Joe Rogan, Andrew Huberman and now, Ruby Randall. You may ask yourself, what do all these notable names have in common? Some say, “Um Ruby, you have nothing in common with these late 40 to mid 50-year-old men.” I say, “Wrong!... we are all ice bath enthusiasts.”
Vikasati recently welcomed me with their revitalised arms, as I experienced the sanctuary’s bathhouse featuring, a warm pool, a cold pool, a freaking freezing pool, a sauna, and an infrared sauna.
Unless you live in a world without Joe Rogan or have been on an extended vacation to the moon, you already know that ice baths and bathhouses are the newest and trendiest way of replenishing and recharging the mind and body. Experts say the physical benefits can include, stress release, decrease inflammation, spike dopamine and endorphins, improve sleep and mood, and help injury or aches. And Vikasati is making it their mission for you to experience these benefits, and they are doing this exceptionally well.
Having the bathhouse set outdoors makes you feel connected to fresh air and the sun in comparison to many other bathhouses that are lab like, in sterile – like rooms. You are benefitting from the ice bath/ bathhouse cycle whilst also recharging with some Vitamin D– a two in one! Plus, with a 90-minute session available, after you are finished your pathway of choice, you can do some well-deserved sun tanning on the deck.
The size of the sauna, fitting up to 24 people, felt so spacious. In the quitter hours of the day, when on average four people are inside the sauna, you never feel claustrophobic, or uncomfortable.
Entering the cold bath or cold plunge, I will be real, it's hard. Influencers and celebs make it look as perfect as the rest of their online life. However, when you are entering that 5.5 degrees ice bath, you are shivering. Watching the clock, time has literally never moved slower. It is moving slower than when you are doing a plank or holding a wall squat. But it builds your mental resilience, and you feel so rejuvenated afterwards. I also really enjoyed the size and depth of the ice bath's. You know, it's the small things you appreciate when you are shivering in Antarctic water.
Vikasati has recommended pathways/ sequencing of the activities available, or you can do whatever works best for you. My preference is a 15 min sauna, 5 min 37-degree hot magnesium bath, 5 min 14-degree cold magnesium bath, back into the hot magnesium bath for 5 mins, 2-5 min in the 5.5-degree cold plunge, another 15 min sauna, ending with 2 mins in the 5.5-degree cold plunge.
The bathhouse haven is the perfect way to meet new, like-minded people if you are planning on leaving some old friends in 2023 but is also the perfect place to bring your friends that you aren’t leaving this year, as a unique activity to do while catching up. Alternatively, come alone! Bring a book, or just your thoughts as you relax and rejuvenate in the calmness.
Speaking of leaving things in 2023, it is also the perfect retreat to inspire your 2024 self. Whether the end of year drinking and treats is getting to you and you just need a place to detox, or health and wellness is something you are aiming to bring into the new year, Vikasati is the place.
Valued at $44 per 90-minute session, you’ll be heading into 2024 feeling cooler than the 5 degrees ice plunge.
That’s my ramble.
Ruby x
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