With the turn of a new year, you’ve likely invested in some fresh threads and trainers for the treadmill. As enthusiasts of the bold, we’d also suggest a more high-tech product that’ll help you achieve your fitness goals: an ice bath or a plunge pool.
Indeed, this form of gear dates back to antiquity – the Greeks, notably, took to cold water for relaxation and for treating ailments – and today, such practices have become the preserve of elite sportspeople. But just because you aren’t burdened with the same expectations that the world’s most famous athletes carry, that doesn’t mean you can’t approach your health in a similar manner.
Below, we outline the benefits of cooling down in an ice bath or plunge pool, and we also select the very best to dip into now…
The benefits
Though cold-water immersion may not be the most appealing thing to entice you and your senses, it is scientifically said to help alleviate inflammation, encourage blood circulation, relieve tension and speed-up muscle recovery after arduous exercise (when shocked by cold water, your blood vessels will constrict; once you’ve left the bath, these vessels will dilate at speed and, in turn, rid of metabolic waste).
There are also arguments to suggest that piercing dips can boost dopamine, the happy hormone; facilitate better sleep; fine-tune your breathing; and, as a result, help you manage stress better.
The routine
If you’re looking to maximise your gym visits – or simply want to re-centre the mind – we suggest investing in a high-end ice bath or plunge pool (see further below, even if the price-tags give you goosebumps) and following this straightforward method:
- Get dressed in a T-shirt and shorts (avoid going clothes-less, in order to protect the skin)
- Set aside a different set of clothes in an accessible spot; following your dip, you’ll have to dry and warm-up as soon as possible
- Fill your tub to the halfway point with cold water (and ice, if your machine requires it), reaching, ideally, anywhere between 10–15°C
- Set your timer to a maximum of 15 minutes
- Slowly and steadily submerge your lower body into the bath; while doing so, take deep, slow breaths so as to not shock the system
- Once you’ve acclimatised to the temperature, briefly dip your upper body underwater
- After 15 minutes (or earlier), leave the bath slowly, remove your wet clothes, put on your warm layers, and drink a hot beverage in order to raise your body temperature to its normal level
The Siberian Cold Plunge by Renu Therapy
The California redwood trim on this tank brings to mind the style sensibilities of some of Scandinavia’s finest saunas, steam rooms and health retreats. The main attraction is the seating deck on the lid, which provides space for you to undertake breathwork, either before or after submersion. A spa light can also be added, if you prefer to recover and unwind after hours.
Kinos Cold Plunge by Avantopool
Compact and small scale (in relative terms, anyway), the Kinos Cold Plunge is a moveable option, ideal if you want to switch your plunge between terrace and garden. It features a wide-range of temperature levels, from 4°C to 38°C, providing you with the option of a warming, hot-tub-style experience; the stairs and railings can be added on more than one side, so you can configure to your preference; and sections, such as the side panels and corners, can be removed. Industrial in look, it comes in black, grey or white.
Ice Bath by Brass Monkey
Brass Monkey’s creation is perhaps the most natural-looking in this edit, with a herringbone finish that makes it appear as a high-end piece of furniture worthy of a showroom. The USP here is that it uses automated ice-creation technology, keeping temperatures as low as 0°C. Smoothness of usage is further enhanced by a companion app.
Plunge All-In by Plunge
Sharp yet unobtrusive in looks, the stripped-back Plunge All-In draws upon a strong cooling system that’s 30 per cent faster than its predecessor – an efficient filter system and plug-and-plunge setup enhance the ease of use.
Monk Smart Ice Bath by Monk
Track your plunge progress with the app; it’s self-cleaning; there are lovely, organic curves to appreciate; and it’s AJ-approved – perhaps this is the ultimate premium package.
Want more wellness gear? These are the best saunas for your home…
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