FAQs
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a regular member, we’ve compiled helpful information to enhance your experience and ensure you enjoy all the benefits of our facilities.
GENERAL
Securing a booking is really easy! Simply follow the booking link here, select your local studio then one of our services. Alternatively, you can download the Recovery Club app.
Recovery Club’s first studio is opening September 2024 in Fairy Meadow, Wollongong. Keep an eye on our socials for announcements on future locations!
Recovery Club offers a range of services designed to support your recovery and wellness, including:
Communal Contrast Therapy: Experience the benefits of alternating between a traditional sauna and three ice baths in a shared space.
Private Contrast Therapy: Enjoy a more personalised session with with a traditional sauna and an ice
bath in a private setting.
Private Infrared Sauna: Relax in a private infrared sauna that provides deep, detoxifying heat.
Normatec Compression Boots: Enhance circulation and aid muscle recovery with our dynamic compression therapy in our comfortable lounge setting for optimal relaxation.
Retail Items: We also offer towels, water bottles, wet bags, dry body brushes and neoprene ice bath socks for your convenience.
Yes! Your first session will be guided by one of our friendly Recovery Club team. We also provide a 5 minute briefing on your first visit to ensure you’re comfortable with the environment and your session.
At Recovery Club, we recommend visiting at least twice a week for maximum benefits and long-term effectiveness. Our memberships are designed around this frequency, helping you consistently enjoy the restorative effects of our therapies while promoting sustained wellness and recovery.
We recommend booking in advance via our website or download the Recovery Club app to view our full schedule to avoid missing out! Walk-in guests are welcome within staffed hours, but during busy periods services might be unavailable.
If you cancel within 4 hours of your booking, a $10 late cancellation fee will apply. For no-shows, members will forfeit the session entirely. To avoid losing a session or incurring fees, please make sure to cancel or reschedule more than 4 hours in advance.
All sessions are 50 mins in duration
Sessions are 50 minutes in duration, and during unstaffed hours, we are unable to delay or extend your session due to other scheduled appointments. To make the most of your time, please arrive a few minutes early. If you are late, your session will still end at the scheduled time.
Yes, Recovery Club is designed for individuals of all ages who prioritise their recovery, health, and well-being. Whether you’re an athlete, busy professional, or simply looking to enhance your overall wellness, our services cater to a wide range of needs and goals.
- If you are pregnant you should avoid using our services
- Anyone under the age of 18 (under 18 needs parent/guardian in attendance, under 13 not permitted)
- Anyone over the age of 65
- Anyone with heart disease, high blood pressure, or other cardiovascular issues should consult their GP or physician prior to use
- Individuals prone to bleeding
- Those with chronic conditions such as multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, or other chronic illnesses should seek medical advice
- If you have any concerns or are unsure about using an infrared sauna or contrast therapy, it is best to consult your GP or physician prior to use
MEMBERSHIP & PAYMENT
Recovery Club offers two membership options.
SOCIAL: Recovery Club’s Social membership gives you access to use two sessions each week in our communal contrast therapy space. Plus enjoy the added benefit of two sessions in our Normatec Lounge. To find out more, click here.
ALL ACCESS: Recovery Club’s All Access membership gives you flexibility to use two sessions each week across any of the services we have on offer – private infrared sauna, private contrast therapy and communal contrast therapy. Plus enjoy the added benefit of two sessions in our Normatec Lounge. To find out more, click here.
Recovery Club offers memberships with no lock-in contracts, giving you the freedom to enjoy our services without long-term commitment. You can cancel at any time with just 28 days’ notice, ensuring you have complete flexibility to manage your recovery and wellness routine on your terms.
The starter pack sets you up for your Recovery Club journey. It includes:
- Drink bottle
- Body brush
- Ice bath booties
- Wet bag
We bill memberships weekly
Yes, you can purchase a 1 week trial for $39 which gives you access to two sessions across any of our services we have on offer – private infrared sauna, private contrast therapy, communal contrast therapy and normatec lounge. To find out more, click here.
Yes! Guests are welcome during staffed hours. Below is further information for both private and communal sessions:
GUESTS IN PRIVATE SESSIONS:
- To bring a friend to any of our private services (private contrast therapy or private infrared sauna), there is a $20 guest fee.
- If you plan to bring a guest during unstaffed hours, they must be an existing Recovery Club member.
- If your guest has an All Access membership, they can use one membership credit instead of paying the guest fee.
- Please note, only one guest is allowed per private session.
GUESTS IN COMMUNAL SESSIONS:
- For communal contrast therapy sessions, your guest must book their own spot in the communal contrast therapy space.
- Payment options for your guest include a $30 casual visit rate, a 1-week trial, or becoming a Recovery Club member.
