It is rumored to believe that the animation legend himself, Walt Disney, was cryo-genically frozen to preserve his body, and to be restored to life in the future. I decided to try something similar, cryotherapy. I didn’t use this treatment for self preservation instead, I used it for a therapeutic purpose.

Whole Body Cryotherapy is a form of medical treatment using liquid nitrogen and refrigerated cold air. It has only been used as a form of medical treatment in the United States for about 10 years. Recently, athletes have been utilizing cryotherapy as an alternative to ice baths to alleviate muscle soreness, which is why I sought this alternative treatment. I went straight from a workout to test that theory myself.

In order for you to receive treatment, you have to strip down to minimal or no clothing. You do have to wear long, almost knee high socks, and mittens. You then step into a standing, vertical vestibule (think of a standing tanning booth). Once you are inside, the pedestal you are standing on is raised so that your neck and head are above the chamber. The liquid nitrogen is then turned on creating a vapor to the tune of -180 degrees Celsius. Yes, NEGATIVE 180 degrees. The treatment lasts between 2-4 minutes, I was in for 3 of the longest minutes- as cold as ice.

I did feel effects immediately-energy! As the day progressed, I felt tightness in my body especially, in my stomach. My stomach felt flatter and tighter up until the next day. I slept really well the night of the treatment, also. So where does one go to receive cryotherapy? I went to Grace Medical Aesthetics in Middlebury. They are actually running a Groupon so you can try a session for yourself! Without the deal, one session costs $55. Would I do it again? I would. This is something fitness centers should look into offering!

Big thank you to Grace Medical Aesthetics for their friendly staff. I hope to be back soon!