You just finished a brutal leg day at Cowboys Fit. Your quads are on fire, your calves are tight, and you are already dreading the stairs tomorrow morning. You walk past the Recovery Lounge and notice the cryotherapy chamber. You have seen the Plano Cowboys players talking about it, and you have definitely heard the buzz. But what exactly is it, and is it worth stepping into a frozen tank for three minutes?
Whether you are training at our flagship at The Star in Frisco or hitting the weights in Plano or Downtown Dallas, recovery is just as important as the workout itself. This guide is here to break down everything you need to know: from cryotherapy benefits and what the experience feels like to the actual whole body cryotherapy cost. We want you to feel like a pro, and that starts with knowing how to fix your body after you push it to the limit.
Key Takeaways
- Cryotherapy exposes your body to -200°F to -240°F (-129°C to -151°C) for 2–3 minutes, triggering natural healing responses.
- Top benefits: faster muscle recovery, reduced DOMS, mood boost, better circulation, and improved focus.
- A single session at a standalone studio costs $50–$100. At Cowboys Fit, cryotherapy is included in the All-Inclusive membership, unlimited, no per-session fee.
- Sessions are safe for most healthy adults. Avoid if pregnant or if you have severe heart conditions, high blood pressure, or Raynaud’s disease.
Cowboys Fit has cryotherapy at The Star in Frisco, Plano, and Downtown Dallas locations.
What is Cryotherapy?
Cryotherapy is a recovery method where you expose your body to ultra-cold temperatures, usually ranging from -200°F to -240°F, for just 2 to 4 minutes. This sudden “cold shock” tells your brain to go into survival mode, which sounds scary but actually triggers your body’s most powerful natural healing responses to reduce pain and fix damaged tissue.
Types of Cryotherapy
Most recovery lounges offer a few different ways to get cold, but not all are created equal. Here is the quick breakdown of what you might see:
- Whole Body Cryotherapy (WBC): This is the gold standard we use at Cowboys Fit. You step into a chamber that surrounds your entire body from the neck down (or sometimes including the head) with nitrogen-cooled air.
- Localized Cryotherapy: Think of this like a high-tech ice pack. A handheld device blows cold air onto a specific spot, like a swollen ankle or a sore shoulder.
- Cryo Facial: This uses the same cold air technology but focuses on the face to tighten skin and reduce puffiness.
Top Cryotherapy Benefits
Why do people willingly stand in sub-zero temperatures? Because the benefits of cryotherapy are hard to ignore if you are serious about your fitness. Here are the six big reasons our members make the freeze a part of their routine:
1. Faster Muscle Recovery
This is the number one reason you will see people in the Recovery Lounge after a heavy lifting session or a HIIT class at Cowboys Fit. The cold causes your blood vessels to constrict and then dilate rapidly once you step out. This “pumping” action helps flush out lactic acid and metabolic waste that makes you feel stiff and sluggish.
2. Reduces Inflammation & Soreness (DOMS)
We have all been there the Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) that hits 48 hours after a workout. Cryotherapy interrupts the inflammation cycle before it can really take hold. By lowering your tissue temperature, it limits the swelling that causes that deep, throbbing ache in your muscles
3. Boosts Energy & Mood
When you hit those freezing temperatures, your body releases a massive wave of endorphins. This is your body’s natural “feel-good” chemical. Most members tell us they walk out of the chamber feeling an immediate “rush” of energy and a much better mood than when they walked in.
4. Improves Circulation
Think of cryo as a reset button for your heart and veins. When you are in the cold, your blood rushes to your core to protect your organs. When you warm back up, that oxygen-rich blood flows back to your extremities with more force, improving your overall circulation.
5. Supports Weight Management
The cold forces your body to work overtime to stay warm, a process called thermogenesis. This can activate brown fat, which actually burns calories to create heat. Just remember, this isn’t a magic fix; it works best when you are already putting in the work with our trainers.
6. Mental Clarity & Stress Relief
The intense cold triggers the release of norepinephrine, a hormone that helps with focus and cognitive function. If you have been feeling brain fog or high stress from work, a quick session can clear your head and even help you sleep better at night.
What Does a Cryotherapy Session Feel Like?
If you have never done it, the idea of -200°F probably sounds like a lot. But don’t worry, it is a dry cold, so it doesn’t sting like jumping into an ice bath does.
Before Your Session
You’ll head to the Recovery Lounge where our staff will make sure you are ready. You need to be completely dry no sweat, no lotion, and definitely no wet hair. You will wear your undergarments, and we will provide dry socks and gloves to protect your fingers and toes.
During Your Session
You step into the chamber, and the cold air begins to circulate. The first 30 seconds are the biggest mental challenge, as your skin temperature drops. After a minute, your body starts to adjust, and it becomes a test of focus. A Cowboys Fit team member is right there the whole time to talk you through it.
After Your Session
Once the door opens, you will feel an immediate sense of relief and a “pins and needles” sensation as your blood starts moving again. Most people feel a blast of heat as their skin warms up. It is the perfect time to head over to the HydroMassage beds to finish off your recovery.
Whole Body Cryotherapy Cost — What You Should Know
The biggest barrier for most people is the cryotherapy cost. If you go to a boutique biohacking studio or a standalone clinic, you are going to pay a premium for every single freeze.
