Exposure to extreme cold triggers a cascade of physiological responses that have caught the attention of athletes, wellness enthusiasts, and health professionals. Cryotherapy—the practice of using cold temperatures for therapeutic purposes—has gained significant traction as people search for effective ways to support recovery, manage discomfort, and enhance their overall well-being.

The appeal lies in the efficiency and the experience. Sessions typically last just two to three minutes, during which the body’s surface temperature drops rapidly while core temperature remains stable. This controlled cold exposure may support circulation, potentially aid muscle recovery, and leave users feeling energized. For those seeking alternative wellness practices, cryotherapy has emerged as a compelling option that fits seamlessly into busy schedules.

Understanding Cryotherapy

Whole-body cryotherapy chambers create an environment where temperatures can reach as low as -200°F. During these short sessions, the body responds to the cold by redirecting blood flow toward vital organs, which may help reduce inflammation markers throughout the system. Once the session ends and the body warms back up, oxygen-rich blood returns to the extremities, potentially supporting the body’s natural recovery processes.

Athletes have been among the earliest adopters, using cryotherapy between training sessions or competitions. However, the practice has expanded beyond sports performance and is now being adopted in more mainstream facilities. People dealing with chronic discomfort, those looking to support their skin health, and individuals simply seeking a wellness boost have incorporated cryotherapy into their routines. The brevity of each session makes it accessible for those with packed schedules, and it doesn’t require getting wet or changing like cold plunges do. 

Research continues to explore the full range of effects, but users report feeling more alert, experiencing less stiffness, and noticing improvements in their overall sense of well-being. The cold exposure triggers a mild stress response that some believe supports the body’s adaptive processes. Whether used as part of a recovery protocol or as a standalone wellness practice, cryotherapy offers a unique approach to self-care.

MECOTEC: Engineering Excellence in Cold Therapy

Since establishing itself nearly two decades ago, MECOTEC has built a reputation for precision engineering in cryotherapy equipment. Based in Germany with operations now spanning multiple continents, the company has installed more than 1,200 chambers worldwide. Their electric whole-body systems represent a shift from earlier nitrogen-based models, offering more consistent temperature control and operational reliability.

I experienced this firsthand at Beyond Activ in Dallas, Texas, on October 2nd, 2025. Stepping into the MECOTEC chamber brought back memories of being in a Minnesota winter—minus the wind and wet snow. The cold was intense but dry, a strange sensation that became almost meditative. What struck me most was how I felt afterward: despite being surrounded by the bustling energy of an expo hall filled with conversations, demonstrations, and constant movement, I felt genuinely calm and centered. That sense of regulation stayed with me for the rest of the day.

MECOTEC’s product lineup addresses different scales and applications. The cryo:one is the standard chamber with generous interior space, while the cryo:one plus expands that footprint even further. For facilities with space constraints, the cryoair flex provides a compact professional solution. High-volume operations can opt for the cryoair multi, a system capable of accommodating more than 30 users per hour across multiple chambers.

Their cold air devices offer targeted application. These units deliver adjustable airflow and maintain consistent cooling to specific body areas while allowing the treated region to remain accessible and mobile. This approach provides a higher cooling gradient than ice packs without the risk of tissue freezing, making it particularly useful for localized applications in sports training facilities, wellness studios, and beauty centers.

The company’s engineering capabilities extend into industrial applications as well. MECOTEC designs and manufactures ultra-low temperature refrigeration systems for businesses requiring reliable cold storage down to -125°C. These custom solutions serve industries where maintaining specific temperature ranges affects product quality and regulatory compliance. From pharmaceutical storage to food processing, MECOTEC’s industrial systems bring the same precision engineering that made their wellness chambers successful.

MECOTEC established its U.S. presence in 2019 with facilities initially in Anderson, South Carolina, before relocating its headquarters to New Braunfels, Texas, in 2024. This expansion shows their commitment to local support, with certified technicians available to assist customers nationwide. Rather than just selling equipment, the company works with clients to design solutions based on specific needs and business models, including on-site consultations for space planning and technical implementation.

The company’s emphasis on electric systems over nitrogen-based alternatives speaks to the focus on operational consistency and safety. Electric chambers eliminate the need for liquid nitrogen storage and refills, reducing ongoing costs and logistical complexity. Temperature control remains precise throughout each session, and maintenance requirements decrease compared to older technologies.

Final Thoughts

Standing in that MECOTEC chamber at Beyond Activ, surrounded by minus-200-degree air, I wasn’t thinking about industry trends or market positioning. I was focused on my breath, on the strange sensation of my skin tightening, on whether I could make it the full three minutes. That immediate, visceral experience—and the unexpected calm that followed—captures something essential about why cryotherapy continues to attract people despite its seemingly counterintuitive premise.

We spend so much time seeking comfort, optimizing our environments, and avoiding discomfort wherever possible. Cryotherapy flips that script entirely. It asks you to embrace intense cold, to trust that your body knows how to respond, to find benefit in temporary stress. Whether the effects stem from physiological responses, the mental reset that comes from tackling something difficult, or a combination of both, there’s value in occasionally stepping outside our temperature-controlled comfort zones. Sometimes the most memorable wellness experiences are the ones that challenge us most directly.

About Elisa Edelstein
Elisa is a curious and versatile writer, carving her niche in the health and wellness industry since 2015. Her lens is rooted in real world experience as a personal trainer and competitive bodybuilder and extended out of the gym and on to the page as a writer where she is able to combine her passions for empowering others, promoting wellness, and the power of the written word.