How this high-tech freezing chamber helps Mayweather train for Pacquiao

Last week, Floyd Mayweather posted a video on his Instagram account showing him entering a high-tech freezing chamber that supposedly helps him recover as he prepares for his May 2 showdown with Manny Pacquiao.

 

I'm at this place everyday: SubZero Recovery 702-720-3818 5031 Wagon Trail Ave. #110 Las Vegas, NV 89118 Thank you @courtscornerLA Follow: @courtscornerLA Follow: @SubZeroRecovery Follow: @DavidLLevi The Cryotherapy Chamber is a cold sauna used to help rejuvenate the body and promotes overall health. Great for EVERYBODY to help speed muscle recovery, decrease inflammation, and muscle soreness after a workout. For 1-3 minutes in the chamber at -200 degrees, you will feel instant energy and less pain all over your body. Courtney Watson MS, ATC, PES Sports Medicine Specialist & Consultant @courtscornerLA

A video posted by Floyd Mayweather (@floydmayweather) on

Apr 8, 2015 at 8:35am PDT

The latest addition to the unbeaten pound-for-pound king's strict training regimen is called cryotherapy, a modern sports method used to help athletes for faster recovery between training sessions.

"Cryotherapy is localized or whole-body exposure to subzero temperatures to decrease inflammation, increase cellular survival, decrease pain and spasms, and promote overall health," according to the uscryotherapy.com website.

Victor Castillo, whose firm Contour Rehabilitation and Wellness offers the first cryotherapy service in the Philippines, said it can aid in recovery after injury, prevent delayed onset muscle soreness, and help athletes regain their form after workouts.

"In effect, you can go back to your usual intensive training as soon as possible because of reduced recovery time, therefore making you highly prepared for your competition," said Castillo.

While new to the Philippines, Castillo said the technology has been in popular use abroad.

"In Europe, it is a common equipment in most sports facility, professional clubs, gyms, and spas. Professional athletes have been using this for quite some time already," he said.

But while cryotherapy could give Mayweather an edge, Castillo doesn't necessarily believe it will lead to doom for Pacquiao.

"I think Manny knows his body very well. He's a special type of individual who can very well keep up to the intensive pacing of his training. He's been boxing professionally for the longest time. For a successful athlete to change his training regimen for the biggest fight of his life in an instant might not be a very welcome idea to him and his management," said Castillo.

At the end of the day, technology can only take Mayweather so far.

"Of course nothing beats good old hard work to get the desired result. Technological advancements cannot replace hardcore training, mental toughness, and faith - they are only meant to provide support," said Castillo.

"The training of these athletes will always be guided by competent coaches, who are experts in their own fields. They would be at a better place to prescribe what would help the athlete improve their training, since they have been the ones to personally oversee how the athletes’ bodies react to certain treatments." -- JST, GMA News