Reset Your Body.
Sharpen Your Mind.
Training hard is only half the equation. True progress, muscle growth, and mental clarity happen when you optimize your recovery. Tucked away from the busy Shoreditch streets, Labs Fitness features a private, self-contained boutique recovery suite. Whether you are flushing out lactic acid after a heavy lifting session or clearing your head after a high-stress workday, this space is your premium local sanctuary.
Two-Person Infrared Sauna
Unlike traditional steam saunas, our infrared setup uses deep-tissue heat penetration to directly warm your body. This accelerates muscle repair, flushes out toxins, and alleviates joint stiffness without the oppressive, humid air.
Premium Cold Plunge
Step into the cold to trigger a powerful systemic reset. Perfect for instantly reducing inflammation, accelerating central nervous system recovery, and delivering a massive, sustained spike in dopamine and mental focus.
Full Dedicated Amenities
No rushing back out to a shared locker room. The suite features an in-built electric shower, fresh towels, a dedicated changing area, and mirrors so you can seamlessly transition back into your day.
Session Credits
Book directly through our online shop — no gym membership required. Credits never expire and can be used at any time.
Single Credit
One solo session in the private recovery suite — sauna, cold plunge, and full amenities.
Partner Single Credit
Bring a partner into the two-person sauna — full suite access for both of you in one booking.
5 Credits — Solo
£25 per session — save £25
Five solo sessions at a reduced rate. Best for regular recovery work after training sessions.
5 Credits — Partner
£40 per session — save £25
Five partner sessions — bring the same or different guest each time.
Access Paths
From the Labs Journal
Recovery
Infrared Sauna Benefits for Athletes and Gym-Goers
Infrared saunas do more than relax you — they accelerate muscle repair, reduce inflammation, and improve sleep. Here's what the evidence says.
Recovery
Cold Plunge vs Infrared Sauna: Which Is Better for Recovery?
Both cold immersion and infrared heat are evidence-backed recovery tools. Here's how each works, what each is best for, and when you should use both.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an infrared sauna and how does it differ from a regular sauna?
A traditional steam sauna heats the surrounding air. An infrared sauna uses radiant panels that penetrate directly into muscle tissue, raising your core temperature from the inside out — deeper recovery at a lower ambient temperature.
How long should I stay in the sauna?
15 to 25 minutes is the effective range for most people. If it's your first session, start with 10 to 15 minutes and build up. Hydrate well before and after.
How cold is the cold plunge?
Between 8 and 12°C — consistent with sports science research on cold water immersion. Two to four minutes is sufficient to trigger the full physiological response. Acclimatisation makes each session more manageable.
Do I need a gym membership to use the recovery suite?
No. The recovery suite is open to non-members via standalone session bookings. You don't need a Labs gym membership to use the infrared sauna and cold plunge. Book through the contact page.
Should I do the sauna before or after the cold plunge?
For post-training recovery: sauna first, cold plunge second. The heat loosens the muscle tissue and raises circulation; the cold locks in the benefit and reduces inflammation. For a rest-day mental reset, starting cold and finishing in the sauna works well.
How often should I use the recovery suite?
Two to three times per week is the sweet spot most research points to. Using it after training sessions or on rest days both work well. Daily use is generally fine, but most of the benefit is captured within three to four sessions per week.
What should I bring?
The suite has towels, a private shower, and a changing area — you don't need much. A swimsuit or shorts for the cold plunge, flip flops if you prefer, and a water bottle.
Is contrast therapy safe for everyone?
It is safe for the large majority of healthy adults. If you have cardiovascular conditions, hypertension, or are pregnant, please consult your GP first. Get in touch if you have any questions before booking.