A wooden Finnish sauna room with glass doors, seating, and sauna accessories inside, located within an indoor space with comfortable couches, a coffee table with fresh fruit.

The Benefits of Contrast Therapy for Recovery & Wellbeing

An ice bath on a raised platform with wooden stairs, with a green leafy hanging plant above, and next to a window with natural light, and panelled walls.

WHAT IS CONTRAST THERAPY AND HOW CAN IT BENEFIT YOU?

  • A line drawing icon of a person sitting on a bench in a Finnish sauna on a dark green circular background.

    What is Contrast Therapy?

    Contrast therapy means alternating between heat (like a sauna) and cold (like a cold plunge) to help your body recover. In simple terms, the heat helps relax your muscles and the cold helps reduce inflammation and boost circulation.

  • A line drawing icon of a person raising one arm demonstrating healthy activity on a dark green circular background.

    Muscle Recovery After Exercise

    Research shows that contrast therapy can help reduce muscle soreness and speed up recovery. For example, a study in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research found that athletes who used contrast water therapy reported less muscle soreness and faster strength recovery.

  • A line drawing icon of a person sitting in a meditative pose with crossed legs and hands raised, surrounded by small stars or sparkles.

    Mood and Mental Well-Being

    Cold exposure has also been linked to mood improvements. A 2022 study in Lifestyle Medicine found that even a single cold-water immersion session can lift your mood and reduce negative feelings.

  • A line drawing icon of a steaming sauna bucket with a ladle inside, on a dark green circular background.

    Cardiovascular Health and Longevity

    Long-term sauna use has been associated with heart health benefits. Large Finnish studies, like one published in JAMA Internal Medicine, have shown that regular sauna bathing is linked with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and longer life.

Enjoy the benefits of contrast therapy at Contrast Anerley

Contrast Anerley provides a premium, nature-inspired space with calming colours, a complimentary tea station, and filtered water creating a unique blend of tranquility and convenience.

We deliberately keep our capacity small for your own comfort so you feel like you are in a calming retreat rather than a crowded, communal sauna.

Contrast Anerley sauna with double sinks, wooden cabinet, two decorative mirrors, warm lighting, potted plants, and towels
A black stone sink with a brass faucet on a wooden countertop in Contrast Anerley sauna.

Sauna and Cold Plunge Etiquette

We want everyone to have a wonderfully relaxing and safe experience here at Contrast Anerley, so we have a few friendly etiquette guidelines.

First, always shower before entering the sauna or cold plunge to keep everything fresh.

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Please wear a swimsuit and flip-flops for hygiene and safety.

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It’s important to sit or lie on a towel inside the sauna to absorb sweat and protect the benches.

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Remember to drink plenty of water before and during your session to stay hydrated.

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We ask that you keep your voice down and avoid bringing phones inside so that everyone can enjoy a quiet, peaceful environment.

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Use the designated storage areas for your clothes and belongings rather than leaving them in the lounging areas.

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Please refrain from consuming alcohol, and always listen to your body—if you feel dizzy or unwell, step out immediately.

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And finally, be mindful of your time slot so that everyone can enjoy their session.

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BOOK YOUR SAUNA & COLD PLUNGE SESSION

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BOOK YOUR SAUNA & COLD PLUNGE SESSION |