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features

Recovery: Cool systems

As health club operators move to incorporate recovery into their offerings to meet growing consumer demand, Steph Eaves takes a look at what cryotherapy and ice bathing can add to the equation

Published in Health Club Management 2024 issue 3

Riccardo Turri
Starpool
photo: Starpool / Riccardo Turri / alice russolo

It’s important to educate clients about recovery and how it’s an essential component of a training programme, and to motivate them by setting mid-term goals. This will make them feel better supported and happier with their results.

The key to generating value and keeping attendance rates high is to guarantee the effectiveness of’ workouts by adding a recovery phase with a cryotherapy product.

Our dry-float Zerobody Cryo is characterised by low energy consumption, which makes it highly effective in terms of sustainability. When Zerobody Cryo is installed and connected to the power supply, the provided cooling system brings the water functioning temperature down to 4-6 °C. The dry unit ensures a gradual exposure to the cold. It also requires minimum support from the operator, which makes it an extremely easy product to use and for staff to be trained in.

We also have two new concepts for the world of fitness: Recovery Class and Recovery Station. These two formats developed to integrate recovery and preventive health in the offer of your gym. The Recovery Class format is for large fitness centres that have a lot of space available and a large flow of clients with diverse requirements. It complements the offering with an exclusive area dedicated to recovery and complete, customised programmes for preventive health.

Recovery Station was conceived to allow fitness and performance training studios to enhance their offer with recovery technologies and effective programmes, in less than 30 square metres. All can be used while clothed.

The key to keeping attendance rates high is adding a recovery phase with a cryotherapy product
Zerobody Cryo offers low energy consumption / photo: Starpool / Gaia Panozzo
Janet Martins
CTN Group
photo: CTN Group

Our cryotherapy cabins are designed with energy efficiency in mind. We recommend offering membership packages or bundled sessions to encourage repeat usage, ensuring a steady stream of revenue. Additionally, highlighting the health benefits of cryotherapy can attract a wider customer base.

Our systems are designed for low maintenance and high efficiency and have been engineered to minimise energy consumption while maximising output, making them cost-effective solutions for health clubs. We offer comprehensive training and support to ensure operators can maximise the lifespan and efficiency of their equipment. Additionally, our technology ensures that the cost-per-session is competitive, allowing operators to offer cryotherapy at a price point that’s attractive to consumers while still maintaining healthy profit margins.

There’s growing demand for wellness and recovery services. Cryotherapy stands out as a cutting-edge solution that can attract a diverse clientele, from athletes seeking faster recovery, to individuals looking for wellness and beauty benefits. Investing in cryotherapy now can set your facility apart, offering a unique service that can drive new memberships and retain existing ones.

Footnote: CTN’s products include cryotherapy, muscle stimulation therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and red light therapy equipment.

We recommend offering membership packages or bundled sessions
Offering cryo sessions can attract a diverse clientele / photo: CTN Group
Colin Edgar
CET CryoSpas
photo: CET CrypSpas

Having worked in the sector for over 20 years, I understand the pressures that rising energy prices are causing for health club owners. It’s a tough balancing act, but with the correct approach, the CryoSpa ice bath can be a revenue generator, rather than simply another cost.

Many of our clients use the CryoSpa offering to get more people through the door, either on a pay-per-use basis, or as new gym members. Most of our clients that operate on a pay-per-use basis see a return on investment within the first year and many within six to nine months. Other clubs thrive by offering cryotherapy as part of a premium package or membership tier.

Energy consumption is another important consideration. While most ice baths cool by conduction alone, CryoSpa ice baths use a combination of conduction and convection, which is much more efficient. The 20 jets provide a powerful cooling modality that means water at 8°C will feel colder than still water at 1°C.

With healthcare and wellness leaning more toward recovery and self-care, even the NHS is introducing social prescribing, where gym memberships and swimming sessions are prescribed as drug-free alternatives. Ice baths are part of this movement, going from the preserve of elite athletes to something members of the public are eager to embrace and by adding an ice bath to your facility, you tap into this growing market.

With daily operating costs in the region of £2 or £3 and income from a single user of £10 for a 5-to-10-minute session, an ice bath can generate £50 to £100 per hour. Some of our clients, such as Bodyscape Gym in Belfast, offer one hour slots to sports teams for £75 a session.

