The 7 best ice bath tubs to master at home cold plunges, per experts

If you’ve ever been to a five-star resort where there’s not just one above-ground pool but rather, a litany of individualized pools — each with their own unique temperature — you likely have some surface-level knowledge of cold plunge therapy and its benefits.We contacted Andrew Jagim, Ph.D., a sports medicine specialist at the Mayo Clinic Health System, to explore the health benefits of the best cold plunges and ice baths, and how they can be optimally utilized.According to Dr.

Jagim, the effectiveness of cold plunges largely depends on their application and intended goals.Cold plunges can play a significant role in both pre and post-exercise scenarios.

“Cold plunges can help cool the body in preparation for upcoming competitions or workouts in the heat, which can subsequently improve performance,” he explains.He also says they can “reduce exercise-induced muscle damage, reduce swelling, and reduce symptoms of soreness.”However, he cautions athletes not to overuse this method on a daily because “by reducing the post-workout inflammation process, you are also, in turn, reducing the signaling mechanisms responsible for eliciting training adaptations over time.”For those not training to be Tom Brady, Dr.Jagim isn’t concerned about overuse, ” I don’t think there would really be a limit or maximum frequency of use to be worried about,” he says.

For best results, he recommends immersing in water at 50 degrees Fahrenheit to 59 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 to 15 minutes, as this range “appears to be most effective at accelerating performance recovery.”When it comes to finding the best cold plunge for your home, it’s all about finding one that fits your space and personal wants.“To make an ice bath at home, you’ll have to buy a standalone unit that works best for your home,” Constance McCarty, spa director at Sanctuary Camelback Mountain, A Gurney’s Resort & Spa, in conversation with Holleigh Alexander-Ramsey, executive spa consu...