What can a cold plunge do for me?

Health Benefits of Cold Plunges Q&A

Other questions? View our other FAQs on our cold plunge products and how to care for and maintain a cold plunge.

People and medical studies report a range of health benefits from cold plunging that include reduced inflammation and swelling, which aids in injury recovery and general systemic inflammation; relief from sore muscles, aiding in post-workout recovery; as a pain reduction technique for chronic conditions including arthritis, gout, fibromyalgia and others; increased joint mobility; immunity strengthening; as well as mental health benefits, including increased feelings of wellbeing, and decreased depression, anxiety, and grief. Some people report no longer needing medication for depression, which may be related to the body’s increased dopamine and norepinephrine production due to cold plunging. Results may vary depending on your underlying health conditions.

People and medical professionals report that the cold tub can have a number of positive effects on the body including:

Faster injury recovery & workout recovery
Reduction in general systemic inflammation
Managing chronic pain
Increased joint mobility
Increased immunity
increased energy/focus
Triggering of dopamine and norepinephrine release
Fat and weight loss

Your results may vary. Please see our list of medical studies to see a sampling of what medical professionals have found.

Some medical professionals point to the body’s initial stress response of cold plunging as being the catalyst for other body functions that increase feelings of psychological well being, decrease stress and show changed immune markers.

According to the Mental Health Center of America, “Cold exposure increases the production of a neurotransmitter called norepinephrine (focus, attention, vigilance, mood). As a result, cold therapy can produce a feeling of calm, happiness, and well-being, which can support the mitigation of mental health symptoms such as depression and anxiety.”

Another study found significant increases in both noepinephrine and dopamine levels after cold water exposure. These chemicals influence feelings of wellness.

A study of the effects of cold water therapy on open air cold water swimmers found after several months “tension, fatigue, memory and mood negative state points… significantly decreased”.

Some medical professionals also consider depression to be related to chronic inflammation in the body system, and “sources of inflammation may play a role in other psychiatric disorders, such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, autism and post-traumatic stress disorder.” Cold water therapy has been shown in some contexts to reduce overall inflammation through vascular constriction.

This depends on the temperature of the bath, the height and weight of the person, and their general sensitivity levels to cold. Many people gradually increase their cold plunge exposure over time as they become used to regular cold plunging; 3-5 minutes is a general recommendation.

Medical doctors suggest that the initial shock and resulting body response from cold water submersion is what drives health benefits from plunging, and this only takes a few minutes to achieve.

Do what you can and use common sense; hypothermia is possible from over exposure. If you notice skin color changes or you start shivering uncontrollably you should get out of the cold plunge right away.

Cold therapy can be very helpful for some conditions, but we recommend discussing cold plunging with your medical professional before taking it up. Pregnant women and children should not use cold plunges. People with heart conditions, high blood pressure, circulatory problems, or other conditions related to cold sensitivity specifically should discuss whether cold plunging is okay for them with their doctors.

There is debate on how often a person should cold plunge to achieve particular health benefits; it likely depends on what benefits you are hoping to get from the experience. If you are using cold plunging to aid after-workout recovery, do it after workouts. Other people do it two or three times a week, others daily, others twice daily.

Many people cold plunge daily or twice daily. It is up to you to determine how often you’d like to do it and how much you can take.

Have more questions? Check out our Cold Plunging for Health page for links to medical studies on the benefits of cold therapy, as well as more frequently asked questions.

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Cold Plunge Tubs | The 450 Wide Grizzly Cold Plunge Tub

from Original price was: $3,400.00.Current price is: $3,000.00. Cyber Monday Sale!!!

Want it a little wider? You spoke and we listened. Our Wide Grizzly 450 Cold Plunge is 7.5″ wider than our Exclusive or the Original Grizzly 400. The Wide can be used as a one person or two person plunge! It is also for people who like to sit cross legged while plunging, or just generally would like to stretch out a bit more in the tub. Like the original, this plunge also comes with a 1/4 horsepower chiller, is quiet, functional in hot climates, and has the safety and convenience features of the Original. Additional insulation in this model makes it even more energy efficient.

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Cold Plunge Tubs | The Desert Plunge Exclusive Cold Plunge Tub

from Original price was: $3,148.00.Current price is: $2,798.00. Cyber Monday Sale!!!

Introducing the Desert Plunge Exclusive, the first cold plunge tub designed by and exclusive to Desert Plunge. Manufactured in the USA by Grizzly Coolers at the same high standards as our wide model, the Exclusive is 5.5″ longer in the interior, allowing for more leg room and a more spacious experience. In 8 colors, you’re sure to find one that you like. Pre-order now to get yours shipped by early to mid-October.

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