
Heat opens you up, cold brings you back down.
Heat opens you up, cold brings you back. You move between infrared sauna and a private cold plunge in 90-minute, phone-free sessions, no scrolling, no small talk unless you want it. Durham runs a communal lounge built for fifteen. North Hills books a private suite, just you and the temperature.
Begin by spending time in our sauna. The duration can vary based on your comfort and experience level, but starting with 9 minutes is common. The goal is to increase your core body temperature and encourage sweating, which helps with detoxification and relaxation.
After your sauna session, immediately move to the cold plunge. Initially, aim for about 1–3 minutes in the cold. The shock to the system can be intense for beginners, so it's crucial to start slow and gradually increase your tolerance. The cold plunge helps constrict blood vessels and reduce muscle inflammation. It's important to practice box breathing once you enter the plunge:
4 second inhale · 4 second hold · 4 second exhale · 4 second pause
Alternate between the sauna and the cold plunge, completing 2–3 cycles. Each cycle includes time in the sauna followed by the cold plunge. As you become more accustomed to the process, you may increase the duration slightly, but always prioritize how you feel over pushing for longer times.
To get the full benefit of the Vitamin C shower, ending in the sauna will keep your pores open. Use lukewarm to slightly warm water for comfort. The vitamin-infused shower will help neutralize chlorine in the water, nourish your skin, and further relax the muscles.
It's important to hydrate well after contrast therapy, as you lose fluids through sweating in the sauna and the body requires hydration to help with the recovery process. Also, give yourself time to rest and recover.
Listen to Your Body
The best routine is the one that feels right for you. Adjust times and cycles based on how you're feeling.
Safety First
If you feel dizzy, overly fatigued, or uncomfortable at any point, stop immediately.
Consistency Is Key
Regular practice will help your body adapt to the temperature extremes and maximize the benefits.
Enhanced Recovery
Speed up your body's natural healing process. By stimulating blood flow and reducing inflammation, contrast therapy helps you bounce back faster from workouts, injuries, and the stresses of daily life.
Boosted Circulation
Experience the rush of improved blood flow. The hot phases dilate blood vessels, flooding your muscles with nutrients and oxygen, while the cold phases constrict them, flushing away metabolic waste. This dynamic process revitalizes your body at the cellular level.
Strengthened Immunity
Fortify your body's defenses. Regular sessions can help bolster your immune system, making you more resilient against infections and diseases.