Ice Baths Are All the Rage. We Tested Out a $15,000 Tub and Here's What Happened.
'Give it 90 seconds,' says Jonathan Leary, founder and CEO of Remedy Place, branded as a Social Wellness Club with outposts in New York and Los Angeles. 'The most important thing when in an ice bath is getting your breath under control.' To assist with this challenge, a moving light bar at eye level serves as a visual metronome for every inhalation and exhalation (to be done solely through the nose). Soon, focusing on something we're rarely conscious of is the only thing my mind can fixate on—not the light pin-like pricks that accompany any movement—and the urge for flight is eventually replaced by a calming sense of mental stasis.
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As for the physiological effects, 'the cold triggers your circulatory system to kick into high gear, constricting blood vessels and then rapidly dilating them once you step out,' says Leary, a chiropractor. 'This process boosts blood flow, reduces inflammation, and speeds up muscle recovery.'
A regular practitioner of this holistic reboot for 13 years, Leary teamed with Kohler, the over 150-year-old kitchen and bathroom atelier, on a soaking system able to meet the needs of his athlete clients but with a sophisticated aesthetic that would make it a residential showpiece. According to Katie Stevens, Kohler's general manager of wellness products, both partners 'share a deep understanding of how design impacts well-being, so there was a thoughtful approach and consideration behind every detail' when it came to the approximately $15,000 setup that took about two years to develop.
The 550-pound single-person bath—constructed with a high-pressure laminate on the exterior—can be attached to a primary plumbing line for indoor use. Along with a UV-filtration system, it features a single panel that controls the temperature (you can also take a normal hot bath), time, and ambient lighting. There's even a slot for a smartphone or tablet to be mounted if app-guided sessions with the doctor are desired.
After six minutes of submersion, what Leary has found to be the general 'sweet spot' with regard to duration, I exit with a sense of accomplishment accentuated by the spike in endorphins and dopamine that was promised. Yet that's not the regimen's raison d'être. 'This isn't just about surviving the cold—it's about thriving in it,' he says. 'You're training your mind to stay calm under pressure, to embrace discomfort, and to push through barriers.' That would explain why, at least for the moment, I feel so blissfully chill.
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National Geographic
2 days ago
- National Geographic
Robotic massage, binaural beats—these hotels offer high-tech wellness
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'We're seeing more guests turn to technology as a tool for self-care,' says Ara Patterson, the vice president of food, beverage, spa at Equinox Hotels, whose New York City spa is a leader in the high-tech wellness world. Even when tech doesn't replace traditional treatments, Patterson noted, it can be a powerful supplement. '[It's] the alchemy of high tech and high touch,' she says. (The science of getting a good night's sleep in hotels) While some wellness treatments—high-tech or otherwise—can be fun and relaxing, Anne Chapas, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, and a fellow at the American Academy of Dermatology, says it's important to be cautious. Take marketing language with a grain of salt, Chapas says, keeping in mind that some claims of benefits may not be vetted. And, be realistic about results. 'If you want something transformative, wait until you get home and meet with someone who's going to work with you in the long term,' she says. Chapas also suggests steering clear of anything that could negatively impact your trip. 'If you do any chemical peels, or things that are going to make your skin more sensitive, then you really shouldn't do that on a sunny vacation,' she says. Curious to try one of the space-age treatments trending around the world? Here's how five hotels around the world are merging wellness with tech. Equinox Hotel New York, New York The red light sauna at the Equinox Hotel in New York City. Photograph by Joyce Wang, Equinox Hotel The tech: Temperature therapy Perhaps it's no surprise a hotel founded by a luxury fitness brand puts the focus on fine-tuning the body and mind. And while spa visitors at Equinox Hotel New York can get traditional treatments—such as a deep-tissue massage—the hotel specializes in more innovative offerings, like intravenous drips and polynucleotide skin treatments derived from the DNA of salmon. 'Technology allows us to deliver results-driven experiences,' says Patterson, highlighting the spa's 'temperature therapy' circuit designed to invigorate with contrasting heat and cold. Cryotherapy sessions deliver a short-but-intense blast of frigid temperatures, while the spa's MLX i3Dome promises 'detoxification' through infrared light that gradually raises body temperature. Euphoria Retreat, Greece The tech: Cellular repair nanotech Don't be fooled by the spectacular forested backdrop of this wellness resort in Greece's Peloponnese Islands. Guests here come not just for nature, but also for access to high-tech wellness interventions, like NanoVi, a device that purports to repair cells and slow aging. Attendees at this summer's Wellbeing Festival can try the tech, along with red-light therapy and metabolic testing analyzing your body's oxygen and calorie use. 