What to Expect at Your
First Cryo Session
Nervous about the cold? You're not alone. Here's exactly what happens — before, during, and after — so you can walk in ready.
Let's be honest — stepping into a chamber that's -256°F sounds terrifying. We hear it all the time. "Is it safe?" "Will I freak out?" "How do you even breathe in there?" The good news is that most first-timers finish their session, step out, and say some version of the same thing: "That was way easier than I thought."
We put this guide together because we believe an informed client is a comfortable client. So here's everything you need to know before your first visit to Altoona Cryo.
Before You Come In
What to wear: Keep it simple. Underwear or athletic shorts work perfectly. You don't need to bring anything special — we provide gloves, socks, and slippers to protect your extremities. Remove all jewelry and metal accessories before the session; metal conducts cold and you won't want it against your skin.
Your skin needs to be dry. Moisture on your skin makes the cold feel more intense and can cause skin irritation. Don't apply any lotions, oils, or creams before your session. If you're coming straight from the gym, give yourself a few minutes to dry off completely.
Health screening: If it's your first visit, you'll fill out a brief health questionnaire. This takes about five minutes and helps our team make sure cryotherapy is safe and appropriate for you. It's nothing to stress about — just basic health history questions. Our registered nurse and medical director oversee all screening protocols.
Walking In
You'll be greeted by one of our team members who will walk you through the process step by step. Nobody is going to just hand you some gloves and point at the chamber — we're with you the whole time, especially on your first visit.
Our facility is clean, professional, and comfortable. We're inside The Gorilla House Gym at 3200 Fairway Dr Suite 3, so if you've been to the gym before, you know the neighborhood. The cryo studio itself has a calm, focused atmosphere — it's not a loud or overwhelming space.
Inside the Chamber
The chamber used at Altoona Cryo is a CryoStar unit — one of the most trusted names in whole body cryotherapy. Your head stays above the chamber opening the entire time, so you're breathing normal room air throughout the session. You're never sealed in. You can end the session at any time.
Here's the sequence of what happens once you step in:
- First 30 seconds: The chamber cools rapidly. You'll feel a strong, sharp cold — but it's dry, not wet. This is a key distinction. Dry cold is dramatically more tolerable than wet cold. Most people compare it to walking into a very cold freezer, not jumping into an ice lake.
- 30 seconds to 1.5 minutes: Your body starts adapting. The sharpest edge of the cold sensation levels off. Many clients say this is when they start to feel a warming sensation internally, even as the temperature stays extreme.
- Final minute: Your body is in full cold-shock response mode. Endorphins are releasing. You might feel a slight tingling in your extremities — that's normal. Keep moving your arms and shifting your weight slightly to keep circulation going.
The session is 2–3 minutes total. Our technician is right there with you, monitoring the session and talking you through it. If at any point you feel dizzy, faint, or deeply uncomfortable, we stop immediately — no questions asked.
Stepping Out — The Good Part
This is where most first-timers have their "oh, that's what people mean" moment. When you step out of the chamber, your body rebounds hard. Blood vessels that constricted during the session vasodilate rapidly, flooding your muscles with freshly oxygenated blood. The result:
- A warm, flushed feeling spreading through your body
- A noticeable lift in mood — almost euphoric for some people
- Mental clarity and alertness
- A feeling of lightness in your limbs
It takes about 5–10 minutes to fully warm back up. We recommend light movement — a short walk, some arm circles — to help your circulation bounce back. Most clients leave feeling genuinely energized.
Over the Next 24–48 Hours
If you came in with muscle soreness or joint pain, you'll likely notice a significant reduction within a few hours. The inflammatory compounds that were flushed from your tissue during the session are still being processed out by your body.
Sleep quality is another unexpected benefit that shows up after the first session for many clients. The combination of norepinephrine normalization and reduced systemic inflammation tends to make for a deeper, more restful night.
Ready to Book?
The best way to really know what cryotherapy feels like is to try it. We make the first session as comfortable and low-pressure as possible. Call or text us at 814-414-7210 to book, or just show up during our hours — Mon–Fri 9–5, and Saturday by appointment.
We're inside The Gorilla House Gym at 3200 Fairway Dr Suite 3, Altoona, PA 16602. We'll take care of the rest.