Big gyms like Equinox, Lifetime Fitness, Planet Fitness, and UFC Gym already offer cryotherapy, and hundreds more across the U.S. are following. It’s no longer a side perk; cryotherapy is the recovery trend everyone’s talking about, and members are starting to demand it.
Athletes, busy professionals, and fitness enthusiasts are all looking for ways to recover faster, reduce soreness, and feel energized, and cryotherapy delivers. If your gym doesn’t have it yet, you could be missing out on new members and premium revenue streams.
By integrating cryotherapy at the gym, you can meet this demand, attract new members, and provide added value to your existing clientele. However, to do it right, you need a plan that covers gym readiness, equipment, staff, marketing, and member experience. In this blog, you’ll learn just that:
- How to prepare your gym – space, safety, staff, and budget considerations.
- How to pick the right equipment – whole-body or localized cryotherapy, features, and vendors.
- How to launch and market it effectively – create excitement, drive bookings, and generate revenue.
- Integrate Cryotherapy into Your Gym – Booking systems, member experience, and making it part of your recovery offerings.
Step 1: Prepare Your Gym
Before you even think about buying a cryotherapy chamber, you need to get your gym ready. Cryotherapy is a premium service that requires careful planning to make sure it’s safe, profitable, and enjoyable for your members. Here’s exactly what you need to focus on to get started with cryotherapy at the gym:
1. Space & Safety
Cryotherapy chambers aren’t tiny; they need enough room for safe operation and member comfort. Consider:
- Room size: Make sure there’s enough space not just for the machine, but also for people to move safely around it. You’ll need a clear path for staff to assist members entering or exiting the chamber.
- Ventilation: Proper airflow is critical. Some chambers use liquid nitrogen or other cooling systems, so you need a well-ventilated room to prevent any risks.
- Emergency protocols: Always have clear instructions, emergency stop buttons, and staff nearby. Safety is non-negotiable.
- Non-slip flooring: Members are wearing minimal clothing, and the floor could get wet. Non-slip mats or flooring can prevent accidents.
2. Budget & ROI
Cryotherapy at the gym is an investment, and you need to plan your budget carefully:
- Equipment cost: Whole-body cryo chambers typically range from $40,000–$100,000, while localized cryotherapy units can cost $5,000–$15,000.
- Running costs: Electricity, nitrogen, maintenance, and staff time add up. Factor these in to know your true cost per session.
- Pricing & revenue: You can charge single sessions ($35–$75) or bundle them in packages. Some gyms include cryotherapy in premium memberships to encourage retention.
- Return on investment: If planned well, a cryotherapy chamber can pay for itself in 12–18 months through memberships, packages, and upsells.
3. Staffing & Training
Your staff is the backbone of a safe and enjoyable cryotherapy experience. While certified cryotherapy technicians are ideal, you don’t necessarily need someone with specialized certification for every gym; well-trained staff can run cryotherapy sessions safely as long as they understand the machine and follow proper protocols.
They should know how to turn on and operate the machine, check the temperature, help members in and out, and handle any emergencies.
It’s also important that staff can explain things clearly to members. People will want to know how long a session lasts, what to wear, and if there are any reasons they shouldn’t try it. When your team is confident and helpful, members feel safe and comfortable, and that’s what makes them want to come back. A friendly, knowledgeable staff turns cryotherapy at the gym from just a service into a premium experience that members enjoy and trust.
4. Insurance & Legal Requirements
Cryotherapy at the gym comes with risks, so it’s important to cover your business legally:
- Liability coverage: Talk to your insurance provider about adding cryotherapy to your policy. Make sure injuries or accidents are fully covered.
- Compliance: Local health and safety regulations may vary. Check state and city rules for cryotherapy operations, including signage, emergency protocols, and room specifications.
Step 2: Pick the Right Equipment
Once your gym is ready, the next step is choosing the right cryotherapy machine. Think of it like this: the machine you choose will define how members feel, how often they come back, and how much revenue you can generate.
Whole-body cryotherapy tanks or chambers make people feel like they’re stepping into a high-end recovery spa, while localized units let members target sore muscles without taking up a ton of space. CryoSaunas or hybrid machines give a middle ground, offering a premium feel even in smaller gyms.
Before you make any purchase, you need to understand:
- How your members will use it: Are they serious athletes looking for full-body recovery, or casual gym-goers with targeted soreness?
- Your space limitations: Do you have a large, ventilated room, or a compact area that can only fit a smaller unit?
- Your budget and long-term goals: Some machines cost more upfront but can bring in higher revenue, while others are cheaper but may attract fewer members.
To make this easy, here’s a clear comparison table showing the main types of cryotherapy equipment, their costs, and which gyms they’re best suited for:
| Type of Machine | Cost Range | Space Needed | What’s Great | Watch Out | Who It’s Best For |
| Whole-Body Cryotherapy (WBC) | $40,000 – $100,000 | Big room, good ventilation | The full recovery experience, high member “wow” factor, perfect for marketing | Expensive, needs proper staff and maintenance | Serious athletes, premium gym members, recovery enthusiasts |
| Localized Cryotherapy | $5,000 – $15,000 | Small room | Affordable, compact, easy to use, targets specific body parts | Less exciting visually, won’t draw huge attention | Members with joint or muscle pain, smaller gyms, budget-conscious setups |
| CryoSauna / Hybrid Units | $30,000 – $70,000 | Medium-sized room | Mix of full-body feel and compact design, still premium | Not always as intense as WBC, can still be pricey | Medium gyms, premium-but-space-conscious setups |
Next, there are a few key features and tips you should look for when selecting your machine:
- Temperature control: Adjustable temperatures keep sessions safe and effective.
