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This article was produced in partnership with SunHome.
The idea of jumping into a freezing cold tub of water may not be the most appealing prospect for many, but it’s proven to be a health and wellness must-have for a select few.
Cold plunging is all the rage, growing 245% in search year-over-year from 2021 to 2022, with no signs of slowing down. For those just dipping their toes in the proverbial waters, a cold plunge is precisely what the name implies—submerging your body in cold water for several minutes. It’s also popularly known as ice bathing or cold water immersion.
Why would anyone do this? Well, while the research is still relatively new on all the positive effects of taking a cold plunge, one systematic review of the currently available research published in Sports Medicine journal in 2022 showed promising results for muscle recovery after working out, specifically after performing high-intensity interval training (HIIT).
It additionally shows promise for its ability to “reduce insulin resistance and improve insulin sensitivity,” a study published in the International Journal of Circumpolar Health, which added, “this may have a protective effect against cardiovascular disease, obesity, and other metabolic diseases and could have prophylactic health effects.”
Ready to take the plunge and try it for yourself? Here are 9 of the best cold plunges that will have your teeth chattering (in a good way, we promise) in no time.
Those looking to kick off their cold plunge journey with a top-of-the-line tub need not look further than Sun Home’s Cold Plunge Pro. This unit is unique because, unlike other cold plunges that simply cool down the water to around 38 Fahrenheit, this one generates ice and gets down to 32 Fahrenheit so that you can experience a true ice bath.
Looking for something more portable or affordable? Their inflatable version, Sun Home Cold Plunge, comes with a military-grade XL tub and 1HP smart-chiller, along with built-in cooling and heating capabilities, filters, and sanitation options. Plus, you control it all via an app, making it easy to take a dip whenever you please.
Keep your cold plunge experience ultra simple with this easy-to-use portable bathtub kit. According to the manufacturer, the kit can be assembled and disassembled in minutes and folded flat for easy storage. The tub measures 32.6 inches long and is 28 inches high, making it an large enough for most adults to sit comfortably.
Those who want a product that can easily be stored but will still last a lifetime should look into Tactilian’s Inflatable Insulated Cold Plunge. The plunge is made with honeycomb air pockets, which the brand says helps keep the water temperature colder for longer and is lightweight enough to move easily. It can also be deflated and stored in minutes when not in use. A free duffle bag for storage as well as an air pump for easy assembly, are included in the box.
Keep things compact with IcyShredZ’s tub. The tub has six insulating layers wrapped around a lightweight aluminum frame that locks into place to stand upright or easily collapse for storage. It’s such an easy tub to piece together that the brand says it can be done in “just one second.” While its vertical design saves space, the brand does not recommend its product for anyone over 6 feet tall.
Made with high-quality, recycled plastics, the Ice Barrel Bathtub promises to last for years. The tub weighs 55 pounds when empty, so it’s not super lightweight, but portable nonetheless. However, it was built to endure, with a plastic outer shell that won’t easily puncture like an inflatable. Its 105-gallon capacity can fit most adults, making it a great option for those with multiple plungers in their household.
For a smaller, less technical, but enjoyable experience, check out The Cold Pod’s Ice Bath Tub. Made with multiple layers of waterproof and tear-resistant material, including a PVC inner layer, the tub is as durable as it gets. And, thanks to all those layers, it can also keep water cold for as long as you can handle it. Its taller design is also a stellar fit for just about everyone, as the company says it’s ideal for anyone up to 6 feet 7 inches.
Try out the plunge lifestyle without breaking the bank with The Icy Tub. This freestanding inflatable tub is super simple to set up — all you need to do is pump it up, fill it with ice and water, then hop in. To store it, just simply reverse the process after use. And really, it can be stored just about anywhere, as it weighs a mere eight pounds when it’s empty. The tub, when inflated, is 28 inches high, making it a good option for anyone 6-feet 4-inches or shorter.
Have a little more flexibility with the size of your tub by giving Inflatoast’s Portable Ice Bath a go. The inflatable tub, made with thickened PVX material, comes with five airbag structures, which allows every user to adjust its height to fit their needs. The brand suggests three layers for children using the pool for fun, four for shorter adults, and five for taller adults. However, it does note that its product is not ideal for those above 5-feet 8-inches.
Stretch out and enjoy your cold plunge experience with Eosprim’s Automatic Inflatable Bathtub. The tub includes a wireless air pump, which can inflate in just two minutes. The tub is constructed with PVC and comes with a unique zipper-locked top, helping to keep cold air in while you soak. The tub also sports a storage bag on the side for easy access to your phone, which you can use to set that all-important timer to let you know exactly how much longer you need to sit in the freezing waters for maximum effect.
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