A CryoSpa ice bath can generate £50 to £100 per hour
CryoSpa ice baths cost around £2-3 per day to run / photo: CET CryoSpas / Grizzlys Wolfsburg
Rainer Bolsinger
Art of Cryo
photo: Art of Cryo

The Art of Cryo Vaultz unit has an excellent ratio of energy consumption to performance. The Multi Cryo-Hacking System consumes very little energy and the Flow System also works with a normal socket. Critical cost factors during operation are rent and staff cost; electricity – even with increased rates – is a minor cost driver, provided the operator sells enough treatments.

Heat recovery is an ideal solution for operators with pools in health clubs, the hotel industry and luxury homes, as thanks to WRG ventilation, almost all of the energy used to create the cold temperatures in the cryotherapy unit can be used to support the warming of pool or other water.

A single Vaultz can be turned off in the evenings and re-started the next morning, to save energy during times the systems are not in use.

Even with increased rates, electricity is a minor cost-driver provided the operator sells enough treatments
The Art of Cryo Vaultz is one of a range of recovery products / photo: Art of Cryo
photo: Art of Cryo / Alpenresort schwarz
Kevin Conaway
WellnessSpace Brands
photo: Wellness Space Brands

We’re designing cryotherapy solutions for recovery and wellness that maximise ROI to clubs and have minimal ongoing costs.

The two factors that can drive up cost for cryotherapy are monthly gas or electricity costs, and labour expenses, if the cryotherapy solution requires a full-time attendant. That’s why we developed the CryoLounge+, an advanced recovery chair with complementary cold and heat zones. The bed is easily accessible, fits in any 3m x 2m space and doesn’t require a changing room or attendant. With only a standard electrical outlet required, the chair allows clubs to provide cold and heat to their members at a fraction of the cost they might otherwise face.

Any solution for clubs needs to be practical and accessible for a large number of members. With the unattended CryoLounge+, users can access the units immediately after a workout for a recovery session. They can remain fully clothed, unlike with traditional ice baths and cryotherapy, making it easier to incorporate into their regular routines.

By offering cryotherapy, operators can realise a significant increase in revenue through upgrades to premium memberships. With members looking for holistic and recovery amenities, clubs are seeing an immediate boost in upgrades after offering cryotherapy. These solutions are becoming standard as clubs build out ‘wellness spaces’ for their members. Cryotherapy perfectly complements other wellness and recovery-focused programmes. Our data indicates the best strategy is to provide at least two CryoLounge+ beds to maximise member usage.

Health clubs are seeing an immediate boost in upgrades after offering cryotherapy
Members can remain fully clothed while using CryoLounge+ / photo: Wellness Space Brands
Sign up here to get Fit Tech's weekly ezine and every issue of Fit Tech magazine free on digital.
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features

Recovery: Cool systems

As health club operators move to incorporate recovery into their offerings to meet growing consumer demand, Steph Eaves takes a look at what cryotherapy and ice bathing can add to the equation

Published in Health Club Management 2024 issue 3

Riccardo Turri
Starpool
photo: Starpool / Riccardo Turri / alice russolo

It’s important to educate clients about recovery and how it’s an essential component of a training programme, and to motivate them by setting mid-term goals. This will make them feel better supported and happier with their results.

The key to generating value and keeping attendance rates high is to guarantee the effectiveness of’ workouts by adding a recovery phase with a cryotherapy product.

Our dry-float Zerobody Cryo is characterised by low energy consumption, which makes it highly effective in terms of sustainability. When Zerobody Cryo is installed and connected to the power supply, the provided cooling system brings the water functioning temperature down to 4-6 °C. The dry unit ensures a gradual exposure to the cold. It also requires minimum support from the operator, which makes it an extremely easy product to use and for staff to be trained in.

We also have two new concepts for the world of fitness: Recovery Class and Recovery Station. These two formats developed to integrate recovery and preventive health in the offer of your gym. The Recovery Class format is for large fitness centres that have a lot of space available and a large flow of clients with diverse requirements. It complements the offering with an exclusive area dedicated to recovery and complete, customised programmes for preventive health.

Recovery Station was conceived to allow fitness and performance training studios to enhance their offer with recovery technologies and effective programmes, in less than 30 square metres. All can be used while clothed.