'Biohacking is just finding technological or scientific ways to help the organism function,' says Euphoria Retreat founder Marina Efraimoglou, of the approach. The rest of the year, the retreat offers themed programs interweaving tech and tradition. At Immunity Reset retreats, for example, travelers might follow acupuncture—an ancient, UNESCO-recognized practice originating in China—with ozone therapy, intravenous treatment, and scans intended to detect heavy metals and minerals. They might not be as different as they seem, says Efraimoglou: 'Acupuncture is technology, too." (We searched the planet for the world's best hotels. Here are our picks.) Six Senses Douro Valley, Portugal The tech: Binaural sound healing 'Binaural beats' channel different sound frequencies into each ear, with possible benefits that range from anxiety reduction to cognitive enhancement. It's one reason binaural beats are part of sound healing treatments at a growing number of spas—including many Six Senses properties around the world. 'Certain sounds activate the parasympathetic nervous system—the part of the body that regulates rest,' says Mark Sands, the Six Senses vice president of wellness. 'Introducing sound in the right way can be an additional tool for overcoming stress and anxiety.' At the Six Senses Douro Valley, for example, travelers can try floating sound therapy pool sessions along with a binaural beats listening session in the spa's 'biohacking recovery lounge,' a center for tech-assisted wellness that also features infrared treatments, oxygen deprivation, and vibrating back wraps. Grande Lakes Orlando, Florida The robotic massage at Grand Lakes Orlando is designed to mimic human touch. Photograph Courtesy of Aescape The tech: Robotic massage Some travelers love the soothing touch of a massage—others, not so much. 'People may not feel comfortable working with a traditional masseuse,' says Tony Angel, spa director at The Ritz-Carlton Spa at Grande Lakes Orlando, which has partnered with tech company Aescape to offer robotic massages on tables equipped with jointed 'arms' guided by sensors. With a surface temperature set to that of human skin, the Aescape machine is designed to mimic a wide range of touch, ranging from the sharp pressure of an elbow to the gentler feel of a cupped hand. Angel explained that guests can adjust settings to tweak everything from music to massage intensity and area of focus. 'The guest is in full control,' he says. (What is 'quiet luxury'? Here's where to experience it, if only for a night.) Salishan Coastal Lodge, Oregon The tech: Plant biorhythms Devices, like PlantWave, attach sensors to plant leaves and turn their biorhythms into music. Photograph by Ashwani Sarda, Getty Images Spending time around plants has powerful wellness benefits for body and mind, research shows. And in recent years, scientists have been tapping into plant 'biorhythms' to see what humans can learn by eavesdropping on growing things—like pioneering company PlantWave, which designs sensors that convert plants' electrical activity into sound. At Salishan Coastal Lodge, on the shores of Oregon's Siletz Bay, travelers can tap into that natural music by staying in the Plant Listening Suite, letting a collection of native plants wired with PlantWave technology set the soundtrack for meditative wellness stays. Jen Rose Smith is a Vermont-based writer covering adventure, sustainability, and culture—she's reported stories from six continents and in places spanning the Sinai Desert and Bolivian Andes. Her work has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, Afar, CNN, and other outlets.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
Memphis area to be under heat advisory. What to know about forecast, heat exhaustion
Heat index values are expected to approach or top 105 degrees Fahrenheit across the Mid-South for several days starting July 16, and the National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory starting at 11 a.m. The NWS forecasted a heat index above 100 every day from July 16-22, and the city could face a heat index of 110 degrees on July 17. More than 700 people die from extreme heat every year in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The elderly, the very young and people with chronic diseases, especially chronic respiratory diseases, are especially at risk for heat stroke, Dr. Jeff Mullins, a physician with Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, previously told The Commercial Appeal. But anyone can have a heat-related injury during periods of sustained high temperatures. Here's what you need to know as extreme heat hits the region. How can I stay safe in the heat? One of the best things you can do to avoid heat stroke is 'simply not be out in the sun in the middle of the day,' Mullins said. He also recommended doing any yard work when it's cloudy or when the sun is going down to avoid direct sunlight. Additionally, Mullins recommended hydrating far in advance of any outdoor activities. For example, if you're planning on doing yard work on the weekend, make sure you're hydrating on Friday night. The NWS recommended taking frequent breaks in the shade, wearing lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing and avoiding strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day. Mullins advised taking a break in the shade for every hour you're outside. He cautioned against taking breaks indoors ― cooling off indoors puts stress on your body to reacclimate to the heat when you go back outdoors. It's also helpful to drink electrolytes, he said. He recommended alternating a drink like Pedialyte