Yes, we offer casual visits, within our staffed hours. Our casual rates are as follows:
- Communal contrast therapy – $30
- Private contrast therapy – $59 / $79 / $99
- Private Infrared Sauna – $59 / $79 / $99
- Normatec – $25
- Guest fees for private sessions – $35
We also offer a 1-week trial for $49.95, which gives you access to two casual sessions across any of our services we have on offer – private infrared sauna, private contrast therapy, communal contrast therapy and normatec lounge. Please note, this is a one time trial, and cannot be purchased more than once per person.
PREPARING FOR A RECOVERY CLUB SESSION
One of the most important ways to prepare for a sauna and/or ice bath session is to hydrate. Drinking enough water before, during and after your session to avoid dehydration. We also recommend eating a light meal before your session to avoid feeling faint or light headed as the sauna will activate your cardiovascular system and increase your heart rate, much like going for a slow jog.
At Recovery Club, we offer both private and communal options to suit your preferences.
Our private infrared and contrast therapy suites are fully secluded and designed for your exclusive use during your booking (up to 50 minutes). These suites feature a bench, hooks for your belongings, and a mirror, as well as private shower facilities, allowing you to complete your session with a shower in the comfort of your own space.
For a more social experience, our communal contrast therapy space accommodates up to 8 people. This area is ideal for those who enjoy a shared recovery environment. It includes a communal shower and lockers for your convenience.
Please ensure you book the space that best fits your needs.
For your session, it’s best to wear a swimsuit or minimal clothing. We also recommend bringing loose-fitting and comfortable clothing to change into after your session. Nudity is not allowed in the communal spaces; if you prefer to go nude, please book one of our private options.
We encourage you to bring the following items for your sauna session:
Towel: A bath or beach-sized towel is recommended, though towels are available for purchase if you prefer.
Water or Drinking Device: Stay hydrated by bringing your own water bottle. We also offer a range of refreshments for sale, and filtered water is available on tap.
Change of Clothes: Bring a change of comfortable clothing to wear after your session. If you forget any of these items, we have alternatives available for purchase or use at the club.
Yes, each private sauna suite is equipped with its own shower facilities, allowing you to complete your session and freshen up in the comfort of your private space. In the communal area, there is one communal shower available for use.
Showering after your session is not a must do – if you don’t mind being a little sweaty after your session you don’t need to shower, you will continue to sweat as your body naturally cools down. For those wanting to maximise sauna time and skip the shower, ensure you wipe away the sweat with a towel to avoid reabsorbing toxins.
CONTRAST THERAPY
Our Social Contrast Room offers a premier contrast therapy experience, featuring a custom-built traditional Finnish sauna and three ice baths. During your 50-minute session, you can seamlessly transition between the sauna and ice baths within the same space, designed to accommodate up to 8 people.
Benefits of Contrast Therapy:
- Enhanced Circulation: Alternating between heat and cold stimulates blood flow, which can improve circulation and promote cardiovascular health.
- Reduced Muscle Soreness: The contrast between hot and cold helps to alleviate muscle soreness and accelerate recovery after exercise.
- Increased Energy Levels: The therapy boosts overall energy and reduces fatigue by revitalising the body.
- Improved Detoxification: The heat from the sauna encourages sweating, which helps to flush out toxins, while the cold from the ice baths helps to reduce inflammation.
- Stress Relief: The combination of sauna and ice baths provides a relaxing experience that can help to reduce stress and improve mental clarity.
- Enhanced Immune Function: Regular use of contrast therapy can strengthen the immune system and improve overall health.
This communal setting is perfect for those who enjoy a social aspect to their recovery, while still benefiting from the therapeutic effects of contrast therapy.
A traditional sauna is a type of heat therapy that uses dry heat, typically generated by heated rocks or an electric heater, to create a high-temperature environment. Our communal and private contrast therapy spaces feature a traditional Finnish sauna, where sessions are designed to provide a comprehensive and immersive experience.
Benefits of a Traditional Sauna:
- Improved Circulation: The high heat encourages blood flow, which can enhance circulation and support cardiovascular health.
- Muscle Relaxation: The heat from the sauna helps to relax muscles and soothe joint pain, making it beneficial for post-exercise recovery or general relaxation.
- Detoxification: Sweating in the sauna helps to expel toxins from the body, promoting a natural detoxification process.
- Stress Relief: The warm environment provides a calming effect, which can help reduce stress and anxiety, contributing to improved mental well-being.
- Skin Health: The heat opens pores and promotes sweating, which can help cleanse the skin and improve its appearance.
- Enhanced Immune Function: Regular use of a traditional sauna can strengthen the immune system by increasing white blood cell production and overall resistance to illness.
