“MAKE sure you remember to breathe, concentrate on that” – were Charlie Raglan’s final words of advice as I entered Oxford United’s new cryotherapy chamber.

The unit was installed at the Kassam Stadium a couple of weeks ago, with the aim to provide a further aid to the players’ well-being.

And when it was suggested someone from the Oxford Mail should experience it, I was more than willing to give it a go.

However, when standing by the facility in just my pants, I was wondering if this was such a good idea.

The chamber is designed to tighten up your body, help with injury prevention, and improve your sleep.

But all I was worried about was surviving my three minutes of torture.

Thankfully, I came through it and yes, I did feel good.

Wearing gloves, socks, slippers, a face mask and bandana, I was given a quick briefing from United’s physio Andrew Proctor before the door opened.

I stepped into an agonisingly cold air, which luckily lacked the intensity of an ice bath, but took hold of my entire body - it was -84C.

I immediately remembered Raglan’s advice about my breathing as the window instantly misted up, while what can only be described as snow flakes floated around.

All I could see was the silhouette of Oxford Mail photographer Jon Lewis, who was outside, snapping away.

And, knowing there were at least five other people watching, I made sure to put on a brave face.

The first two minutes flew by. I felt great, and agreed with everything I had been told about the chamber’s benefits.

But the most agonising part was to come.

Proctor held up a finger to tell me a minute remained and the longest 60 seconds ensued, during which I convinced myself it had got even colder.

Finally the door was opened and I hastily emerged through the mist.

I was told to jump on an exercise bike to get my blood flowing and, incredibly, I was warm again within minutes.

“A lot of the players notice as soon as they come out how good they feel,” said Proctor as I cycled.

“On the flip side of it, some of them struggle, because they are not used to it.

“They go inside in pairs, and often chat and start mucking about to take their minds off the cold.

“When we play music you get the occasional character who likes to dance around and play up to the people who are watching.”

So how did he think I coped with the big freeze?

“It looked like you were grinding through it and were pretty comfortable,” said Proctor.

“But we don’t know if you were doing that for the cameras, we’ll wait and see how you feel later.”

To be honest, it was a bit of both, but I had a great night’s sleep and can definitely see why United think this is money well spent.

OXFORD United defender Charlie Raglan believes the new cryotherapy chamber is playing a big part in aiding his recovery from injury.

The 24-year-old ruptured ankle ligaments on the eve of the new season and is two months into his rehab.

United’s players use the chamber after training and matches, with Raglan feeling the full benefits.

He said: “I don’t know the full science behind it, but just from coming out of it I do feel good.

“It does make me sleep better and I’ve got an injury that so far, touch wood, the rehab for is going well.

“I wouldn’t like to say that it is all down to this, but it is playing a part.”