Editor’s Note

Another day, another health fad. In our fitnessand health-obsessed society, it’s pretty hard and very expensive to keep up with the Joneses. Ever in search of the fountain of youth, there’s always some new technique to try, some new cream to slather, pill to take, exercise regime to join or guru to follow. I can’t help thinking of gurus as the snake-oil salesmen of our time. And yet, I’m just as susceptible as the next person to fall for the sales pitch.

Last weekend, I was invited to try the new bodycare centre at Moove gym in Melrose Arch. They have a cryogenic therapy booth and the staff was raving about its effects.

We don’t have the cold Atlantic here in Joeys with it’s bone-freezing health benefits that come with waves, soft white sand and, every so often, a few curious dolphins to swim with as an imperative and a bonus. I love the early morning ice dip when I’m in Cape Town, but I’m never there long enough to make it a habit and thus reap the long-term benefits.

But, as Joburgers, we won’t be outdone by the Cape. I know a few people who own ice baths and I’ve tried them on occasion. But without the sand under my feet and the swells to dive into, most of the joy is lost.

I can’t say I was any more taken by standing inside what’s essentially a large fridge. It’s like being locked outside during a Canadian winter with just your undies on. It’s not pleasant, and you get that icedbones feeling similar to freezing water-immersion.

But it’s manageable for three minutes and I felt fresh and tingly afterwards. Which proves the point made by needle wielders, boot camp Obergruppenführers and scalpel architects: too much comfort is apparently bad for us. No pain, no gain.

Enjoy our wellness issue.