At a Glance:

Website: http://www.coldandthirsty.com
Address: 12460 W Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 90066
Length: up to 3 minutes
Price: one session/$70, three sessions/$185, five sessions, $290, month unlimited/$400
Sweat: low
Energy level: high

Cold is so hot right now.

I saw a bag at Cold & Thirsty sporting this mantra and it couldn’t be truer. The ice-cold air frothing in my Instagram pic got some great comments, people wondering what in the world is it? My fiancé couldn’t believe or imagine that I actually stood in such a cold space without…freezing to death. Well I’m here to tell you what it is, why it’s trendy, and why it could be for you.

Cryotherapy was developed in Japan in 1978. The cryosauna is a full body machine that cools to a chilly -230 degrees and below using liquid nitrogen. Standing inside the machine for up to three minutes has many benefits including anti-inflammation, weight loss, stress relief, anti-aging, increase in metabolism, increase in energy, mood improvement, and decrease in injury recovery time by up to 50%.

As I headed in and met co-owner Brooke, I was already scoping out the cute t-shirts, lotions, and candles that they sell in addition to the juice. Brooke and I headed to the back and I changed into the provided robe, high socks, and gloves, making sure to remove all jewelry. Brooke got the machine running as I geared up to freeze!

Once it was ready, I stepped inside onto the platform and took off my robe. My head was sticking out of the opening and it looked like a cloud was swallowing me. Brooke encouraged me to move around in circles to keep the blood flowing as she timed me, hoping I would make it between two and three minutes for optimum results. Out of every body part, I would say my legs felt the coldest and looked really red when I emerged.

Although it is by far the chilliest place I have been, it didn’t feel unmanageable. My teeth chattered a bit but I wouldn’t say it was painful. When I had enough, Brooke gave me my robe and I quickly put it on hoping it would provide some warmth. She took the temperature of my leg and recorded 54 degrees. Brrrrr!! While I can’t speak to many of the side effects, I will tell you that I had a ton of energy afterwards. I think the other benefits can be seen after more regular sessions, as one of the regulars let me know.

Once the freeze sesh was over, I had the chance to try some of Brooke’s creations, Renew juice and Mylk almond milk. The juices ($10) and milks ($8.50-$10) are all raw, 100% organic, cold-pressed, and are sold in the cutest bottles. Not only that, but they’re delicious! The names help indicate exactly what goodness they’ll give you such as “Inflammation Flush”, “Radiant Skin”, and “Heart Happy”. As I threw back shot after shot, I decided that my two favorites were the Honey Vanilla Mylk and Glow, a juice blend of pineapple, cucumber, apple, spinach, and kale.

One of the best parts of their location is that it’s right next door to Studio Elevate, which offers five types of reformer/spin classes: reform sculpt, reform strength, ride, reform and ride, and fundamentals. While I was chatting with Brooke, lots of sweaty clients came in for their post-Pilates juice and all were raving about the studio. I’d say it’s the perfect combo!

Cold & Thirty is open Monday-Friday from 7am-7pm and Saturday and Sunday from 8am-6pm. I can personally recommend an early morning freeze to give yourself the energy you need to tackle the day!