Frequently Asked Questions

Revive — FAQ

First Visit

First of all, relax. You're not expected to know what you're doing. When you arrive, we'll show you around the space, explain how everything works and answer any questions you have. From there, the experience is yours. Some people spend more time in the sauna, some love the cold plunge, and some simply enjoy sitting with a tea and taking a break from the noise of everyday life. There are no whistles, stopwatches or performance expectations here. This isn't a competition. It's your time.

Not at all. In fact, so many people that come to us had never used a sauna or cold plunge before they came to Revive. You don't need to be an athlete, a wellness enthusiast or someone who spends their weekends climbing mountains. You just need to be curious enough to try something new.

Bring a swimsuit, a water bottle (No glass please) a lock for your locker and flip flops if you want to and an open mind, We'll take care of the towels.

Absolutely. Many people do. Some members enjoy the opportunity to switch off, spend some time alone and recharge. Others end up chatting with people in the lounge over a cup of tea. There is no right way to experience Revive.

Then don't. While many people enjoy moving between the sauna and cold plunge, there is no requirement to do anything that makes you uncomfortable, remember that the reset is found in controlling the stress. Some guests spend their entire visit enjoying the sauna with a rinse off in the shower between sauna time. Others start with one of our warmer tubs and work their way colder over time, when it's right. You're in charge of your experience.

Most sessions are 75 minutes. That might sound like a long time until you sit down, take a breath and realize it's the first time all day nobody needs anything from you. Most people are surprised by how quickly the time passes.

A swimsuit is required in the sauna and cold plunge areas. Beyond that, comfort is the goal.

We recommend booking ahead, especially for evenings and weekends. Booking online is quick and guarantees your spot.

Of course! Many people discover Revive because a friend brought them along for their first session. If you're a member, you'll also receive a monthly guest pass so you can share the experience with someone else.

That's probably the most common thing we hear. People worry they'll be the only beginner, that the cold plunge will be too cold, or that they'll somehow do it wrong. The reality is that almost everyone felt exactly the same way before their first visit, the thought of cold water is chilling until you do it. Within a few minutes most people realize there's nothing to prove, nobody is judging them and they're free to experience Revive in whatever way works best for them, and yes, sound effects are normal too, like oohhhh ohhhh ohhh. The hardest part is usually walking through the door the first time.

Cold Water Therapy

The best cold plunge is not necessarily the coldest one. At Revive, we encourage people to choose a temperature that allows them to remain calm, control their breathing and enjoy the experience. Listening to your body and knowing that temperature may be different for each person and may even change from day to day is key here.

Our cold plunge tubs range from approximately 4°C to 15°C. This allows guests to select a temperature that feels appropriate for their experience level, recovery needs and how they are feeling that day, we also have showers that go up to 40 degrees if warm shower is what you need.

There is no prescribed amount of time. Rather than chasing a specific number, we help guests to focus on their breathing, remain present and listen to their bodies. Some days you may stay in longer. Some days you may stay in for only a brief period. Both are perfectly okay.

No. Every temperature has value. The goal is not to see how much discomfort you can tolerate. The goal is to create an experience that supports recovery, relaxation and nervous system regulation.

You're not alone. Many of our members felt the same way before their first visit. That's one of the reasons we offer multiple temperatures. Starting with a milder cold experience is often the perfect place to begin.

Because recovery isn't one-size-fits-all. Stress levels, sleep quality, exercise, fatigue and, for many women, different stages of their menstrual cycle can all influence how the body responds to heat and cold. What works for you today may not be what works for you next week.

Many people describe themselves as being "allergic to cold" when they simply find cold temperatures uncomfortable. If you have been diagnosed with cold urticaria, or have experienced extreme hives, significant swelling or other allergic-type reactions after exposure to cold temperatures, we recommend speaking with your healthcare provider before participating.

Our guests commonly tell us they feel refreshed, mentally clear and more relaxed after a session. Many also incorporate cold water therapy into their wellness, recovery and stress management routines.

Absolutely. Cold water therapy isn't just for winter, and sauna isn't just for cold weather. Both heat and cold help your body practise what it's designed to do: regulate temperature and adapt to changing conditions. The goal isn't simply to get hot or cold. It's to help your body become more adaptable and resilient throughout the year.

That's completely fine. At Revive, we don't believe recovery should become another task or challenge. Some days your body may be asking for heat, some days for cold and some days simply for rest. Listening to it is the most important part of recovery.

Contrast Therapy

Contrast therapy is the practice of alternating between heat and cold. At Revive, this typically means moving between our Finnish sauna and cold plunge tubs to create a controlled challenge for both the body and nervous system.