- Safety interlocks: Automatic shut-offs prevent accidents and ensure your members are protected.
- Ease of cleaning & maintenance: Hygienic cryotherapy tanks are a must in a busy gym.
- Session tracking & monitoring: Some machines let you log member usage, which helps with ROI tracking, marketing, and member engagement.
Step 3: Launch & Market Cryotherapy
Installing a cryotherapy machine is only step one. To make cryotherapy at the gym work, you need a launch plan that drives usage and revenue.
For example, Equinox includes cryotherapy in premium recovery packages, encouraging repeat visits, while Planet Fitness (Black Card) uses it as an exclusive perk to boost membership upgrades.
The Houstonian Club runs “Recovery Days” combining cryotherapy with massage and stretch classes, creating excitement and word-of-mouth buzz. A strong launch ensures members try it, love it, and keep coming back.
Launch Strategically: Start small and build momentum. Offer trial cryotherapy sessions to select members to gather testimonials and feedback. Use this early experience to create promotional content, like short videos or social media posts showing real members enjoying sessions.
Promotional Ideas: Start by giving members a reason to experience cryotherapy at the gym. For example:
- Free trials: Offer first-time sessions for free or at a discount. This gives members a risk-free way to try cryotherapy.
- Bundle packages: Pair cryotherapy with personal training sessions, massage, or recovery classes. This increases perceived value and encourages repeat visits.
- Highlight benefits: Use social media posts, emails, and in-gym posters to clearly communicate faster recovery, reduced soreness, and improved energy.
Positioning Your Service: Cryotherapy at the gym works best when it’s positioned as a premium, science-backed recovery tool:
- Highlight your gym as a wellness-focused recovery hub, where members get results.
- Emphasize the science behind cold therapy, showing how it reduces inflammation, speeds up muscle recovery, and improves overall performance.
Make Cryotherapy Work for Your Gym with SHC
Managing recovery offerings like cryotherapy doesn’t have to be complicated. SHC’s gym management software lets you easily schedule, sell, and track recovery sessions, turning amenities into a revenue-driving feature.
Step 4: Integrating Cryotherapy into Your Gym Experience
To make cryotherapy a core part of your gym, not just a side feature, integration into the overall member experience is key.
Member Scheduling & Convenience
- Make booking simple with your app, kiosk, or online system. Members are more likely to use cryotherapy if it’s easy to schedule.
- Manage demand carefully by limiting session slots so the space never feels crowded or rushed.
Creating a Relaxing Environment: Cryotherapy can feel intimidating at first. Set the tone with:
- Chill music and dim lighting to create a calm, spa-like vibe.
- Optional touches like aromatherapy or branded towels to elevate the premium feel.
Upselling & Cross-Selling Opportunities: Cryotherapy is a gateway to other services:
- Offer recovery packages combining cryotherapy sessions with massage, stretch classes, or personal training sessions.
- Sell retail products that complement recovery, like supplements, skin products, or branded apparel.
Conclusion: Take the Next Step in Recovery for Your Gym
Cryotherapy at the gym is just one piece of the recovery puzzle, but it’s a high-demand service that can set your gym apart. The real success comes from combining cryotherapy sessions with other recovery options, creating a complete wellness experience that members value and keep coming back for.
Ready to turn recovery into a revenue-driving, member-retention powerhouse? Our detailed guide on offering recovery services in gyms walks you through:
- How to plan and implement recovery programs that fit your space and budget
- Which services—cryotherapy, massage, stretch classes, and more—deliver the biggest impact
- Marketing strategies to drive adoption, upsell memberships, and engage members consistently
FAQs: Cryotherapy at the Gym
1. How long is a cryotherapy session?
A standard cryotherapy session typically lasts 2–4 minutes. Short, intense bursts of cold are enough to trigger recovery benefits without overexposure. Staff should guide members to gradually acclimate if it’s their first session.
2. What to wear for cryotherapy?
Members should wear minimal clothing, usually underwear or a swimsuit—along with protective gloves, socks, and sometimes earmuffs to protect extremities from frostbite. Clear instructions ensure safety and comfort.
3. Cryotherapy before or after a workout?
Cryotherapy can be used both ways, but post-workout sessions are most common for reducing muscle soreness and accelerating recovery. Some athletes use it before high-intensity workouts to reduce inflammation, but timing depends on individual goals.
4. How cold is cryotherapy?
Cryotherapy tanks or chambers typically reach -100°F to -250°F (-73°C to -157°C). Staff must monitor temperature carefully and limit exposure to prevent any risk while still delivering full recovery benefits.
5. How much is a cryotherapy session?
Session costs vary by location and package. On average, a single session ranges from $40–$80, while gyms can offer multi-session packages or memberships to increase revenue and encourage regular use.
