For those in Toronto looking to experience the therapeutic wonders of a sauna and ice bath, look no further than Alter. The studio offers a blend of hot and cold exposure experiences paired with guided mindful breathing and movement sessions.
Visitors can enjoy the warmth of a Finnish sauna with essential oil-infused steam or embrace the invigorating cold through pail showers or ice baths. Guided sessions ensure clear benefits, followed by intentional rest in a tea lounge, fostering a rejuvenating experience to seamlessly reintegrate into daily routines.
Ujwal, Aleya, Melissa, and Tyler, four close friends driven by their shared enthusiasm for hot and cold exposure, joined forces to establish Alter.
“What felt intimidating at first turned out to be a simple yet powerful practice – physically, socially and mentally,” says Alter. “Variations of hot and cold exposure exist all over the world and have existed for centuries. We’ve come together to bring this practice to our community and help them integrate it into their everyday lives.”
Hot and cold exposure therapy, also known as contrast therapy, has been utilized for centuries across various cultures, including the Greeks, Romans, and traditional Chinese medicine. It involves alternating between hot and cold temperatures for health benefits. Today, it’s used by professional athletes and healthcare practitioners to potentially aid recovery, reduce muscle soreness, and promote wellness, continuing to evolve in modern health and sports medicine.
Located on 860 College Street, Alter is now open to founding members.
All images in this article are courtesy of Alter.
