At YCB, the ice bath isn't about proving you can handle the cold. It's one half of a routine called contrast therapy, and the other half is heat.
Cold Squeezes, Heat Opens
When you get into an ice bath, the blood vessels near your skin narrow. That's called vasoconstriction. When you warm back up in the sauna or hot tub, those vessels open again. That's vasodilation.
Going back and forth between the two challenges your body's natural responses, and it's one big reason people add contrast therapy to their week. Many members describe the feeling afterward as light, loose, and clear-headed.
A Simple Way to Try It
New to contrast? Here's an easy first round:
- Warm up in the sauna until you feel relaxed and toasty
- Step into the Morozko bath, breathe slowly, stay until you shiver
- Rest in the hot tub or green room
- Repeat if it feels good, and finish however you like
Our team will walk you through it on your first visit, so you never have to guess.
Everything Is Ready for You
You could try to piece this together at home. Or you can come to YCB, where it's all set up:
- Morozko Forge ice baths (32–52°F)
- Traditional Swedish sauna
- Salt-water hot tub
- Red Light Lounge and Green Light Room
- JetBoots compression
- Yoga: Flow, Yin, Restorative, and Heated
Stop in for 20 minutes or stay longer. And Premium members get a guest pass, so bring a friend, spouse, or workout partner and do a round together.
Why It Feels So Good
Heat helps your muscles relax and your mind slow down. Cold wakes you up fast. Put them together and you get a feeling that's hard to find anywhere else: relaxed and energized at the same time.
Some people also find contrast therapy helps them feel less stiff after a workout or a long day at a desk. Your body is working to adjust to each temperature, and many people notice they feel lighter afterward.
A Few Ground Rules
- Drink water before and after. The sauna makes you sweat more than you think.
- Start with one round. You can always add more next time.
- Get out if you feel dizzy or lightheaded.
- If you're pregnant or have heart or blood pressure concerns, talk to your doctor first.
Contrast therapy should feel good, not like punishment. Go at your own pace and let it become something you look forward to.
Start With Your Intro Month
The best way to know if YCB fits your life is to come in and feel it. Start your $49 intro month and get unlimited yoga plus the full circuit. Intro special ends October 31.
Want to see it first? Come tour the studio or compare memberships.
Inspired by Morozko Forge's article on ice baths and vasoconstriction.