At Cowboys Fit, we wanted to make this accessible to anyone who is serious about their health. We include cryotherapy in our All-Inclusive membership because we know that one session isn’t enough. You need consistency to see the real cryotherapy benefits
Cost Comparison: Standalone Studio vs. Cowboys Fit
| Feature | Standalone Cryo Studio | Cowboys Fit All-Inclusive |
| Single Session | $50 – $100 | Included |
| 10-Session Pack | $400 – $850 | Included |
| Monthly Limit | Usually capped by price | Unlimited |
| Additional Perks | None | Gym access, HIIT, Pool |
| Recovery Tools | Just Cryo | NormaTec & HydroMassage |
Is Cryotherapy Safe?
For the vast majority of our members, cryotherapy is a safe and incredibly effective tool. However, because it puts a temporary stress on your system, it isn’t for everyone.
Who Benefits Most
- Athletes and gym-goers doing high-intensity training like HIIT or heavy lifting.
- People dealing with chronic inflammation or joint pain.
- Anyone looking for a natural energy boost to get through a long work week.
Who Should Avoid It
- Pregnant women
- Anyone with severe heart conditions or high blood pressure.
- People with Raynaud’s disease or a specific allergy to cold.
- Disclaimer: Always consult your doctor before starting cryotherapy if you have pre-existing medical conditions.
How Often Should You Do Cryotherapy?
You won’t get a six-pack from doing just one sit-up, and you won’t get permanent recovery results from just one freeze. Consistency is everything when it comes to seeing real changes in how your body feels. The more consistent you are with your visits to the Recovery Lounge, the stronger the anti-inflammatory and cryotherapy benefits become over time.
At Cowboys Fit, we see members using the chamber for different reasons, so your perfect schedule depends on your specific goals and how hard you’re hitting the gym floor.
The First Month: Finding Your Baseline
If you are brand new to this, we usually recommend starting with 1–2 sessions a week for your first month. This gives your nervous system a chance to acclimate to the cold shock without feeling overwhelmed. It’s a great way to see how your body reacts and how much your energy levels jump after a session.
The “Sweet Spot” for Regular Members
For most of our active members in Plano, 2–3 sessions a week is the magic number for ongoing recovery. This frequency helps stay ahead of chronic inflammation and keeps your joints feeling loose even if you’re doing back-to-back HIIT or strength classes.
Pro-Level Frequency for Athletes
If you are a competitive athlete or currently in a peak training block where your volume is high, you might go up to 5 sessions a week. This is common for those who need to flush out lactic acid daily to keep their performance from dropping.
Because Cowboys Fit All-Inclusive members get unlimited access, you don’t have to stress about the whole body cryotherapy cost every time you want to freeze. You can simply listen to your body and step into the chamber whenever you need that extra edge, without the $75 per-session price tag you’d find at a standalone studio.
About the Cowboys Fit Recovery Lounge
Instead of waiting days for muscle soreness to fade, you can hit the Recovery Lounge for a three-minute “cold shock” that resets your system. This process, known as Whole Body Cryotherapy, uses extreme temperatures to shut down deep-tissue inflammation and get you back to training faster than standard rest ever could.
Beyond just fixing sore muscles, regular freezes boost your mood and focus by releasing endorphins, and it is a completely manageable “dry” cold that our staff will guide you through. The best part? While boutique studios in Dallas or Frisco often charge up to $100 per freeze, Cowboys Fit All-Inclusive members get unlimited access. This makes pro-level recovery a standard part of your fitness routine rather than a luxury expense.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, cryotherapy is about giving your body the best chance to perform at its peak. If you are tired of feeling sore for days after a workout or you just want to see why the world’s best athletes swear by the cold, it is time to try it for yourself.
Cowboys Fit members with an All-Inclusive membership already have unlimited access waiting for them in the Recovery Lounge. If you aren’t a member yet, come see what the hype is about. Claim your free 3-day guest pass and let us show you how we do recovery differently.
Frequently asked questions
What is cryotherapy and how does it work?
Cryotherapy is the use of extreme cold to trigger the body’s natural healing process. When you enter the cold chamber, your blood moves to your core to protect your organs. When you step out, that blood now filled with oxygen and nutrients rushes back to your muscles to repair damage.
What are the main benefits of cryotherapy?
The main cryotherapy benefits include reduced muscle soreness, faster recovery after exercise, and a decrease in overall body inflammation. Many people also use it for a natural energy boost, improved sleep, and better mental focus due to the release of endorphins and norepinephrine.
How much does a cryotherapy session cost?
At a typical standalone studio, you can expect to pay $50 to $100 for a single session. At Cowboys Fit, we believe recovery shouldn’t be a luxury expense. That is why unlimited cryotherapy is included for all of our All-Inclusive members at no extra per-session cost.
Is cryotherapy painful?
It is not painful, but it is definitely a shock to the system. You will feel an intense cold, especially in the first minute, but it is a dry air, so it doesn’t have the bite of cold water. Most people find the three minutes go by much faster than they expected.
How long does a cryotherapy session take?
The actual time spent inside the cold chamber is only 2 to 3 minutes. When you add in the time to check in, change, and get your protective gear on, you are usually in and out of the Recovery Lounge in about 15 minutes.