Take the Plunge: The Health Benefits of Ice Baths and Which One to Get
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Cold plunge therapy has exploded in popularity, thanks to viral TikTok videos and high-profile proponents like Joe Rogan. Many professional athletes are known to soak in an ice bath after a game, but you don’t need to be a millionaire to enjoy your very own cold plunge tub at home. After an extra-intense workout, an ice bath can help you recover just like a pro athlete.
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The world is experiencing a fitness boom, and with more exercise comes a greater need to recover properly. Whether you prefer running on a treadmill, spinning on an indoor exercise bike or lifting weights — taking the time to recover is essential in making gains and meeting your goals. Stretching, rolling out your muscles using a foam roller, or even splurging on a recovery tool like Therabody’s Recovery Air System are all great ways to keep your body in tip-top shape, so you can move as much and as well as you’d like. Another great, albeit painful, ritual to introduce into your recovery routine: ice baths.
Cold therapy — in the form of cold water therapy (CWI), a cryogenic chamber, or an ice bath — is a very popular trend in the fitness world for the supposed health benefits. Cold plunges are also an exercise in pure mental grit; Exposing your body and muscles to almost-freezing cold temperatures may help in workout recovery and ease muscle soreness, although the evidence for its effectiveness is mixed. We’re going to explore this trendy practice today, go over the medical evidence, and discuss a few of our favorite at-home ice bath options as well.
What Does an Ice Bath Do?
Ease Soreness and Chronic Pain
Athletes and fitness professionals across disciplines have started touting cold plunges, cryotherapy, and ice baths as a great addition to a recovery routine post-workout, reducing muscle soreness and pain. According to Dr. A. Brion Gardner, an orthopedic surgeon with The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics, taking a cold plunge can help ease the soreness, burning, and aching in your muscles after training sessions. When you expose your body to cold water or cold surrounding air, it causes the blood vessels to constrict, which may reduce inflammation, swelling, or other reactions in the body.
Dr. Elizabeth Gardner MD, Associate Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at Yale School of Medicine also told SPY “There is some evidence that compared to basic rest, immersion in an ice bath after intense exercise can reduce the onset of delayed muscle soreness. This is thought to occur by decreasing inflammation.”
Flush Metabolic Waste
Once you get out of the tub or chamber, the blood vessels open back up and start a process that “helps flush away metabolic waste post-workout,” according to Nick Clayton, C.S.C.S., a program manager for the National Strength and Conditioning Association. This is “especially true with lymph, a clear fluid made up of white blood cells and fluid from your intestines,”
Increases Blood Flow and Oxygen
According to Clayton, lymph nodes don’t have a pump like your heart does to pump blood around your body. Ice baths are aid in constricting, opening, and helping move stagnant fluids around your body. The “increased blood flow floods your cells with nutrients and oxygen to theoretically help your body recover.”
Boost Metabolism
We interviewed Dr. Charles Tabone for this piece, a naturopathic doctor at Pause Studios in Los Angeles; a studio that specializes in physical and mental recovery. He explained, “With frequent exposure to cold, our body will work to generate more heat through uncoupling of mitochondria and conversion of adipose tissue into brown fat.”
“This will cause an increase in metabolism and result in burning more calories at rest. Our body will also release adrenaline and dopamine, leading to enhanced cognition and emotions.”
BEST OVERALL
PLUNGE Ice Bath
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PLUNGE is a super popular brand for at-home ice baths, with a much higher price tag than other options. It’s a large tub designed with powerful cooling, filtration, and sanitation systems, providing cold and clean water whenever you want. It’s safe for indoor or outdoor use and the installation is designed to be as easy as possible. All you need to do is fill it with water, turn it on, set the temperature, and you’re good to go. What’s nice about this system — as opposed to the others — is you have the option to set the temperature automatically rather than dumping in ice to bring the temperature down.
If you’re sold on the idea of an ice bath and think you’ll use it every day, this is a great option. For luxury shoppers looking for the best ice bath money can buy, PLUNGE sits at the top of a very short list.
RUNNER UP
Ice Barrel
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Ice Barrel is a relatively new cold-therapy training tool that’s got a lightweight design, functional features, and is built durably with a dependable design. Unlike traditional cold tubs, this one is designed for sitting in an upright position, so your mind and body can relax. The full package comes with the barrel and lid, a barrel stand, a protective UV cover and a step stool, making it easy to get in and out.
