By: Erica Mestyanek, Holistic Health Coach & Marketing Executive Dallas Yoga Magazine

Cryotherapy. It’s something most of us have heard of, but few actually experience. I’ll admit, when the opportunity was first presented to me, I was reluctant. The idea of “freezing my naked body” sounded less than appealing. The more I spoke with Kelly from Cryo1one and I researched cryotherapy however, I learned about the amazing benefits it offered. High-profile athletes use cryotherapy as a method to both prevent and relieve various aches and pains. I decided to conquer that fear because I knew I would reap the benefits from experiencing this myself. I just prayed that I would not pee myself during any point in the process.

Before my session:

I planned my session for a day I was scheduled to increase my weights at the gym. Kelly explained to me that it would be more beneficial to have the session before I started aching rather than after. That morning I increased my weights between 5 and 15 pounds depending on the machine. Typically, days when I increase my weights, I feel the “burn” for 3-4 days.

Upon my arrival:

When I arrived to Cryo1one I was feeling quite nervous, but Ali put me at ease. She talked me through the process and helped me prepare for the session. She confirmed I signed the waiver online and explained she needed to take my blood pressure check it was not too low since the cryo process slows your blood circulation.

Prepping for the Cryo-chamber:

Once Ali confirmed my blood pressure was within range, we headed to the room with the cryo-chamber. I was given a bag with gloves, wipes, and socks. She instructed me to take off all my jewelry and undress to my underwear as long as they were completely dry, otherwise I would have to be naked. She also confirmed that I was not sweating anywhere since I had just worked out. It had been 2 hours, I was no longer sweating so I did not have to use the wipes. I put on the gloves and socks as well as a second pair of thick gloves and boots that were in the room. I stepped into the chamber that had previously adjusted to a temperature of -30°F.

My session:

Once I was inside the chamber, Kelly and Ali came in. They adjusted the temperature and my session began. Having been in Texas for the last 15+ years, cold to me was when the temperature outside was less than 50°F. This, was unlike any cold I have ever felt. (I later found out, I had experienced level 1, or -167°F.) Perhaps my face was showing fear, because Kelly spoke to me throughout the entire process to get my mind off my freezing body. She instructed me to rotate 90° every 30 seconds so no part of my body would get frost bite. All I could think was “oh boy, I hope I was positive my underwear was dry when I stepped in.” Before I knew it, 3 minutes had passed and I was done! I was shivering a bit, but when I exited the chamber, I immediately started warming up. For a brief moment, I had a sharp tingling sensation throughout my body. This lasted 5-10 seconds. I got dressed and headed out.

Afterwards:

Instantly, I had an adrenaline rush. I had more energy than I knew what to do with. Two hours later, I crashed; hard. I was completely exhausted and wanted nothing more than to take a nap. I decided to call it a night just after 9pm. That night, I slept beautifully. I had a solid and peaceful 9 hour sleep that night and woke up feeling rejuvenated the next morning. At this point, I still felt zero pain or aches from my workout. Two days later, I was craving another session. My body missed the cold which was strange for me because I am typically a cold natured person.

The Verdict:

Having been two weeks since my session, I can honestly say I have not experienced any aches, sore muscles, or pains since my work out that day. In fact, I would say it helped me recover from the next few workouts even quicker than normal. Although I had a temporary moment of exhaustion a couple hours after the session, all the other “side effects” were completely worth baring it all in negative temperatures for my first Cryotherapy experience. I highly recommend cryotherapy for anyone who is active. Whether you are lifting weights, cycling, running, practicing yoga, etc., you can definitely find relief at Cryo1one.

Go to www.cryo1one.com or just stop by to schedule your first session for $25 at Cryo1one today! 6025 Royal Lane, Suite 219-2, Dallas, TX 75230