Cold exposure is now a core service in Indian recovery centres. The two main formats are whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) and the cold plunge. They feel different, run differently and suit different business models. This guide compares them using the Alteon equipment TechFit supplies.
How each one works
Whole-body cryotherapy exposes the body to very cold, dry air for a short time. Electric cabins such as the Alteon ICYONYX work from about -110°C to -150°C; nitrogen cabins such as the CryoOnyx Pro go lower. A typical session lasts two to three minutes.
A cold plunge is immersion in chilled water. Alteon Polar plunges hold water anywhere between 5°C and 42°C, so the same unit can also run warm. Sessions are longer than cryotherapy and the guest is immersed up to the shoulders.
Throughput and session flow
Because cryotherapy sessions are short, one cabin can serve many guests a day; the Alteon Cryo Hybrid is rated for 100 plus sessions per day. A plunge serves one guest at a time for a longer session, so centres with high footfall often install two plunges side by side.
Power, nitrogen and running needs
- Cold plunge: a 2HP chiller with UV and ozone filtration on a standard 1060 W, 220 V supply.
- Electric cryotherapy: no nitrogen, but a substantial electrical supply (the ICYONYX CB-110 lists 18.5 kW maximum power) and cooling time before the first session.
- Nitrogen cryotherapy: lower electrical load (about 1.5 to 2 kW) but a regular liquid nitrogen supply; the CryoOnyx Pro uses about 5 to 7 kg per person.
For a deeper comparison of electric and nitrogen cabins, read electric vs nitrogen cryotherapy.
Space and installation
Plunges are compact: the Polar Plunge Pro is 2.7 x 3.6 ft and the Polar Oval Pro 4.9 x 2.3 x 2.1 ft. They need a waterproof floor area and a drain plan. Cryotherapy cabins are larger (the CryoOnyx Pro is about 72.8 x 66.9 x 100.4 in) and need ventilation, plus nitrogen storage for nitrogen models.
Which should you install first?
- Gyms and smaller studios usually start with one or two cold plunges: simple to run, familiar to members and flexible on temperature.
- Dedicated recovery and longevity centres often add a cryotherapy cabin for high throughput and a premium experience.
- Centres with high footfall run both, like Matrix Wellness in Mumbai, which has a CryoOnyx Pro and two Polar Plunge Pro units.
See the Alteon cryotherapy chambers and cold plunges, or ask TechFit for a layout for your space.