COLD PLUNGE & CONTRAST THERAPY IN BYRON BAY
At BodyMindLife Byron Bay our world-class recovery studio offers you a holistic approach to wellness through hot and cold therapy.
Our custom built ice bath sits at a cool 5°C and comes with complementary access to our nourishing warm magnesium pool (40°C) allowing you to elevate your cold plunge into a contrast therapy session
OUR MENU
1. CONTRAST PLUNGE
Each 15 min contrast plunge session gives you access to our ice bath & warm plunge, allowing you to alternate between cold & hot plunge at your own pace. Option to add a guide to your booking to support you.
Please arrive 5-10 minutes before booking. Swimmers required. Towel supplied.
2. HOT & COLD SESSION
Want to level up your cold therapy?
Book into our custom hot and cold session which involves:
A 50 minute guided session (up to 8 people) incorporating breath work to regulate your nervous system, a deep detox in our communal far infrared sauna, followed by an expert guided 3 minute cold plunge.
Up level your contrast therapy with social connection & education. Leave feeling connected to self & others.
3. SMALL SAUNA & ICE BATH
Feel like combining your ice bath with an Infrared Sauna?
Book our small state of the art full spectrum infrared sauna & contrast it with a cold plunge. 50 min session for up to 2 people. Perfect post yoga or Pilates class.
Fitted with medical grade chromotherapy, speakers & bluetooth system you can set the mood to suit your needs.
CONTRAST THERAPY PASSES
HOT AND COLD SESSION PASSES
WHAT IS AN ICE BATH?
An ice bath (or cold plunge therapy) is the practice of immersing yourself in water chilled between 5°C-11°C.
Just 1-3 minutes in our cold plunge will unlock a handful of physical and mental health benefits including enhanced recovery, reduced inflammation, and improved mental well-being.
HOW LONG IS AN
ICEBATH SESSION?
A typical cold plunge lasts between 3-5 minutes.
But when you book into a cold plunge session at BodyMindLife you get access for 15 minutes which allows enough time to cycle through your own contrast plunging protocol, alternating between cold & hot plunge at your own pace.
We offer beginner or advanced protocols you could follow or you can add a guide to your booking to support you.
WHAT IS CONTRAST THERAPY?
Contrast therapy at our studio involves alternating between the cold plunge of our 5°C ice bath and the soothing warmth of our 40°C Magnesium pool with an option to add an Infrared Sauna session (see our Sauna facilities here)
This combination is believed to amplify the benefits of each therapy, improving circulation, reducing muscle soreness, and accelerating recovery.
BENEFITS OF ICE BATH & CONTRAST THERAPY
Fast-track recovery
Cold immersion aids in recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage by reducing inflammation and muscle soreness. A study in the Journal of Physiology found that cold water immersion can significantly reduce muscle soreness after intense exercise.
Reduce Pain & Inflammation
Ice baths can reduce pain and inflammation and many athletes claim cold exposure can numb pain receptors that bring down inflammation work like a natural anesthetic. A systematic review found that ice baths & cold exposure significantly reduced delayed-onset muscle soreness post workout.
Improve Overall Mental Health
Regular ice bath sessions can enhance mental clarity and lower stress levels. Cold exposure triggers endorphin release, improving mood and reducing anxiety. A study in Environmental Science & Technology found that outdoor swimming in cold water significantly improved mood and well-being. 11 minutes per week (total exposure) is the sweet spot.
Natural Dopamine Hit
Cold water immersion increases dopamine production, a neurotransmitter linked to pleasure and reward, enhancing mood and well-being. Research published in Frontiers in Psychiatry indicates that cold exposure can elevate dopamine levels by up to 250%.
Improve Your Sleep
The calming effect of cold plunge therapy helps regulate the body's natural sleep cycle, leading to more restful sleep. A study in Sleep Medicine Reviews suggests that regular exposure to cold water can improve sleep quality and duration.
Boost Metabolism
Exposure to cold temperatures activates brown fat synthesis which burns calories to generate heat, increasing metabolic rate and aiding in weight management. Research in The New England Journal of Medicine confirms that cold exposure can stimulate brown fat activity and enhance energy expenditure.
Boost Your Immune System
Regular ice baths can strengthen the immune system by increasing white blood cell production and other immune-boosting substances. A study published in Frontiers in Psychiatry investigated the effect of winter swimming on neuropsychological function and found improvements in mood and cognitive function, which are indicative of a strengthened immune response.
Improve Circulation
Warming up after a cold plunge enhances blood flow and circulation, delivering more oxygen and nutrients to tissues and organs.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What Should I Bring to My Session?
Bring a swimsuit and a towel to your session. We have towels available for hire if your forget yours
Are there any Health Concerns?
If you have a pre-existing cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, type 1 or type 2 diabetes, you need to be cautious when using ice baths. The decrease in core temperature and the immersion in ice constrict blood vessels and slow the flow of blood in the body. Consult your practitioner or physician before using our facilities.
How Long Should I Stay in the Ice Bath?
The recommended duration is 3-5 minutes, but this can vary based on individual tolerance. Our staff will provide guidance for a safe and beneficial session.
What Temperature is the Ice Bath?
Our ice baths are maintained at a consistent temperature Between 5-7°C (41°F) to provide optimal therapeutic benefits.