Heat and cold create different physiological responses within the body. Moving between the two encourages the body to adapt to changing stress and conditions while providing an opportunity to slow down, recover and reset.

Because people are not machines. How your body responds to heat and cold can be influenced by stress, sleep, recovery, training load, hydration, overall health and countless other factors. What works for you today may not be what works for you tomorrow.

Because recovery isn't measured with a stopwatch. We believe one of the most valuable aspects of contrast therapy at Revive is learning to pay attention to what your body is telling you rather than simply following a timer.

Because one of the goals of contrast therapy is developing a better understanding of your own recovery needs. The heat and cold provide the stimulus. Your body provides the feedback. Some days you may need more heat. Some days more cold. Some days more rest. The practice is learning to recognize the difference.

You'll know! People often arrive looking for a number, a score or some kind of measurement. In our experience, the answer is usually much simpler than that. You sleep better. You recover better. You feel calmer. You have more in the tank at the end of the day, and some benefits you will notice are the ones that you didn't even think you needed. The real question isn't whether your body will tell you. It's whether you're paying attention when it does.

Because no two people arrive with the same physical and mental state. Stress, fatigue, exercise, hydration, life circumstances and hormonal fluctuations can all influence how someone experiences heat and cold on a given day.

Breathing is one of the ways we communicate with our nervous system. Many people notice that when they focus on slowing and controlling their breathing, they are better able to remain calm and present during both heat and cold exposure.

No. After watching thousands of sauna and cold plunge sessions, we've learned that the people who seem to benefit most are rarely the ones chasing the perfect protocol. They're the people who pay attention. They understand that recovery isn't something that happens to them. It's something they actively participate in.

The goal is not to see how much discomfort you can tolerate. The goal is to leave feeling better than when you arrived.

Sauna

Our Finnish-style sauna typically operates at approximately 90°C. The experience can vary slightly depending on where you sit and whether steam has recently been added to the stones.

There is no perfect amount of time. Some days you may want a longer session, while other days you may prefer less heat. Rather than focusing on the clock, we encourage guests to leave the sauna when they feel ready and return when it feels right.

Löyly is the Finnish tradition of pouring water onto hot sauna stones to create steam. This increases humidity and creates a softer, fuller heat that many guests find more comfortable and enjoyable than dry heat alone.

Absolutely. Many of our guests are experiencing sauna for the first time. There is no expectation that you stay in for a particular amount of time or follow a specific routine.

Absolutely, in fact it has more benefits in summer than winter! One of the biggest misconceptions about sauna is that it is only useful during colder months. In reality, regular heat exposure helps your body practise what it was designed to do: regulate temperature and adapt to changing conditions. Sauna isn't for winter. Sauna is for humans.

Because sauna isn't about staying in as long as possible. Many people naturally alternate between periods of heat, cooling and rest. This allows them to enjoy the experience while returning to the heat when they feel ready.

Because you're different from one day to the next. Sleep, stress, exercise, hydration, nutrition and countless other factors can influence how your body responds to heat. A sauna session that feels easy one day may feel more challenging the next.

No. Heat naturally rises, which means different seating levels provide different heat levels. Some guests prefer higher benches, while others prefer lower benches. Neither is better; it's simply a matter of preference.

Nope, we got that covered for you. Our sauna includes steam sessions where water is added to the stones to create löyly. Some guests prefer the additional humidity, while others enjoy a drier sauna experience.

Yes, in fact what makes us special is the social community that is not found in many other places. At Revive, our sauna is a shared space where conversation and quiet naturally coexist. Some guests enjoy connecting with others, while some prefer a quieter experience. Both are welcome.

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Where to Find Us

Revive Wellness Club,
2100 Bloor St W Unit 13,
Toronto, ON
M6S 1M7,

Revive Wellness Club is a contrast therapy studio located at 2100 Bloor Street West, directly across from the EMS station at the south end of Clendenan Avenue we are slightly tucked away and intentionally calm, Revive is a space you find when you’re ready to slow down, reset, and reconnect.

Copyright @ Revive Wellness Club.
All rights reserved.

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Opening Hours

Monday – Thursday
10:45 AM – 3:45 PM
5:00 PM – 9:00 PM


Friday
10:45 AM – 10:00 PM


Saturday
8:00 AM – 10:00 PM


Sunday
9:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Revive Wellness Club, 2100 Bloor St W Unit 13, Toronto, ON M6S 1M7, Canada
[email protected] | +1 647 348 9882