How would you feel about entering a chamber that is at a temperature of -110 degrees Celsius?
No, that was not a typo and yes, I am very serious!
Been in business for a little over 7 months now,
Minus 110 Body & Mind on Hutt Street has become one of the hottest places in Adelaide. What makes this place so unique is that Minus 110 is Australia's first and only Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)-approved whole body cryotherapy facility. While this is popular practice in Europe, it has only just started finding its footing here down under. And we are glad to see it take off in a huge way here!
Minus 110 Body And Mind
As the name suggests, Minus 110 Body and Mind aims to provide a comprehensive approach to therapy, where the person undergoing the treatment can experience an improved state of health, wellness, weight loss, and fitness.
So what is Cryotherapy? More specifically,
whole body cryotherapy. Derived from the Greek words
Cryo and
Therapy, the two put together means "cold therapy".
Think of getting into the shower or a bath and all that's coming out of the water taps is freezing cold water. Now, think of WBC as a fantastic alternative to that, with the replacement of the pain that is experienced from piercing cold water temperature with painless, calming cold, dry air, which is stored at -110 degrees celsius in a climate controlled cryochamber.
The idea of undergoing cryotherapy is to allow an up-flow of blood into the areas of the body that don't usually experience it, so that those areas can undergo a reboot of sorts.
Free yourself!
Minus 110's interior design incorporates simplistic designs of snowflakes to represent their business. Going for a minimalistic look, there is a balance of a clinical atmosphere with an inviting environment. There is also a waiting area, which has been furnished with sofas, picturesque photos of snow-covered mountains and trees.The subtly frosted glass walls add a nice touch.
Waiting area
The staff at Minus 110 are hospitable and are more than accommodating to the natural sense of anxiety or even fear that you may experience prior to placing yourself in the cryochamber - after all, you are voluntarily placing yourself in "extreme temperatures", so to speak.
If you're worried about being in an enclosed chamber (and suffer from claustrophobia like me), then there are two key points you need to remember:
1. There is
no roof over the chamber and the
chamber door is always unlocked
If it does get to the point where you can't handle the cold or being enclosed in the chamber, you are more than welcome to exit through the magnetic-handled doors and the treatment can be paused.
2.
Dancing helps!
-110 degrees for 3 minutes is not a long time, but particularly in the last 30 seconds or minute, you will feel a sense of tingling in your thighs and arms, so it's the optimal time to get your groove on and shake that booty to survive an enduring but amazing experience in the cryochamber!
The cryochamber - what a beauty!
All participants are provided with super soft, and super cute, baby blue-colored shorts and a crop top and/or a shirt (depending on what you're comfortable wearing), a pair of gloves, a head band to cover the ears, knee high socks, a nose and mouth mask, and sandals prior to entering the chamber. It may not seem like much to wear, but that's what makes this experience all the more fun! This not only prevents extreme cold-related injury, but also allows for maximum skin exposure to the dry air.
Already dealing with goosebumps and we weren't even in the chamber
It is completely normal to feel nervous and take a couple (a lot!) of deep breaths before entering the chamber. But, after having experienced 30 seconds in -30 degrees, followed by 2 1/2 minutes in -110 degrees, I can tell you now that it is really not that long a time, but it is enough to teach your body how to not only enter "survival mode", but actually survive it!
Upon starting the treatment, my friend and I walked into the chamber with super cushioned walls and were slowly, gently engulfed within the carefully controlled dry air. Once you're in, it is a soothing experience, where the first half (pardon the contradiction) warms you up and gets your body ready to successfully face the challenge of the second half of the chamber.
While in the cryochamber
As the staff predicted, we walked out of the chamber with happy, laughing faces. The treatment was so much fun and I think it helps to experience this form of therapy with a friend. The chamber is equipped to adhere to up to 3 people at a time, so if you can round up your closest mates, the treatment will be a lot more enjoyable.
Taking on -110 degrees with a brave face!
Minus 110 has quickly become a hot spot for people from all walks of life - those suffering from sports-related injuries, endometriosis, or may be looking for skin-related benefits such as collagen production. Additionally, a lot of people have found this treatment to improve on their mental health - and this was a big selling point, personally. While the temperature may sound extreme, you will be surprised at how tolerable it really is. Your body will feel refreshed and re-energized again and you won't be able to help but feel stronger - physically and mentally. While it may not feel all-encompassing in one session, Minus 110 offers packs of 5 or 10 sessions, otherwise you can keep coming back for individual sessions as well. Whatever your choice, it will be a fulfilling one.
Special thanks to
Minus 110 Body & Mind for having me and allowing me to experience what has been a real game changer in the wellness industry. And special thanks to Carina from Everything Adelaide for taking me along!
