Wellness is no longer just a trend—it’s a lifestyle, and Toronto is quickly becoming a destination for some of the most sought after and globally recognised wellness offerings out there. One of the latest? RCVRI (pronounced recovery), a science-backed wellness studio originally founded in Australia in 2019, that’s just opened its first-ever Canadian location at 8 Mercer Street, right in the heart of downtown.
This sleek, spa-like space brings together high-performance recovery tools typically reserved for elite athletes—and makes them accessible for all of us. Whether you’re a marathon runner, a tired parent, a menopausal woman (hi, it’s me), or just trying to feel more like yourself again, RCVRI is built for you.
So, what exactly is RCVRI all about? Here’s what you’ll find under one roof:
CONTRAST THERAPY (Hot + Cold):
This isn’t just about pushing yourself to do things out of your comfort zone and feeling refreshed (although, yes, that too). Science shows that alternating between heat and cold temperatures can increase circulation, reduce inflammation, boost energy, and sharpen mental clarity.
How it works: You’ve probably tried a hot/cold circuit at a spa before. But here, it’s elevated and guided. Heat expands your blood vessels, cold contracts them—this “vascular workout” pumps out toxins and draws in the good stuff. Unsure how long to stay in each? Don’t worry, the team will walk you through it.
COMPRESSION THERAPY:
Originally designed for elite athletes, NormaTec compression therapy is now beloved for improving blood flow, reducing swelling, clearing lactic acid, and supporting the lymphatic system. Great to feel less fatigue, and help with more mobility.
How it works: Slip on the NormaTec Compression sleeves (for legs, hips, or arms), settle into a comfortable spot, and let the dynamic air compression do its thing. It’s like a supercharged hug that helps with recovery. You can even adjust the intensity.
RED LIGHT THERAPY:
Yes, those LED face masks you’ve seen all over social media are part of this—but this therapy goes deeper. Think anti-ageing, scar healing, acne, rosacea, psoriasis, and even pain management.
How it works: Red and near-infrared light waves penetrate the skin and stimulate cellular repair and collagen production. It’s totally non-invasive, but with consistent use, the results can be surprisingly powerful.
PEMF THERAPY (Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields):
Like everything else here, PEMF is backed by science. It’s commonly used to treat everything from joint stiffness and post-surgery recovery to chronic fatigue, insomnia, and even osteoporosis.
How it works: While resting comfortably, gentle electromagnetic pulses target specific areas to mimic the body’s natural electrical activity. This stimulates healing at the cellular level. (Note: not suitable for those with pacemakers or undergoing cancer treatment.)
TRADITIONAL “WET” SAUNAS (Finnish Style):
Saunas aren’t just about sweating it out. Regular use can improve cardiovascular function, support respiratory health, aid muscle recovery, and help you unwind mentally.
How it works: The room is heated to 70–100°C with added humidity from water poured over stones. The result? A gentle elevation of your core temperature, increased heart rate, and an endorphin rush that feels like a natural high.
So, what sets RCVRI apart?
For starters, flexibility. Some guests pop in for a quick reset during their lunch break. Others linger and stack a few modalities depending on what they need that day. There’s a limit on how many people can be in the space at once, and most treatments happen in private rooms. Ideal for individuals, couples, or even group visits.
It’s performance-driven but not performative. You won’t find waving towels or chanting sound bowls on the regular (although, if that’s your thing, I’m sure they’d make it happen). What you will find are truly effective, science-based tools to help you feel better, move better, and live better.
The team is also well-trained to recommend a personalised plan. You don’t need to guess what you need—they’ll help assess and “stack” treatments based on your goals, schedule, or even just how you’re feeling that day.
Best time to go? Post-workout, on designated recovery days, or even those “blah” days when you’re just trying to snap out of a rut.
RCVRI Toronto is now open at 8 Mercer Street. There are also four locations across Australia.
Tip: Start with the 2-week intro pass or a 6-pack series (spotted on their site at time of publishing)—both are great ways to explore the space and feel the difference. Gift cards and memberships are also available. See their site for all the details!
