How I warmed to deep-freeze booster
THE PROBLEM
AFTER a two-week holiday hiking in Central America, my poor legs were so weary and heavy that I could barely walk up a flight of stairs. I was also battling a bad bout of jet-lag.
THE SOLUTION
IN NEED of an energy boost, I turned to KXU, a West London fitness studio and spa favoured by both Prince Harry and Princess Beatrice.
In addition to running a host of fitness classes, KXU boasts a cryotherapy chamber. Popular with A-list celebrities such as Jennifer Aniston, it exposes the body to extremely cold temperatures in an effort to stimulate healing.
According to fans, a session aids muscle recovery, provides an energy boost and triggers a rush of endorphins.
THE TREATMENT
I MUST admit I was nervous before stepping inside the sealed chamber. I’m someone who feels the cold anyway and will sit in the office wrapped in a shawl to shield myself from the airconditioning. So the idea of stripping down to a pair of shorts and sports bra to brave a temperature of minus 85C was slightly terrifying.
Fortunately, I was given some high-tech gear to keep my extremities warm. I popped on thick gloves, a headband, thermal shoes and a mask to protect my nostrils.
The chamber itself looked a bit like a shower cubicle, albeit a very fancy one. I dashed inside and the clock on my threeminute treatment (£95) started. It might not sound like much time, but exposing the body to these temperatures for longer can be risky. Just a few minutes is enough for people to feel the benefit.
There was no denying it was bitterly cold inside but, surprisingly, it was nowhere near as bad as I feared. In fact, the treatment was invigorating.
As music blasted through the speakers, I realised I was rather enjoying myself. My instructor – standing on the other side of the door – encouraged me to keep moving and dance along.
I adopted a strange shuffle, akin to a penguin, and bopped along to the beat.
Afterwards, stepping outside into the warmth, the rush was exhilarating. I felt energised, my foggy head seemed clear, and my legs a little less sore. If only more days could start like this.
LIZ GOODRICKE