Cryotherapy. The latest fitness fad to have taken over the world, frozen a few fellas (not literally, of course. We hope…) and hailed itself as the Holy Grail to perfect wellbeing. The practice, which basically consists in standing in a deep-freezing tank for several minutes at an icy temperature of -150°C (-238°F), has become the latest trendy thing to try among athletes and wellbeing purveyors in the States and Europe. Now, it has become available in Shanghai too, at Cyro World, located in northern Jing'an. And, being the great reporters we are, we jumped at the opportunity to try it.
Cryotheraphy is supposed to help you fight inflammation, reduce pain and soreness, and speeds healing. It also aids dramatically in the reduction of swelling and joint related issues. But does cooling weary muscles actually do any good — whether with a pack of frozen peas or a full-body immersion?
We think it kind of does. Delving into a chamber filled to the brim with nitrogen triggered a release of endorphins and adrenaline that left us uber awake and aware, as the cold essentially tricks the body into thinking you are in imminent danger.
But are you?
Not really. Careful protective measures are taken to ensure you don’t get frostbites, or die of hypothermia, and at Cryo World the therapists skillfully guide you through the process from start to finish. We were wrapped up in gloves, socks and slippers, and were ‘watched’ by a staff member throughout the entire treatment. If for any reason you start feeling weird, you can jump out any time, so don’t worry about a freak out about being in a freezing tank.
Cryo World does full body treatments that last around three minutes, while localized treatments take between 10-15 minutes. Each treatment will set you back a modest RMB350, with packages to share with family and friends also available.
If whole body revitalization and rejuvenation isn’t your thing, they also offer more localized treatments, like facials, which we highly recommend. The collagen inducing procedure will leave you feeling refreshed and looking like you’ve been photo-shopped. For real. We have a loooot of selfies to prove it.
Need some more convincing to give it a go? Cryo World’s Managing Director François Le Gourierec told us each session will have you burning around 500 calories. Go cold or go home.
> See Cyro World listing here.
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