It can hold up to 105 gallons of water and has an easy-to-use drainage system. It’s 42″ high by 31″ wide, and has a 25″ wide opening up top. It weighs 55 pounds when empty and 750 pounds when filled. Check out the research on their site about the benefits of cold therapy.
BEST SPLURGE
Renu Therapy Cold Stoic
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An even more expensive luxury option is The Cold Stoic from Renu Therapy — a cold plunge tub named after the state of mind you’re trying to emulate with every soak. It’s made with clean, cold technology as well as a programmable thermostat, allowing users to control the temperature easily. It’s made for use indoors or outdoors. and has a modern aesthetic design that’ll complement any backyard rather than stick out. It comes with a matching step stool, an insulated cover, and a guide for using the cold plunge tank for maximum benefits.
EASY TO USE
CO-Z Inflatable Adult Bath Tub
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Are you still with us after the $9,000 ice bath? Then you’ll be pleased to know there are much, much more affordable options for cold therapy at home. The CO-Z Inflatable Adult Bath Tub might look out of place on the terrace of a Beverly Hills estate, but it’s a practical solution for the rest of us. Instead of spending thousands on a system built for cold plunges, you can simply buy an inflatable hot tub for $70 and fill it with ice. Your body won’t know the difference, but your wallet definitely will.
MOST PORTABLE
WEY&FLY Portable Foldable Bathtub
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This foldable bathtub is super easy to set up, fill, use, and take down again making it a super easy and affordable alternative compared to more elaborate ice baths. It has a built-in insulation layer for maintaining consistent water temperatures and a warm time of 120 minutes. The bottom of the tub is cushioned for comfortable sitting and dunking and with a 29.7 inch diameter, there’s just enough room for the average adult to sit comfortably.
BEST DESIGN
Polar Monkeys The Portal
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If you want a plunge bath that gives you the frigid recovery you’re looking for with a cool, rugged design, meet The Portal from Polar Monkeys. It’s designed like a rustic bathtub with built-in cooling abilities. The tank is six feet in length with a capacity of 170 gallons.
CEDAR PLUNGE DESIGN
Odin Ice Bath
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This powerful ice bath from a brand called Odin is capable of producing ice on its own with a temperature range that can reach 32 degrees Fahrenheit, and a trendy cedar design. It’s made with a sediment filtration system for the keeping water crystal clear, and makes the same amount of noise as your standard fridge or freezer.
How We Chose the Best Ice Baths
Our editors are in the midst of testing actual ice baths and working out the logistics of installing them in their homes. However, for this list, we relied heavily on reviews and consulted brands we trust for the rankings. We took into account factors like price, design, longevity and practicality. We also weighed the extra features that some of the luxe options offer, like built-in steps and lighting elements. SPY.com reader feedback was also a factor here, as we’ve received positive information about Plunge, our choice for the “Best Overall” ice bath. Finally, we spoke to experts and physicians to better understand the potential benefits of the best cold plunge products.
When comparing the top options, we thought about what a consumer wants out of an ice bath in their home, and which brands satisfy their needs. It’s a method for recovery, yes, but it’s also about convenience and making a difficult task as easy as possible.
The high-end tubs on this list make plunging into an ice bath easy because they sit at a steady temperature, ready for you to dunk. There’s no need to lug bags of ice or fish a garden hose into a kiddie pool.
After considering all of these factors, we selected our favorite ice baths for at-home use.
What Are the Benefits of Taking an Ice Bath?
As we’ll discuss below, the evidence backing the benefits of taking ice baths is mixed, but there are still many experts in the medical, fitness, and physical therapy fields who believe in them. Dr. Tabone noted that “Positive stressors encourage our bodies to adapt in advantageous ways, having both physiological and cognitive effects. On a more local level, exposing the body to cold causes a constriction of peripheral vessels, which can draw away inflammatory waste products.”
“When shocked with a drastic temperature change, various signaling proteins are produced which can also cause numerous systemic effects. Whether this results in the production of mitochondria, the increase in resting metabolism, or the release of endorphins, the regular practice of cold water immersion can significantly alter patient outcomes,” said Tabone.
