Red Hill residents and those across Brisbane are experiencing a significant shift in their well-being thanks to a unique wellness facility where cold plunges and magnesium pools are helping individuals boost their physical and mental health.
The centre, Vikasati, located in both Brisbane and Southport, was founded eight years ago by fitness veterans Ben Murphy and Will Stodulka. Their journey into holistic wellness began modestly with improvised ice baths in a basement car park, stemming from over two decades of combined experience in fitness and performance coaching.
They realised that recovery was a crucial component of enhancing client performance, leading them to explore physiology, breathwork, and thermal contrast therapy in depth.
The Science Behind Thermal Therapy
Thermal therapy is a scientifically supported method that exposes the body to controlled periods of hot and cold temperatures. This process triggers several physiological benefits, including reduced inflammation, quicker muscle recovery, improved circulation, a boosted metabolism, better sleep quality, enhanced mental clarity, and even relief from menopause symptoms.
Co-founder Ben Murphy explained that the approach is about using short, manageable stressors to build physical, mental, and emotional strength. Research from experts such as Stanford neuroscientist Andrew Huberman and “Thermalist” Susanna Søberg supports these findings, positioning Vikasati at the forefront of Australia’s thermal wellness movement long before the therapies gained widespread popularity.
A Focus on Community Well-being
Beyond its state-of-the-art facilities, Vikasati places a strong emphasis on community. Co-founder Will Stodulka stated that while facilities are important, it is the community that truly transforms people. The centre cultivates an environment where members, from first-timers to elite athletes, are encouraged and guided on their wellness journeys.
This holistic approach integrates movement, restoration, and relationship building, creating a space that fosters genuine connections and shared experiences. Laughter and friendships often develop during post-sauna chats, and the challenge of ice plunging becomes a shared accomplishment.
Mainstream Appeal and Accessibility
Once primarily a practice for elite athletes and biohackers, ice baths and thermal therapies have gained global attention, with celebrities and sports personalities like LeBron James, Lady Gaga, and The Matildas embracing their benefits.
Vikasati, however, aims to make these tools accessible to everyone, providing a practical framework for incorporating them into daily life. The team invites those who might be sceptical of social media trends to experience the scientific benefits directly. Ben Murphy noted that their purpose is not to simply sell wellness, but to help people genuinely experience it.
Broader Impact on Life
The founders describe their mission as “human optimisation,” though their aim is more fundamentally about restoring vitality for the positive impact it has on families, relationships, and the wider community. Will Stodulka believes that when individuals feel better, they perform better in all aspects of their lives, influencing how they parent, lead, and live.
A 90-minute session at Vikasati, available for $46 at their Brisbane and Gold Coast locations, offers Finnish Sauna, Ice Baths at 5°C, and Magnesium Pools, designed to help individuals reconnect with their body, breath, and purpose.
Published Date 28-May-2025