Written By Jan Sims
KILWORTH - A Kilworth couple is taking the plunge - quite literally - into opening a business based on a hot trend in health and wellness. Or perhaps make that a “cool” trend.
Dave Bryan and Jessica Welsh recently opened Frigid Recovery at 1076 Gainsborough Rd. just west of Hyde Park Rd. Billed as London’s first and only dedicated cold water immersion studio, clients can take a dip in one of three cold-water tubs.
Although athletes have been embracing cold water immersion as a way to alleviate aches and pains, it may be new to many other people. “It’s natural therapy suggested to relieve pain, decrease inflammation, and help with mental health. There are numerous positive benefits,” says Bryan.
Customers typically begin by make an appointment through the company website www.frigidrecovery.ca. Once in the studio, they can choose from one of three tubs. Two of the tubs are kept at a temperature of eight degrees, and the other is kept at 6 degrees. By way of reference, Bryan says the average winter temperature of Lake Huron during the winter is around one degree. “Beginners would start off with the warmer temperatures, and you have anywhere from two and 10 minutes. That’s what research has suggested. You get all the positive benefits between two and 10 minutes,” says Bryan.
Following the cold-water immersion, clients can then warm up on an exercise bike or an infrared sauna in the studio.
As to how soon to expect benefits; that can vary. “Just like with many things, it’s consistent use that you start to see the long-term benefits,” says Bryan. However, he says the sense of exhilaration provides an immediate mental boost. “As soon as you get out and warm up, you feel like a million dollars,” says Bryan.
