Community Spotlight: AR Refresh Wellness
Imagine stepping into a chamber chilled to -150 degrees Fahrenheit, where three minutes of intense cold can offer the same benefits as a 30-minute ice bath. But that’s only part of what Refresh Wellness, Cabot’s latest wellness hub, has to offer. From soothing infrared saunas to customized tanning services, Refresh Wellness is redefining how locals recover, rejuvenate, and relax—all without breaking the bank.
Co-owners April and Kyle Prater opened Refresh Wellness in March 2024 with a mission to make wellness accessible to everyone. Inspired by their own health journeys, they wanted to create a space that catered not only to athletes but to anyone looking to improve their overall well-being. “We were going to a place in Searcy to do cryotherapy, but she shut it down. The closest place to have this done is West Little Rock… We made a phone call… ‘Would you sell your chamber?’ And she was like, ‘yeah,’” Kyle shared. And that’s how Refresh Wellness came to be.
While Refresh Wellness offers a variety of services, cryotherapy quickly became their most popular. The process involves exposing the body to extremely cold temperatures for three minutes, which triggers reduced inflammation, improved circulation, and faster muscle recovery. “That’s equivalent to a 30-minute ice bath. So you get the same effects of an ice bath without the water and the time,” April said.
The treatment is particularly popular among athletes and those who work physical jobs. “He’s a commercial landscaper, he hurts all the time anyway,” April added. Whether you’re a marathon runner or someone dealing with arthritis, cryotherapy offers a quick and effective way to relieve soreness and reduce inflammation.
Kyle recalled his own experience with cryotherapy, saying, “The first time I tried it, I was like, ‘nah, this is insane,’ but once I tried it, it was a game changer.”
Their clients agree, with some even overcoming initial skepticism. “My mom’s a nurse… she said, ‘this is insane.’ She was real skeptical… she tried the local cryo on her knees. She came back the next day and said, ‘I thought y’all were crazy, but it really works,’” Kyle shared.
While cryotherapy may draw people in, the infrared sauna at Refresh Wellness has quickly become a fan favorite for those looking for a different kind of recovery. This isn’t your typical sauna—Refresh Wellness’s sauna combines advanced red-light therapy with heat, which not only helps detoxify the body but also boosts metabolism and improves skin tone. “It helps boost metabolism, don’t eat for about an hour… and it’s great for sweat detox,” April explained. The infrared sauna is designed to heat the body from the inside out, allowing clients to experience the benefits of deep, penetrating heat without the stifling humidity of traditional saunas.
For those looking to relax while achieving a natural glow, Refresh also offers state-of-the-art tanning services. “It’s a 32 Bowl bronzer bed… It’s supposed to get darker faster,” April said. Unlike traditional UV beds, which can leave skin feeling irritated or overexposed, the beds at Refresh Wellness are designed to protect the skin while still delivering noticeable results.
Even those who are new to tanning can feel comfortable giving it a try, as staff recommend starting with shorter sessions to avoid overdoing it. Some clients underestimate the strength of the bronzer bed, but the team is always there to guide them through the process.
Another popular service at Refresh Wellness is compression therapy, especially useful for athletes and those dealing with circulation issues. “We have some marathon runners and high school athletes who come in regularly after games or long runs,” Kyle shared. The therapy involves using a specialized device that applies gentle pressure to the legs and arms, promoting blood flow and helping reduce swelling after workouts.
For more targeted relief, Refresh also offers localized cryotherapy, which allows clients to focus cold therapy on specific areas of the body. This is particularly helpful for older clients or athletes dealing with isolated pain or inflammation. “My grandpa is 95 years old… we do his knees. It’s made a huge difference,” Kyle shared.
One of the key goals for April and Kyle is making wellness accessible to everyone, regardless of their budget. While many wellness centers can feel exclusive or expensive, Refresh Wellness offers a range of affordable options. “We wanted to build this place affordable for everyone,” Kyle said.
At Refresh Wellness, membership options start at $105 a month for unlimited services. For those who need more flexibility, they offer packages that cater to different needs, including punch cards that allow clients to pay for a set number of sessions over time. “Marathon runners that couldn’t find the time every day… we came up with the punch card… and it started taking off,” Kyle explained.
Beyond their services, The Praters are committed to building a community-centered business. As longtime residents of Cabot, they actively participate in local events and support other small businesses. April, who is involved in the Cabot Kiwanis Club and Chamber of Commerce, frequently promotes Refresh Wellness at community events. “We‘ve sponsored local travel ball teams, and we’re always looking for ways to give back,” Kyle added.
Their passion for community is evident in their relationships with clients, many of whom have become regulars. “We have one client who comes in almost every day. She started with cryotherapy for arthritis, and now she also uses the sauna and compression therapy. It’s amazing to see how much it’s helped her,” Kyle shared.
As Refresh Wellness continues to grow, April and Kyle are excited about the future. Their long-term goal is to open a second location in North Little Rock, where they’ve already seen interest from clients traveling to Cabot for their services. “We’d love to eventually expand, but right now we’re focused on getting this place steady and continuing to build relationships,” Kyle explained.
Their hope is that Refresh Wellness will become a staple in the community, providing a place where locals can prioritize their health and well-being. “We just want people to feel better and take care of themselves,” April said.
Whether you’re recovering from a long day of physical labor, preparing for a big game, or simply looking to relax and rejuvenate, Refresh Wellness offers a variety of services to meet your needs. From cryotherapy to infrared saunas, tanning, and compression therapy, Refresh Wellness provides a holistic approach to health and recovery. And with their commitment to affordability and community, it’s no wonder they’ve quickly become a go-to destination in Cabot.
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