re serious about staying consistent at the gym, improving your performance, and reducing downtime between sessions, cryotherapy for gym-goers could be a game-changer.
It’s quick. It’s non-invasive. And best of all? It helps you feel better, train harder, and recover smarter. So next time you’re hobbling down the stairs after leg day or dreading another DOMS-filled morning, maybe it’s time to give cryotherapy a go.
There are plenty of cryotherapy packages in London to help you get started without breaking the bank. Your muscles will thank you—promise.
Quick Recap: Why Gym-Goers Are Turning to Cryotherapy
- Reduces muscle soreness
- Speeds up recovery between sessions
- Boosts circulation and energy
- Supports injury prevention
- Fits easily into your weekly routine
Ready to freeze your way to faster gains? Explore your local cryo studio or check out cryotherapy packages in London and book your first session today.
FAQ
Is cryotherapy safe for regular gym-goers or beginners?
Yes, cryotherapy is generally safe for most people, including beginners. If you’re new to the gym or just getting into a regular workout routine, it can actually help ease soreness and keep you motivated. That said, if you have any underlying health issues (like circulatory problems or heart conditions), it’s best to check with your GP before booking a session.
How often should I do cryotherapy as part of my fitness routine?
It really depends on how often and how intensely you train. For general recovery, 1–2 times a week is a good place to start. If you’re training hard or preparing for a competition, 3–4 sessions weekly might be beneficial. Many centres offer cryotherapy packages to make regular sessions more affordable.
Does cryotherapy help build muscle?
Not directly. Cryotherapy doesn’t build muscle on its own, but it supports your ability to train harder and more consistently by reducing soreness and improving recovery. That consistency is what leads to better results over time.
Will I feel cold or uncomfortable during the session?
It’s cold, no doubt—but it’s over quickly! Most sessions last just 2–4 minutes, and you’ll be given gloves, socks, and other protective gear to keep you safe. It’s a controlled environment, and many people say the mental and physical buzz afterwards makes it well worth it.
What should I wear during a session?
You’ll typically wear dry underwear or shorts, socks, gloves, and sometimes a headband or ear protection. Centres will provide most of what you need. You’ll be guided through the whole process so there’s nothing to worry about.