for every bottle of water. If Gatorade is your electrolyte of choice, you should drink it every third bottle, because its high sugar content can be dehydrating, Mullins said. How hot is too hot to be outside? A healthy adult should delay outdoor activities if the heat index breaks 110, Mullins said. It could take a healthy person a few hours to become dehydrated, but for children or the elderly, it can be as short as 30 minutes, he said. Heat index is not the same as temperature ― it's calculated with both temperature and humidity. More water vapor in the air causes more heat to be transferred to your body, he said. Mullins recommended using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Heat and Health tracker, an online tool that allows you to enter your zip code and see your heat risk. The NWS also warned never to leave children or pets unattended in vehicles during high heat. What is the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke? The most common heat-related injuries are heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat exhaustion occurs when a person has been exposed to too much heat and is dehydrated. Heat exhaustion is not necessarily a crisis, Mullins said, but it can trigger other health issues like a heart attack or a stroke. However, heat stroke is a medical emergency. The treatment is ice, hydration and rest, Mullins said. It's important to watch for the warning signs of heat injuries. Lightheadedness is probably one of the first things a young person will notice. If you feel lightheaded after bending down, it's time to take a break, he said. Dry skin, confusion, loss of consciousness, seizures and high body temperatures are also symptoms of heat stroke, according to the CDC. 'If you find someone that has passed out in the heat…you need to assume heat stroke,' Mullins said. 'Don't worry about whether they look like they're sweating or not, or how they feel when they wake up. If they've passed out, that's a 911 to the emergency room.' Jack Armstrong covers breaking news and the environment for The Commercial Appeal. He can be reached at and followed on X @jca2902. This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis heat advisory: NWS forecast, what to know about heat stroke Solve the daily Crossword
Forbes
5 days ago
- Forbes
8 NYC Wellness Clubs To Restore And Refresh This Summer
Prior to the pandemic, you likely worked at your workplace, worked out at the gym and socialized at a members-only club. But as people continue to work from home and rates of loneliness are on the rise, the boundaries that previously separated these different areas of our life have blurred. Enter: the wellness club. A place where you can sweat and socialize, without the effort of a laborious workout or, in some cases, the commitment of a pricey membership. Blending spa facilities with the atmosphere of a social club, wellness clubs cater to rising demand for connection and self-care. Othership While wellness clubs are popping up around the world, New York City is a hotbed, catering to an increasingly stressed out and lonely population. 'New York City is one of the more socially connected places in the world, but social connections are typically occupied by drinking and partying,' says Remedy Place founder Dr. Jonathan Leary. Sarrah Hallock, co-founder and COO of THE WELL, echoes this sentiment. 'In cities like New York, socializing often revolves around late nights, heavy drinking and fast-paced routines. Wellness clubs offer a space where you no longer have to choose between their health and their social life.' Emily Bent, the co-founder of Othership, agrees, 'a lot of people feel stuck between two options: go out and drink, or stay home and be alone. That's the gap wellness clubs are filling—we're creating a third space where people can connect in a real way, without alcohol or tech in the way.' Blurring the boundary between one's wellness routine and social life, wellness clubs offer a more integrated lifestyle. Moss By blurring the line between one's wellness routine and social life, these wellness clubs envision a more integrated lifestyle. 'Gyms are great if you want to work on your body and co-working spaces are great if you want to work on your output, but there's nowhere to go when you want to work on how you actually feel ,' explains Bent, who envisions Othership as a place where people can regulate their nervous system, release emotion and connect with others. 'Wellness clubs give a certain set of people who have the time and money to focus on health and wellness on a more comprehensive scale,' says cityWell founder Liz Tortolani. THE WELL founder Sarrah Hallock agrees, 'wellness becomes a shared experience that seamlessly blends into all aspects of life—whether it's starting your morning with a Mindful Movement class, dropping in for a steam and sauna session with a friend, or seeing one of our functional nurses for a vitamin infusion drip to nourish your body at a cellular level and boost overall well-being.' "Wellness clubs offer a space where you no longer have to choose between their health and their social life,' says Emily Bent, co-founder of Othership. Othership Acknowledging that self-care looks different for everyone, New York's wellness clubs offer a range of wellness services—from hyperbaric chambers to float tanks to cedar saunas. Recognizing that some people may not where to start, some wellness clubs—like THE WELL and Recoverie, offer expert guidance. 'There's a lack of clear, accessible education around wellness-based lifestyles,' says Recoverie founder Siobhan Peterson. 