Cold Plunge Tub – What Are They, And How Do I Choose The Right One?

You may think that submerging in a cold plunge tub is only for those who are hard-core athletes or have to recover from an injury, but you couldn’t be more wrong. For centuries, the human race has been using cold therapy for a myriad of reasons, including pain relief, better sleep, and even improving circulation.

With so much new research emerging about the benefits of cold therapy, it’s no wonder that more and more people are looking for ways to incorporate it into their lives. And one of the best ways to do that is with a cold plunge tub.

If you’re unfamiliar with cold plunge tubs, they are simply tubs filled with cold water. They come in various sizes, but the most common is the small, portable tub that can be easily filled and stored in your home.

It’s an ultra-convenient way to get all the benefits of cold therapy without having to go to a spa or take an expensive trip to the cryotherapy chamber. But how do you choose the right one? Why exactly would anyone want to get into such a frigid tub? Do you really think that athletes are just masochists?

Well… not exactly. But we’ll get to that. This article will teach you everything you need to know about cold plunges, including the benefits of ice baths and choosing the right tub for your needs. 

Before we dive in, let’s first start with the basics.

What is a Cold Plunge Tub? 

Put simply; a cold plunge tub is a large tub or tank filled with ice-cold water. The water temperature can range anywhere from 50°F to 60°F and is maintained using an external cooling system, or in most cases, ice.

Cold plunge tubs can be made out of all sorts of materials, including plastic, metal, fiberglass, and even concrete. The plastic variety is the most popular type of cold plunge tub because they’re lightweight, durable, and relatively inexpensive.

The typical size for a cold plunge tub is around six feet in length and four feet in width, but they can come in all sorts of different sizes. Some are small enough to fit in a standard bathroom, while others are large enough to accommodate multiple people.

The Benefits of Ice Baths

Have you ever heard the quote “Get comfortable with being uncomfortable”? It’s often attributed to Jocko Willink, a retired Navy SEAL commander, but it’s something that all athletes live by.

The idea behind this quote is that if you want to improve and push yourself to the next level, you must be willing to get out of your comfort zone. This is where cold therapy comes in.

Physical Benefits of Ice Baths

Exposing your body to cold temperatures has a host of benefits, including:

• Reducing inflammation,
• improving circulation,
• and even boosting your immune system.

Since cold therapy works by constricting the blood vessels and reducing inflammation, many people use it as a way to speed up the recovery process after an injury.

Cold therapy can also help manage pain, particularly for those suffering from chronic conditions like arthritis. By numbing the nerves and reducing inflammation, cold therapy can provide relief from pain and stiffness.

Furthermore, intentionally entering cold water helps your body to adapt as well as repair cell damage and DNA. The shock you receive from a cold plunge benefits your body in ways you won’t believe.

Mental Benefits of Ice Baths

As well as the apparent physical effects on the body, plunging yourself into cold water also dramatically benefits your mind, too. 

It takes a certain amount of mental toughness to expose your body to extremely cold water. However, research shows that choosing to place yourself in these uncomfortable conditions helps build up your resilience and fortitude.

When you place yourself into cold water, you get a rush of norepinephrine – a hormone and neurotransmitter used to increase and maintain blood pressure. It also helps the body’s ‘fight or flight’ response and improves energy and attentiveness. As a result, a cold plunge can vastly improve your mood.

It’s all about building up your tolerance to stress and learning how to cope better with difficult situations. In other words, it’s great for your mental health. But before you make this a part of your daily routine, you should understand that there are risks to cold water exposure. 

Ensure you take a couple of minutes to get your body used to the cold water before fully submerging your head – you don’t want to risk hypothermia.

How Do I Choose The Right Cold Plunge Tub?

It can be difficult when deciding which product to buy to help you fulfill your cold plunging desires. You’re probably buying one for home use so that you don’t need to go to a gym, wellness center, or spa for your cold plunge – and that’s great! Cold plunging at home comes with a lot of advantages:

• You can do it whenever you want,
• in the privacy of your own home,
• and you don’t have to worry about time constraints.

The good news is that there are plenty of options on the market, so you’re sure to find one that fits your needs. But with all of the different brands, materials, sizes, and shapes available, it can be tough to decide which one is right for you.

Here are a few factors to keep in mind when choosing a cold plunge tub.

The Size

Just how much room do you have available in your home? Where are you going to put your cold plunge tub? Do you want it to be portable so that you can move it around easily? 

Cold plunge tubs come in all shapes and sizes, from small and compact to large and luxurious. It all depends on your personal preferences and needs. You should ensure that you have enough space to comfortably use and store your tub. 

Measure the available space before you make your purchase, and keep in mind that you’ll need easy access to a water source so that you can fill up your tub.

Temperature Settings

If you are accustomed to daily cold plunges, this may not be as important. However, if you are newly implementing this into your routine, it may be better to build up to those colder temperatures. 

Having the ability to change how cold the water is would be an excellent benefit for newcomers.

Comfortability

We would all love a spacious tub to plunge into and get into whatever position we feel most comfortable in, space allowing. This point ties in with the size – if you want more comfort, you may have to sacrifice portability or vice versa. 

It would help if you also considered how easy it would be to get in and out of your tub. If you have any mobility issues, this is an essential factor to keep in mind. Some tubs have steps or ladders for easy access, while others may be low to the ground.

Figure out what is most important to you and use that to help guide your decision.

Price and Durability

If you are looking for a high-tech, futuristic style of tub, there are many options out there, but these will likely be higher in price. You must also take into consideration how durable the tub is. If you want a tub that will last for years, it may be worth spending a little extra money upfront. 

On the other hand, if you are looking for something more affordable or temporary, there are plenty of options available as well. As we mentioned earlier, cold plunge tubs can be made from different materials, such as plastic, metal, fiberglass, or even wood. Some tubs are even inflatable!

You can find a tub to fit any budget, so don’t let the price tag be the only factor in your decision.

Ice Barrel Cold Plunge Tub

There’s no need to overthink your decision – the Ice Barrel Cold Plunge Tub is the perfect choice for anyone looking for an easy, affordable way to add cold therapy to their routine.

The Ice Barrel Cold Plunge Tub is the next best thing to a ground pool – it’s durable, portable, and easy to set up. Simply fill with water and ice, then take a plunge to reach new heights mentally, emotionally, and physically.

The Ice Barrel has been designed to fit most body types, while also allowing you to sit in an upright position, which allows the body and mind to focus and relax.

Currently labeled as the most popular cold plunge tub on the market, the Ice Barrel is an excellent choice for anyone looking to improve their health and well-being.

Click here to get yours today and start reaping the benefits of ice baths and cold therapy!