The key to keeping attendance rates high is adding a recovery phase with a cryotherapy product
Zerobody Cryo offers low energy consumption / photo: Starpool / Gaia Panozzo
Janet Martins
CTN Group
photo: CTN Group

Our cryotherapy cabins are designed with energy efficiency in mind. We recommend offering membership packages or bundled sessions to encourage repeat usage, ensuring a steady stream of revenue. Additionally, highlighting the health benefits of cryotherapy can attract a wider customer base.

Our systems are designed for low maintenance and high efficiency and have been engineered to minimise energy consumption while maximising output, making them cost-effective solutions for health clubs. We offer comprehensive training and support to ensure operators can maximise the lifespan and efficiency of their equipment. Additionally, our technology ensures that the cost-per-session is competitive, allowing operators to offer cryotherapy at a price point that’s attractive to consumers while still maintaining healthy profit margins.

There’s growing demand for wellness and recovery services. Cryotherapy stands out as a cutting-edge solution that can attract a diverse clientele, from athletes seeking faster recovery, to individuals looking for wellness and beauty benefits. Investing in cryotherapy now can set your facility apart, offering a unique service that can drive new memberships and retain existing ones.

Footnote: CTN’s products include cryotherapy, muscle stimulation therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and red light therapy equipment.

We recommend offering membership packages or bundled sessions
Offering cryo sessions can attract a diverse clientele / photo: CTN Group
Colin Edgar
CET CryoSpas
photo: CET CrypSpas

Having worked in the sector for over 20 years, I understand the pressures that rising energy prices are causing for health club owners. It’s a tough balancing act, but with the correct approach, the CryoSpa ice bath can be a revenue generator, rather than simply another cost.

Many of our clients use the CryoSpa offering to get more people through the door, either on a pay-per-use basis, or as new gym members. Most of our clients that operate on a pay-per-use basis see a return on investment within the first year and many within six to nine months. Other clubs thrive by offering cryotherapy as part of a premium package or membership tier.

Energy consumption is another important consideration. While most ice baths cool by conduction alone, CryoSpa ice baths use a combination of conduction and convection, which is much more efficient. The 20 jets provide a powerful cooling modality that means water at 8°C will feel colder than still water at 1°C.

With healthcare and wellness leaning more toward recovery and self-care, even the NHS is introducing social prescribing, where gym memberships and swimming sessions are prescribed as drug-free alternatives. Ice baths are part of this movement, going from the preserve of elite athletes to something members of the public are eager to embrace and by adding an ice bath to your facility, you tap into this growing market.

With daily operating costs in the region of £2 or £3 and income from a single user of £10 for a 5-to-10-minute session, an ice bath can generate £50 to £100 per hour. Some of our clients, such as Bodyscape Gym in Belfast, offer one hour slots to sports teams for £75 a session.

A CryoSpa ice bath can generate £50 to £100 per hour
CryoSpa ice baths cost around £2-3 per day to run / photo: CET CryoSpas / Grizzlys Wolfsburg
Rainer Bolsinger
Art of Cryo
photo: Art of Cryo

The Art of Cryo Vaultz unit has an excellent ratio of energy consumption to performance. The Multi Cryo-Hacking System consumes very little energy and the Flow System also works with a normal socket. Critical cost factors during operation are rent and staff cost; electricity – even with increased rates – is a minor cost driver, provided the operator sells enough treatments.

Heat recovery is an ideal solution for operators with pools in health clubs, the hotel industry and luxury homes, as thanks to WRG ventilation, almost all of the energy used to create the cold temperatures in the cryotherapy unit can be used to support the warming of pool or other water.

A single Vaultz can be turned off in the evenings and re-started the next morning, to save energy during times the systems are not in use.

Even with increased rates, electricity is a minor cost-driver provided the operator sells enough treatments
The Art of Cryo Vaultz is one of a range of recovery products / photo: Art of Cryo
photo: Art of Cryo / Alpenresort schwarz
Kevin Conaway
WellnessSpace Brands
photo: Wellness Space Brands

We’re designing cryotherapy solutions for recovery and wellness that maximise ROI to clubs and have minimal ongoing costs.