'We provide the tools and guidance to help them make meaningful, sustainable changes, and because everyone's wellness journey is unique, we work with members to create personalized plans tailored to their individual needs, goals, and rhythms.' "Because everyone's wellness journey is unique, we work with members to create personalized plans tailored to their individual needs, goals, and rhythms," says Recoverie founder Siobhan Peterson. Recoverie What sets wellness clubs apart is that treatments don't have to be experienced individually—instead, socialization is encouraged with co-working spaces and communal lounges, group sauna and bathing sessions, and helping guests reserve private parties or date nights. Some clubs even host events, such as The Moss, where art exhibitions, musical performances, supper clubs and evening salons are held in their upstairs space. Some wellness clubs, like Brooklyn Wellness Club, emphasize community-building over cutting-edge spa facilities. Brooklyn Wellness Club These wellness clubs draw on the ancient tradition of wellness as a shared experience—for centuries, people around the world have practiced communal bathing—but they are distinctively designed for the modern age, with cutting-edge A.I. technology and in person-experiences that satiate our desire for social connection beyond the screen. While no two wellness clubs in New York look the same, they all aim to leave you feeling less tired and less alone. Read on for the top wellness clubs to find connection and restoration in the city that never sleeps. Othership The hydrotherapy circuit at Othership. Othership When co-founder Emily Bent felt burnt out and disconnected, she discovered healing in hot and cold therapy. Recognizing that others felt like her—stressed, overstimulated and craving community—she was surprised with the lack of spaces catering to this need. 'There was nowhere to do it that felt welcoming, intentional, and community-based, so we built it,' says Bent. 'A space to drop in, reset, and be with others—without alcohol, without phones, just real presence.' Guests can choose between a private or shared circuit which includes saunas and ice baths, as well as access to the social commons and expert guides. Essential oils, immersive music and techniques such as visualization and breathwork enhance the experience. 'We're seeing people cry, connect, regulate, heal—all in one session,' says co-founder Bent. 'They're coming back not just for the sauna or the cold, but because it makes them feel something. We've created a space where people can actually process what they're carrying and connect in ways that matter.' Remedy Place Hyperbaric chambers at Remedy Place. Remedy Place When Dr. Jonathan Leary created Remedy Place in 2012, he hoped to fill a void he witnessed in conventional medicine of places where patients could take agency over their own health. 13 years later, Remedy Place has exceeded his original vision. As one of the city's original wellness clubs, Remedy Place combines technology-driven remedies and alternative medicine to take a holistic approach to treating the body. Whether you have a specific health concern or are simply seeking restoration, their vast range of services led by knowledgeable practitioners meet you where you're at. Remedy Place has locations in Manhattan, Los Angeles and Boston. BENJAMIN HOLTROP Ice baths, hyperbaric chambers, lymphatic compression, AI massages, red light therapy, acupuncture and IV drips—there are few treatments they don't offer. Equally as important as the treatments is the social element, 'Instead of centering around food and alcohol, we offer experiences that amplify not only you, but also the people you share them with,' says founder Dr. Jonathan Leary. 'When everyone is elevated, so are the relationships.' While they have two locations in Manhattan, you can now find Remedy place in Boston and L.A. too. Moss Moss. Moss Recognizing the lack of holistic spaces that integrate physical fitness, mental well-being and social connection, sisters Colleen and Hailey Brooks created Moss to fill the gap with a place for finding connection, relaxation and personal development. 'Our inspiration for Moss stemmed from a desire to create a club where members could gather in the shared pursuit of intelligent leisure—our vision of thoughtful, thought-provoking programming—and physical culture—our holistic approach to the individual and social sides of wellness, fitness, and recreation,' says Colleen and Hailey Brooks. Spanning five floors on the corner of Fifth Avenue in Midtown, the club's wellness offerings are expansive, including three thermal pools, a longevity clinic, hammam, cold plunge, spa, training gym, Pilates reformer studio, and sports courts. The upper two floors are devoted to socializing and creativity, with a library bar, symposium, recording studio, piano lounge, and private dining rooms. While still in its final development stages, the main clubhouse is set to open in the fall of 2025, and the pre-opening space on the 59th floor at 500 Fifth Avenue is already hosting events. cityWell Brooklyn cityWell Brooklyn. cityWell If your idea of self-care is a steaming hot bath, this is the wellness club for you. Founder and licensed massage therapist Liz Tortolani was inspired by the ancient tradition of communal bathing to create a bathhouse in Gowanus, Brooklyn, that offered something different from the typical Russian and Turkish bathhouses in the city. 