Trying Contrast Therapy

I tried contrast therapy at Element Outdoor Sauna today, finally checking it off my bucket list. While I’m already a fan of sauna and cold plunge, Element takes it to a different level.

I booked an introductory session with the owner, Denise, to get the full experience—including the science behind the practice and coaching on how to breathe through the extremes. I told her I was chasing the challenge of it, as well as the mental and physical health benefits.

We started with an info session standing on the deck. I was already in my bathing suit, so the exposure to the elements started before I even touched the water with the outdoor temperature around -1ºC. Denise walked me through how the body reacts to thermal shock, and we practiced breathing techniques to prepare for the cold.

Element uses a Morozko Forge Ice Bath, which is top-tier equipment. This isn’t just cold water; there were literal chunks of ice floating on top that had to be moved aside so I could step in. The key was establishing my breath before entering to suppress the body’s natural gasp reflex.

I managed 60 seconds on the first round. It was a shock, but manageable. After some movement on the deck to reset, I moved to the sauna.

The heat was impressive—over 100ºC and bone-dry. I stayed in for nearly 25 minutes. It was intense, but sustainable. Denise was there to check in and guide me on safety and timing. I did like that she left me alone when possible (sauna time) and stuck with me when needed (ice bath).

The second ice bath was the real test. I aimed for a longer duration and submerged my arms and hands. I made it past 90 seconds, though I had to pull my hands out briefly because the sensation was physically painful. Apparently this is quite a common reaction.

Uniquely, there is no warm-up phase after the final plunge. You finish cold, do some movement exercises, and then get dressed.

It was a lot of information to absorb in an hour, but having Denise there to talk me through the process was valuable. It was exactly the challenge I was looking for, and I’ll definitely be heading back soon.