Contrast Therapy: Why Combining Sauna and Cold Plunge Supercharges Recovery and Resilience
Contrast therapy at Evolve San Antonio (before remodel ; )
Contrast therapy—alternating between heat (like a sauna) and cold (such as a cold plunge)—is one of the most powerful ways to accelerate recovery, enhance circulation, and build stress resilience. While both modalities are beneficial on their own, using them together unlocks next-level benefits.
What Is Contrast Therapy?
It’s the practice of switching between hot and cold environments to stimulate your circulatory, lymphatic, and nervous systems. Think 15 minutes in a sauna, followed by a 2–5 minute cold plunge, then repeat.
Top Benefits of Contrast Therapy
Boosts circulation: Heat expands blood vessels; cold constricts them. This pumping effect enhances blood flow, oxygen delivery, and waste removal throughout the body.
Reduces soreness and inflammation: Athletes love contrast therapy for faster muscle recovery and less post-workout soreness.
Strengthens the immune system: The rapid temperature changes may stimulate white blood cell production and immune resilience.
Improves mental clarity and mood: Moving between extremes activates the nervous system, increases dopamine, and helps regulate stress.
Enhances sauna and cold plunge benefits: The combination improves heat and cold tolerance, giving you greater benefits from both.
Why Try It at Evolve?
At Evolve, you get unlimited access to sauna, cold plunge, and 20+ other wellness tools with no time limits and no appointments. Whether you're new to recovery or a seasoned biohacker, contrast therapy is a simple way to feel incredible—fast.
Evolve has locations in Dallas, San Antonio, Austin (2025), and Round Rock (2025). Evolve is changing the wellness by offering full access to 20+ services without appointments or upcharges for each service. Full access on price or membership.