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For years, Hollywood stars such as Jason Momoa and Chris Hemsworth and award-winning artists like Justin Bieber and Lady Gaga have plunged into ice cold water in the name of wellness. The routine has become even more mainstream in recent years as highly-influential figures like Joe Rogan and Andrew Huberman have used their platforms to endorse the invigorating morning routine as a way to boost productivity, energy and mood.
But the practice goes back thousands of years, long before its TikTok virality, lending credibility to a routine that has raised more than few eyebrows among skeptics of fleeting trends. It might be having its moment, but it’s found a cult following in nearly every generation — and now the science world is slowly, but surely, starting to catch up.
While current research is still relatively thin, studies shows that in addition to boosting energy and mood (effects that are harder to control for), one of the biggest proven benefits is regulating blood sugar. Acute and repeated cold exposure has been found to improve insulin sensitivity, which helps manage your blood sugar — and studies show that the more you shiver, the bigger the benefit. In this sense, the cold can be its own kind of workout. It can even bump up your metabolic rate as much as five times above your resting rate.
Science is still catching up to some of the bigger claims made by the cold plunge community, but anecdotally, thousands of people turn to freezing water as a boost for the immune system, an answer to chronic inflammation, an antidote to anxiety and depression and a manager for stress.
If you’re ready to begin your cold plunge journey, check out some of the best cold plunges on the market to dive into right now:
EDITOR’S CHOICE
Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro
The intelligently designed Sun Home Cold Plunge Pro is the best in the game of cold water immersion technology. Unlike most cold plunges, this self-cooling powerhouse is programmed to reach literal freezing temperatures, allowing you to actually submerge in ice water for a true ice bath experience. Plus, the self-cleaning unit is also the only ice bath rated for outdoor use: the military-grade exterior is built with a range of tough, durable coatings that are guaranteed to protect your investment from the harshest environments. And the industrial-grade stainless steel tub maintains frosty temperatures while fortifying against rigorous use, with built-in wheels for portability.
BEST DEAL
Plunge The Plunge
As the name implies, Plunge is one of the most ubiquitous brands in the cold plunge market. Their headlining cold plunge tub uses powerful cooling, filtration, and sanitation to give you perfectly chilled, clean water whenever you want it—no ice needed. It’s also designed for indoor or outdoor use, and have made installation a breeze: just fill your Plunge with a hose, set your temp (as low as 39°F) and commence your new morning routine. It’s currently $500 off on the Plunge website.
MOST LUXE
CoreChill Elite Cold Plunge Tub
If you have more than a few thousand dollars to spare, then CoreCill’s Elite Cold Plunge Tub is the way to go. The price tag is steep, but you get what you pay for, including an adjustable flow rate — a feature not offered by any other plunge on the market. Other distinct features include: a high flow rate to disrupt your thermal barrier and a direct Cold Hydro Dose for pinnacle cold exposure therapy, in addition to a large frame and waterproof exterior.
SPONSORED
Sun Home Cold Plunge – Portable Ice Bath With Chiller
Experience enhanced circulation, reduced inflammation and an overall sense of invigoration with Sun Home’s Portable Cold Plunge. The Sun Home Cold Plung is the only inflatable and fully-portable cold plunge in the world equipped with a military-grade XL sized insulated tub and 1HP smart-chiller and heater. This unit also features next-gen cooling (and heating), filtration, and sanitation technology, all controlled within your mobile app to deliver an optimal cold immersion experience, whenever you want it.
ON A BUDGET
The Pod Company The Ice Pod
If you aren’t quite ready for a four or five-figure investment, then The Pod Company’s Ice Pod is the best way to start off your cold plunge journey. This affordable and portable ice bath is simply designed to enjoy cold water therapy anywhere. Experience a natural high feeling like no other and get all the amazing health benefits, without the need for a chest freezer. The Ice Pod is for indoor and outdoor use, insulated and fits one person.
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