Take the plunge and try a group contrast therapy class
Tinkling ice cubes used to signal a refreshing beverage hitting your hand. These days, it foreshadows a move that will take your breath away—cold plunging. The cool trend is heating up on social media, with the likes of Lady Gaga, LeBron James, and Mark Wahlberg documenting their chilly dips. Reasons to freeze your aaaa–arm off range from inflammation reduction and muscle recovery to metabolic health and stress relief. And while folks up north can jump straight into the frigid waves of Puget Sound or Lake Michigan, those in the sunny South now have Evolve Greenville.
“I don’t wake up excited to get in the water,” admits Jessica Clohessy. “But it’s the after-effect that really keeps me coming back and feeling an addiction for it. I have to start my day in this way, first and foremost, for the big benefits.” The long-time behavioral therapist and fitness guru is so devoted to the cold-water craze that she co-founded Evolve at The Commons. “Our overarching theme is to encourage people to do hard things,” Clohessy shares. “But don’t do it alone. Do it with a group of other people.”
Hot and Cold
Sure, you can purchase ice tubs and cooling gear on Amazon for less than you’d pay for a steak dinner. But do you know what you’re doing, how to do it, and why? At Evolve, a professional guides participants through every step of contrast therapy, with specifically timed stops in a steamy sauna and then a cold-plunge pool. Group classes start at 6a.m. and run all day. “It needs to be guided,” Clohessy says. “I want to be in the room with people and teach them and empower them. Within a group, people embrace the challenge and become more resilient, and through that, step into their fullest potential.”
When asked about the benefits of group contrast therapy, Clohessy points to its ancient origins in Roman, Nordic, and Chinese societies. “The practice balances the body’s system and improves vitality,” she explains. “It’s not just trendy; there is a lot of science behind it. Alternating between the hot and cold improves elasticity of the blood vessels and makes the cardiovascular system more efficient. It creates a full-body, full-mind reset.”
She also notes the power of the crowd when conquering this ritual as part of your wellness routine. “It creates an extension of conversation outside of the sauna and pools,” she says. “You could do this all by yourself, but one of the greatest benefits is the success of being challenged by a group of people, and you leave feeling bold, brave, and strong. You get hooked.”
Evolve Services
- Group Contrast Therapy classes
- Red light therapy
- Steam room
- Massage
Food for Thaw-t
Start low and go slow. Start with three minutes and get in the water slowly.
A safe starting temperature range is 50 to 59 degrees for beginners. Experienced plungers can dip into 39- to 50-degree water.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, you should check with your doctor first if you suffer from heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, poor circulation, venous stasis, or cold agglutinin disease.
137 Welborn St., Ste. A3, Greenville. For more on group and private services, visit EvolveGVL.com.
