Cold therapy, particularly through ice baths, has surged in popularity recently, gaining endorsements from professional athletes, bodybuilders, and celebrities. Exposing the body to cold temperatures, as advocated by the Wim Hof Method, offers numerous health benefits. While whole-body cryotherapy—a more intensive form of cold therapy involving exposure to extremely cold air in a sealed container—is effective, it's often expensive and less accessible. In contrast, ice baths provide an affordable and convenient alternative, allowing individuals to enjoy the benefits of cold therapy from the comfort of their homes.
Benefits of Cold Therapy
Enhanced Muscle Recovery: Cold water immersion helps reduce muscle soreness and delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) by decreasing the levels of lactate and creatine kinase in the blood. This leads to faster recovery of muscle power and reduced muscle damage.
Reduced Inflammation: Cold exposure reduces blood flow to the muscles (vasoconstriction), which can slow the activation of inflammatory proteins and increase anti-inflammatory proteins, thereby decreasing chronic inflammation.
Pain Relief: The vasoconstriction response to cold water immersion can have a pain-relieving effect, beneficial for those recovering from intense workouts or injuries.
Increased Mental Resilience: Regularly enduring the discomfort of cold immersion can enhance mental resilience by teaching the brain to cope with stress more effectively, ultimately leading to improved emotional and mental well-being.
Premium Ice Bath Products
To help you get started with cold therapy, we've researched some of the top premium home and portable ice bath products currently available on the market. Here's a detailed review of four standout options:
Price: $8,999.00
Manufacturer: Revel Saunas, an Australian company known for its high-quality, innovative wellness products. They focus on combining traditional techniques with modern technology to provide luxurious and effective recovery solutions.
Features:
App Control: Adjust temperature, activate ozone sanitation, and track time via an app.
High-Performance Chiller: Dual-mode cooling/heating system with a high-flow mechanism ensuring consistent water temperature.
Hydro-Crystal Ozonator™️: Utilizes ozone for effective water sanitation.
Temperature Control: Maintains water as low as 3°C.
Spacious Tub: 650L stainless steel tub.
Thermally Treated Nordic Timber: Durable and efficient for maintaining temperatures.
Size: 650L
Pros:
Advanced control options.
High-performance cooling system.
Eco-friendly design.
Aesthetically pleasing and durable construction.
Cons:
High price point.
Price: $3,895.00 – $3,995.00
Manufacturer: Xtreme Plunge, a company with a passion for health, wellbeing, and fitness. They leverage their experience with cold exposure from snowy mountains, cold lakes, rivers, and oceans to create effective recovery solutions.
Features:
Dual Heating and Cooling: Adjustable from 3°C to 42°C.
Ozone Sterilization: Keeps water clean.
Portable Design: Inflatable and suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
App Control: Wifi connection and remote control.
High Durability: Built with advanced inflatable technology.
Size: 1 Person Tub (135L x 83W x 61H), 2 Person Tub (196L x 73W x 60H)
Pros:
Versatile temperature control.
Portable and easy to set up.
Suitable for commercial use.
Cons:
Mid-range price may still be a consideration for some.
Price: $1,995.00
Manufacturer: Vital+, an Australian startup aiming to improve mental and physical health through accessible and affordable wellness solutions. Founded by Tom and Cam, who were inspired by their high-stress careers to create effective recovery tools.
Features:
Durable Construction: Military-grade tub.
Patented Insulation Design: Keeps water cold for 24 hours.
Double Water Filtration: Ensures clean water.
Easy Setup: 10-minute assembly.
Capacity: 400L
Extra Large Size: 150cm (L) x 70cm (W) x 70cm (H)
Pros:
Affordable.
Highly durable and well-insulated.
Efficient cooling system.
Cons:
Limited advanced features compared to higher-end models.
4. Odin Plunge
Price: $6,400.00
Manufacturer: Odin Plunge, a high-end brand known for its luxurious cold therapy products with a celebrity following. They blend functionality with aesthetics, using high-quality materials like clear western red cedar and marine-grade stainless steel.
Features:
Versatile Therapy: Hot and cold therapy with a temperature range from 3ºC to 40°C.
Aesthetic Design: Made from clear western red cedar and marine-grade stainless steel.
WIFI Control: External chiller with WIFI control.
Ozone Generator: Includes a pleated sediment filter for water sanitation.
Size: Original, XL, and Dual sizes available. Dimensions vary based on the model.
Pros:
Beautiful design.
Dual temperature functionality.
High-quality materials.
Cons:
High price point.
Price: $249.95 (Sale), Regular $400.00
Manufacturer: Recovery Zone, a Sydney-based company founded during the pandemic in 2020. They are dedicated to providing accessible and effective recovery solutions, trusted by athletes across various sports including NRL, AFL, UFC, NBA, and the Socceroos.
Features:
Superior Insulation: Keeps water cold for extended periods.
Space-Saving Design: Foldable and portable.
Quick Assembly: Less than 5 minutes setup.
Oval Shape: Ergonomic design for a comfortable experience.
Dimensions/Specs:
Length: 119cm
Width: 80cm
Height: 69cm
Capacity: 360L
Max User Height: 2.1m/6'7"
Pros:
Affordable.
Easy to store and transport.
Quick and simple assembly.
Cons:
May lack advanced features found in higher-end models.
Cool beginnings
Cold therapy through ice baths offers a range of health benefits, from enhanced muscle recovery to improved mental resilience. Whether you're a professional athlete or someone looking to boost your overall wellness, incorporating an ice bath into your routine can be a game-changer. The premium products reviewed here provide a variety of options to suit different needs and budgets, ensuring that everyone can find the perfect solution for their cold therapy needs.
Disclaimer: Prices and offers are accurate as of the time of writing this piece. These are some of the more premium and luxurious options available online today, but there are of course more budget-friendly options which I'll be covering in a separate article soon.