The two factors that can drive up cost for cryotherapy are monthly gas or electricity costs, and labour expenses, if the cryotherapy solution requires a full-time attendant. That’s why we developed the CryoLounge+, an advanced recovery chair with complementary cold and heat zones. The bed is easily accessible, fits in any 3m x 2m space and doesn’t require a changing room or attendant. With only a standard electrical outlet required, the chair allows clubs to provide cold and heat to their members at a fraction of the cost they might otherwise face.

Any solution for clubs needs to be practical and accessible for a large number of members. With the unattended CryoLounge+, users can access the units immediately after a workout for a recovery session. They can remain fully clothed, unlike with traditional ice baths and cryotherapy, making it easier to incorporate into their regular routines.

By offering cryotherapy, operators can realise a significant increase in revenue through upgrades to premium memberships. With members looking for holistic and recovery amenities, clubs are seeing an immediate boost in upgrades after offering cryotherapy. These solutions are becoming standard as clubs build out ‘wellness spaces’ for their members. Cryotherapy perfectly complements other wellness and recovery-focused programmes. Our data indicates the best strategy is to provide at least two CryoLounge+ beds to maximise member usage.

Health clubs are seeing an immediate boost in upgrades after offering cryotherapy
Members can remain fully clothed while using CryoLounge+ / photo: Wellness Space Brands
Sign up here to get Fit Tech's weekly ezine and every issue of Fit Tech magazine free on digital.
More features
Editor's letter

Into the fitaverse

Fitness is already among the top three markets in the metaverse, with new technology and partnerships driving real growth and consumer engagement that looks likely to spill over into health clubs, gyms and studios
Fit Tech people

Ali Jawad

Paralympic powerlifter and founder, Accessercise
Users can easily identify which facilities in the UK are accessible to the disabled community
Fit Tech people

Hannes Sjöblad

MD, DSruptive
We want to give our users an implantable tool that allows them to collect their health data at any time and in any setting
Fit Tech people

Jamie Buck

Co-founder, Active in Time
We created a solution called AiT Voice, which turns digital data into a spoken audio timetable that connects to phone systems
Profile

Fahad Alhagbani: reinventing fitness

The team is young and ambitious, and the awareness of technology is very high. We share trends and out-of-the-box ideas almost every day
Opinion

Building on the blockchain

For small sports teams looking to compete with giants, blockchain can be a secret weapon explains Lars Rensing, CEO of Protokol
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Bold move

Our results showed a greater than 60 per cent reduction in falls for individuals who actively participated in Bold’s programme
App analysis

Check your form

Sency’s motion analysis technology is allowing users to check their technique as they exercise. Co-founder and CEO Gal Rotman explains how
Profile

New reality

Sam Cole, CEO of FitXR, talks to Fit Tech about taking digital workouts to the next level, with an immersive, virtual reality fitness club
Profile

Sohail Rashid

The app is free and it’s $40 to participate in one of our virtual events
Ageing

Reverse Ageing

Many apps help people track their health, but Humanity founders Peter Ward and Michael Geer have put the focus on ageing, to help users to see the direct repercussions of their habits. They talk to Steph Eaves
App analysis

Going hybrid

Workout Anytime created its app in partnership with Virtuagym. Workout Anytime’s Greg Maurer and Virtuagym’s Hugo Braam explain the process behind its creation
Research

Physical activity monitors boost activity levels

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have conducted a meta analysis of all relevant research and found that the body of evidence shows an impact
Editor's letter

Two-way coaching

Content providers have been hugely active in the fit tech market since the start of the pandemic. We expect the industry to move on from delivering these services on a ‘broadcast-only’ basis as two-way coaching becomes the new USP
Fit Tech People

Laurent Petit

Co-founder, Active Giving
The future of sports and fitness are dependent on the climate. Our goal is to positively influence the future of our planet by instilling a global vision of wellbeing and a sense of collective action
Fit Tech People

Adam Zeitsiff

CEO, Intelivideo
We don’t just create the technology and bail – we support our clients’ ongoing hybridisation efforts
Fit Tech People

Anantharaman Pattabiraman

CEO and co-founder, Auro
When you’re undertaking fitness activities, unless you’re on a stationary bike, in most cases it’s not safe or necessary to be tied to a screen, especially a small screen
Fit Tech People

Mike Hansen

Managing partner, Endorphinz
We noticed a big gap in the market – customers needed better insights but also recommendations on what to do, whether that be customer acquisition, content creation, marketing and more
More features