Andy Wright resides in the Lowry Hill neighborhood.
Passing the former Jiffy Lube building on Excelsior Boulevard last summer, my partner and I wondered what was going on inside now that a new sign reading “Portal” had appeared. The building was dark and mysterious. When we got home, we looked up the Portal website, which described it this way:
“PORTAL° is a category-defining network of contrast therapy social clubs where adults can socialize over habitual well-being without substances or phones.
“We build healthy, resilient communities with our unique blend of ancient contrast therapy traditions and modern social spaces. PORTAL° offers a holistic experience in a curated space to support connection and elevate your daily wellness routine with the benefits of thermaculture.”
The photos were alluring, even exotic. The following week we showed up at Portal and after our initial free session, we both joined immediately. There was no question we had found a valuable resource, and a convenient one.
I had been a member of another local sauna and cold plunge club, but it required a trip on Interstate 94, something I avoid whenever possible. This new option was a 10-minute bike ride or a five-minute drive. Perfect.
A few months later, I now arrive first thing in the morning most days of the week. The experience has been transformative, allowing me to both relax and energize before starting my workday. It provides a deep emotional and physical reset in a way that exercise alone does not seem to offer, though I do mix in a 15-minute yoga and isometric workout during the hot and cold cycles.
Especially during Minneapolis’ polar season, the spa-like setting offers an otherworldly escape. The space is filled with large plants, including massive palms, and custom-made mosaic artwork above the cold plunge pool gives the mind something to linger on as the hot and cold contrasts shift one’s awareness. The experience clearly reflects a significant financial investment. From my perspective, it has been worth every penny.
The social aspect has been just as meaningful. From casual conversations to deeper philosophical discussions, I have made new friendships. As someone running a small business largely on my own, I have found those connections to be invaluable.
Sharing a commitment to health creates easy common ground. We are all there for the same reason: to make our lives richer, more grounded and more thoughtful in a world that feels increasingly chaotic and unstable.
For those who are curious, and even for those who are not, I recommend making a trip to Portal. See what it is about and notice how it affects your body and psyche. You may find yourself hooked, as I did.
With locations in:
Minneapolis –
3120 Excelsior Blvd Minneapolis, MN 55416
Open seven days a week
Denver Boulder