If you’ve ever taken an ice bath, super cold shower, or gone in a cryogenic chamber you know it’s a bit painful at the beginning. But afterward, you feel super warm and refreshed. I’ve personally done it, and found it to be very energizing and therapeutic.
Dr. Gardner explained the potential mental benefits of developing resilience in response to cold therapy exposure.
“There is also a potential mental benefit. Most people do not find the ice bath experience to be pleasant at first. In fact, it can be frankly painful. However, this improves with relaxing, focusing on your breathing, and even some distraction.”
“Over the course of time, however, many people will build up a tolerance to the cold and will come to find it an important part of their recovery process. This resilience and adaptation has obvious applications elsewhere in exercise, sport, and life.”
Speculation Around Ice Baths
While ice baths have been promoted for years by experts in the fitness space for their recovery benefits, actual medical studies have delivered mixed results. A 2018 meta analysis of 99 different studies found contrast therapy (plunging in a cold tub and then hot bath), ice baths, and massage to all be effective in reducing delayed onset muscle soreness, fatigue, muscle damage, and inflammation.
A small 2017 study specifically on ice baths, however, introduced doubt by saying there was no evidence to support actual benefits to regularly sitting in freezing water post-sweat session. However, many experts still believe in them and equate them to 10 minutes of low-intensity exercise as a cool down for recovery purposes. They’re probably not going to completely change your results one way or the other, but done responsibly they may help you feel better faster.
Are There Any Risks Associated With Ice Baths?
Ice baths do carry some risks for individuals with pre-existing conditions like cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure or circulatory issues. Please consult your doctor before introducing any new recovery methods into your routine, especially one where you’re subjecting your body to extreme temperatures.
Dr. Gardner explained that no one should “stay in the ice bath for more than 15 minutes, due to the risk of hypothermia and frostbite. If you notice that your skin is changing colors, then it is important to get out.”
She also added that “In general, athletes with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, a pre-existing cardiovascular condition or high blood pressure, or any other condition that impairs your ability to regulate your blood pressure or body temperature should avoid an ice bath until discussed with your physician.”
Tips for Taking Ice Baths at Home
TEMPERATURE
First off, you’ll want to make sure you’ve got the right temperature. The temperature of the water should be between 50-59°F or 10-15°C. If you’re creating your own ice bath at home with a blow-up tub and some bags of ice from your local grocery store, use a thermometer to check the temperature before getting in.
POSITION
Make sure you position your body properly so you can fully submerge, as the ideal is to get your entire body up to your neck under the water. This way, you’ll get the full benefits of the blood vessel constriction.
TIMING
You’ll want to get into the ice bath immediately after working out, or as shortly afterwards as possible. After about an hour or so, many of the inflammatory, physiological responses you’re trying to avoid will have already started or finished, so try to drunk as soon as you wrap up that last burpee, lap, or rep.
Can I Actually Buy an Ice Bath and Get It Delivered?
Now you’re probably thinking, “Okay! This sounds great — but how on earth can I get one of these in my home?” Well, thankfully, due to the popularity of the trend over the past few years, a few brands have created at-home ice bath options you can purchase, have delivered, and use for years in your outdoor space. No need to find your local frozen-over lake.
These ice baths are luxe options, though, and can cost up to a few thousand dollars. We’ve included them, as well as a few cheaper, DIY options, above. For receiving the benefits, all that matters is that your body is dunked in cold water for a few minutes a day (don’t dunk your head!). The vessel you do it in isn’t as relevant.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ice Baths
What Is an Ice Bath?
An ice bath is a method for physical and mental recovery, wherein you soak your entire body in a tub between 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit, or 10-15 degrees Celcius. This temperature can be achieved through a tub programmed to chill water to that temperature, or through letting ice melt.
How Long Should An Ice Bath Last?
According to the medical experts we consulted, 10-15 minutes is the maximum amount of time your ice bath should last in order to receive the benefits without risking hypothermia.
Are Ice Baths Good For You?
Ice baths have benefits and risks depending on your physical health, body type, fitness level and tolerance to cold. Dr. Elizabeth Gardner noted that “Athletes who engage in vigorous exercise resulting in muscle pain or soreness may benefit from an ice bath as part of their comprehensive recovery regime. An ice bath isn’t necessary, or even worth it, after a standard work out that hasn’t pushed your body — only after one that is uncharacteristically intense. It can also be helpful to reduce stress and boost your mood.”
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