The traditional sauna experience in our Social Contrast Room offers a rejuvenating and health-promoting environment, ideal for those seeking the benefits of classic sauna therapy.
An infrared sauna doesn’t need to reach such high temperatures; typically ranging between 40-65 degrees. Infrared saunas utilise gentle heat to penetrate the body directly, inducing a deep sweat that promotes relaxation and detoxification.
Traditional saunas rely on high temperatures to create a dry heat environment, typically ranging from 80-100 degrees. This intense heat triggers immediate perspiration, contributing to skin cleansing, muscle relaxation, and stress relief.
Our traditional sauna is set to 90 degrees. Throughout your session, the temperature may fluctuate slightly as you move in and out. However, by utilising the hot rocks, you have the freedom to increase humidity and intensify the heat. For optimal effectiveness, pour water from the pail provided slowly onto the rocks. This will prevent splashing and maintain control over the steam. It’s important to never add oils to the water or directly onto the rocks, as this poses a significant risk of fire.
We have three ice baths as part of the communal contrast therapy in our Social Contrast Room. They are set between 5°C and 10°C
We also have ice baths in our private contrast therapy suites, these are set to 5°C.
At Recovery Club, our ice baths are maintained to the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene without the use of harsh chemicals like chlorine. Here’s how we ensure the water is safe and clean for every member:
- Fresh Water: Our ice baths are filled with fresh water, and there are no added chlorine or chemicals in the water.
- Advanced Filtration System: The water is continuously filtered through an advanced system that uses a combination of ozone, UV light, and hydrogen peroxide. This cutting-edge technology produces hydroxyl radicals, which are more powerful and effective at eliminating bacteria than chlorine.
- Scheduled Water Changes: We conduct multiple water changes throughout the week to keep the ice baths clean and ensure a refreshing experience.
This approach ensures the water in our ice baths is safe, fresh, and free from harsh chemicals, providing you with a clean and rejuvenating experience every time you use our facilities.
INFRARED SAUNA
An infrared sauna uses light to create heat, unlike a traditional sauna that uses steam or heated rocks to heat the air around you. The infrared light gives off what’s known as ‘infrared radiant heat’ which penetrates into your skin, deep into your tissues, muscles and cells, increasing oxygen flow and circulation, produces a detoxifying sweat and dissolves harmful substances accumulated in your body.
The infrared sauna will produce a deep, detoxifying sweat, reaching all the way down to the cellular level where most toxins reside. Beyond the incredible relaxation effect infrared sauna therapy has, it yields additional benefits in a significant way: increases endorphin levels; proven to be beneficial for muscle fatigue and recovery; detoxification; supports weight loss & increases metabolism; reduces cellulite; increases blood flow; and boosts immunity. Incorporating infrared therapy into your wellness regime will leave you feeling blissfully rejuvenated.
The ideal sauna temperature depends on your personal preferences and what you’re trying to achieve during your sauna session.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer, as different temperatures offer unique benefits. It’s also important to remember your body is ever changing, from day to day. It is normal to have a different experience each session.
Low: At a lower temperature anything between 45°C and 55°C, the detoxification process is effective, but you may not sweat as much as in a hotter sauna. This can be a more gentle and relaxing experience, which is suitable for people who prefer a milder heat or are sensitive to high temperatures.
Moderate: The recommended setting is between 55°C and 60°C enhances detoxification, sparing electrolyte loss and dehydration, while still flushing out those nasty toxins. This gentle heat provides a more comfortable sauna experience, ideal for ultimate relaxation.
Hot: If you prefer a hotter sauna 60°C to 65°C, you’ll experience more intense sweating. This can be beneficial for those looking to sweat profusely and potentially promote a deeper detoxification. The higher heat may also provide a more intense post-sauna relaxation experience for some individuals.
An infrared sauna will not reach a temperature over 70°C. If you are seeking a more extreme heat, we suggest our Finnish sauna which is a part of contrast therapy in our Remedy Room.
At Recovery Club, we prioritise hygiene and cleanliness in all of our saunas. Here’s how we maintain a safe and clean environment:
- Natural Anti-Bacterial Properties: Our saunas are built from high-quality Canadian cedar wood, which is naturally anti-fungal and anti-bacterial. This wood helps to prevent the growth of molds and bacteria, even in the heat and moisture of a sauna environment.
- Infrared Lighting and High Temperatures: Both infrared lighting and the elevated temperatures in our saunas act as natural disinfectants, helping to reduce bacteria and maintain cleanliness.
- Regular Cleaning: After each use, our saunas are wiped down with an organic, natural-based disinfectant to ensure they remain hygienic for the next member.
This combination of natural materials, heat, and regular cleaning ensures that our saunas are always kept clean and safe for your relaxation and recovery.