'I wanted to create a space for like-minded wellness seekers to come together and take care of their bodies and minds; and find solace in this demanding city.' The outdoor oasis specializes in hydrotherapy circuits which includes a dry cedar sauna, cold plunge, hot bath, outdoor rain shower and aromatherapy steam. What sets the bathhouse apart from other spas in the city is their $25 community hydrotherapy sessions, which include complimentary towels, snacks and tea, and their massages, which take place in cedar cabins during the winter and outside during the summer, and can be reserved for one or two people. Tortolani's own aromatherapy line of massage oils, body washes and sprays enhances the experiences. Even if you visit outside a communal hydrotherapy session, the safe space encourages community with its LGBTQ+ hydro-sessions, and inviting outdoor lounge space complete with a yoga platform, fire pit, hammock and sun benches. THE WELL THE WELL. THE WELL The idea for THE WELL came from co-founder Sarrah Hallock's personal journey battling an autoimmune condition. When she found that combining Eastern and Western medicine worked, she joined forces with Rebecca Parekh and Kane Sarhan to create a collaborative space that could offer personalized, holistic care from expert practitioners and doctors. 'The science behind what it means to be well is advancing rapidly,' says Hallock. 'We're committed to bringing the most effective new longevity treatments, workout and recovery modalities, and emerging wellness technologies that enhance how we heal and perform while honoring the time-tested systems of Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda.' THE WELL. The Well From IV vitamin drips to acupuncture; health coaching to vibrational energy healing—THE WELL offers a wide range of services, which you can choose from with the assistance of your dedicated wellness concierge. Beyond your personal concierge, a team of experts, led by chief medical officer Dr. Frank Lipman, oversee the programming, offering a level of exerptise and guidance you won't find at your typical gym or spa. 'Wellness isn't just what happens in a doctor's office once a year, it's how we live the other 364 days,' says Hallock. 'People want access to wellness where they live, work, and travel—that's what we're building: communities and environments that support whole-person health as a natural part of everyday life.' Recoverie Recoverie. Recoverie The loss of a close family member during the pandemic forced Siobhan Peterson to reflect on her own health. Realizing her physical and emotional wellbeing had declined due to prioritizing work over her health, she began committing to wellness and was so inspired by how her lifestyle change improved her energy, mindset and relationships, she opened the first wellness club of its kind in Brooklyn to offer her own experience to others. With a goal to 'make wellness feel essential, not exclusive,' and emphasize community over prestige, Recoverie's monthly memberships start at $200. Recoverie. Recoverie Services range from red light therapy to cryotherapy to infrared saunas, and aim to complement, rather than replace the gym. Wellness clubs are often the entry point for people to begin improving their health across multiple dimensions—movement, nutrition, sleep, recovery, and community,' says Peterson. 'We help our members explore those areas in a supportive environment and even organize group workouts at local gyms to lower the barrier to trying something new.' While Peterson initially envisioned Recoverie as an active, health-conscious community working out in Brooklyn Bridge Park, years later, she finds members return for the mental clarity and emotional relief their therapies provide. 'People are carrying so much, stress, self-doubt, emotional fatigue, and when they find a space where they feel safe, supported, and at home, they open up to the possibilities of what real self-care can do. The Brooklyn Wellness Club The Brooklyn Wellness Club. The Brooklyn Wellness Club The co-founder of the first Black, woman-owned yoga studio in the country, Paris Alexandra is expanding her vision to provide a supportive, safe environment for wellness and connection with her latest venture: The Brooklyn Wellness Club. While you won't find spa facilities here, the space acts as more as a wellness hub hosting daily yoga classes and monthly events, such as a Black Men Resting Yoga Class, as well as a co-working space. Their programming also includes offsite events with community partners in Brooklyn. It's this emphasis on community-building that makes owner Alexandra especially proud, 'Seeing the impact on our members and the impact we have in collaborating with our community partners makes this calling well worth it.' Continuum Club Continuum Club. Continuum With over 20 years of experience in the wellness space, founder Jeff Halevy saw the need for a wellness club that utilizes individualized data for a personalized program that delivers measurable results. So he created this members-only club in Greenwich Village that uses the latest AI technology to assess your biometrics and determine which treatments will be most effective in addressing your health concerns. Members programs are powered by wearable health technology connected to the Continuum app, tailoring training, recovery and nutrition to the individual's physiology. From red light therapy to hyperbaric oxygen tanks to cold plunge—you'll find all the latest tech-driven treatments here. A calming oasis that blends co-working, relaxation and socializing coupled with top-notch amenities and a cafe serving a rotating menu of nutritious eats, make the club's air of exclusivity (they cap membership at 250) understandable.
