Hot, Cold and… Happier?
From infrared saunas to icy plunges, contrast therapy is proving to be a reset for resilience, recovery and wellbeing as Louise Sylvester finds out…
If you’ve been reading this column over the past year, you’ll know I’m a big believer in the benefits of running and cold-water dipping for both body and mind. Both practices have given me a sense of positivity and self-worth at a stage in life when those feelings can sometimes slip away in the fog of parenting, working and general life-admin.
Running has always been a solo pursuit for me, but recently I’d begun to wonder if joining a club might bring even greater benefits for my mental health: meeting new people, pushing myself harder than my usual ‘plod’ and adding a social element. Cold-water dipping, meanwhile, has always been something I do with friends, but finding the time to head out of the West End to a suitable spot can be tricky during a busy week. With all this in mind, I was excited to discover a local business that brings these two worlds together, just a stone’s throw from my front door.
It all Began…
Wolf Tuna began in early 2023 as a group of friends meeting at the foot of the Campsies for a run and an icy dip. It has since grown into a thriving community that blends outdoor activity with wellbeing. As co-founder Aodán Mcintyre explains: “I was setting my alarm before dawn, heading out for a 5K run before plunging into the icy waters of the Campsie Glens. The combination of movement, nature and cold-water immersion gave me a natural dopamine boost that replaced late nights and parties. The impact on my mental health was immediate, and before long we wanted to share that feeling with others.”
Today, Wolf Tuna offers sessions and challenges for all fitness levels, from weekly run clubs to the club’s signature Run & Dip events where members, and newcomers, can enjoy the physical and mental lift of a social run followed by open water immersion.
What intrigued me most, though, was the club’s Wellness Lounge on South Street. This dedicated recovery space is kitted out with ice baths and an infrared sauna as well as physio support. Non-members are welcome here too, making it perfect for a lunchtime boost or evening wind-down.
Contrast Therapy in Glasgow West End
On a dreary Tuesday morning, I headed there with a friend. We were both in need of a lift – our eldest boys have just started secondary school and, quite frankly, it feels like being dumped at 45 by your own child. Think 1995 heartbreak, only this time without the mix tapes. We were ready to let cold-water therapy work its magic.
The Box Hub Warehouse on South Street is fast becoming a thriving sporting community, home to a gym, karate classes and other fitness-focused businesses. Wolf Tuna’s unit is tucked away upstairs, easy to find thanks to its bold, eye-catching logo. Step inside and you immediately feel the atmosphere Aodán and his team have worked hard to create. As he puts it, they want everyone who comes through the door to feel at home. A comfy sofa, soft lighting, herbal teas and the warm glow of candles all combine to create a space that radiates calm and wellbeing.
First stop was the infrared sauna. Compact but comfortable, it comes with a wall-mounted tablet and Spotify to set the mood. We wisely avoided the sad songs of our teenage years and opted for something more uplifting. Unlike traditional saunas that heat the air, infrared waves penetrate deep into the body’s tissues, raising your core temperature and stimulating circulation. The warmth eases sore muscles, relieves stiff joints and can help with pain and stress. 15 minutes in here flew by, and we were ready to take the plunge!
Now for the Science Bit…
There are two tubs – one set at 12°C and the other at a bracing 8°C. I kindly let my friend have the colder one! We lasted three minutes, then cycled between sauna and tub three more times. By the end, we both felt lighter and calmer, more resilient and ready to face the rest of the day’s demands.
But why was that? Contrast therapy may be well known to improve circulation and muscle recovery; it is little wonder that athletes, boxers and even Partick Thistle footballers have made use of the lounge as part of their recovery routines. But it is not only celebrated by athletes looking to bounce back faster, those wanting to feel calmer, sleep better and boost overall wellbeing also benefit.
Moving between heat and cold sparks a powerful reaction in the body, the warmth of the sauna soothes tired muscles and joints while encouraging the release of endorphins that leave you on a post-workout high. Step into the cold, and your body is flooded with dopamine and serotonin, which can help lower stress and lift your mood.
It’s also a natural way to keep stress hormones in check.
Contrast therapy has been shown to reduce levels of cortisol, the body’s main stress chemical. High cortisol is linked to anxiety, poor sleep and low mood, so finding gentle, natural ways to manage it can make a huge difference. Indeed, Aodán swears by using the contrast suite later in the day to improve his own sleep.
Taking that hour for ourselves, away from parenting stresses and work pressures, gave us more than just a physical reset. It reminded us that resilience can be built. What Aodán and his team have created in Wolf Tuna is at its heart about building a community and carving out a space to feel stronger in body and mind.
For more information on Wolf Tuna’s Wellness Lounge and Contrast Therapy in Glasgow West End, contact –
Wolf Tuna
719a South Street,
Glasgow G14 0QG
e:wolftunaclub@gmail.com
Membership is £30/month
There are lots of member benefits (check online for full list), including:
Full access to Wellness Lounge after Run Club
Discounted rates on wellness sessions for you and up to 3 friends
Priority booking with the option to book out your own personal slots that suit your weekly schedule
Contrast Therapy
You don’t need to be a member to use the contrast therapy suite, it starts at £30 per person (£50 for two). Visit the website to book.
