Hot, Cold, Repeat: Why more people are turning to contrast therapy for wellness

NORTH NAPLES, Fla.—The New Year often brings a familiar push toward self-improvement. For many people, that means squeezing in more workouts or eating better. At Sweathouz, wellness takes a different approach, one that focuses as much on recovery and mental reset as it does on physical effort.

The Contrast Therapy Studio offers a three-step experience: sauna, shower, and cold plunge. Renato Arriaza, operating partner of Sweathouz, said the goal is not a one-size-fits-all approach to wellness.

“Sometimes we have athletes who come in to recover after a hard workout,” Arriaza said. “Other times, it’s people who just need a moment to themselves.”

The first step is the infrared sauna. There are multiple private rooms for this experience. Unlike traditional hot-air saunas, infrared saunas use light to heat the body directly. This allows guests to sweat at lower air temperatures, typically between 150°F and 165°F.

Arriaza said the saunas are used for a range of purposes, from improving circulation and skin health to promoting muscle recovery and relaxation. While some guests come for physical benefits, others are drawn to the quiet, private space.

After the sauna, guests move to a Vitamin C-infused shower. The shower uses a specialized filter designed to neutralize chemicals like chlorine and chloramines before the water reaches the skin and hair. For many, it serves as a reset point between the heat and the cold.

The final step is often the most intimidating: the cold plunge. The chilled immersion tub is kept around 48 to 50 degrees, creating a sharp contrast after the warmth of the sauna.

“It seems scary at first,” Arriaza said. “But once you get through it, people come out feeling completely reenergized.”

Cold plunging has become increasingly popular due to its potential effects on reducing inflammation, alleviating muscle soreness, and improving mental clarity. Arriaza said many first-time guests are surprised by how quickly the discomfort passes.

Beyond the physical benefits, he said the most significant shift he sees is mental.

“I’ve dealt with so many clients in the past who think pushing themselves to the absolute max is the only way to get results,” Arriaza said. “Sometimes, what your body actually needs is rest.”

As resolutions evolve beyond just doing more, places like Sweathouz are tapping into a broader idea of wellness, one that values slowing down just as much as speeding up.

For those looking to focus on both body and mind, Sweathouz, located at 15405 Collier Blvd, Suite 12 in North Naples, offers a different way to start the year.