What's Cold Plunging?
Cold plunging is a health trend you may have come across on social media platforms, health podcasts or at local gyms and spas. Like the name suggests, cold plunging is the activity of submerging oneself into a cold body of water for brief periods of time. Also called ice bathing and cold therapy, it’s thought to promote many mental and physical health benefits.
Some people choose to dip or swim in local lakes, oceans and rivers to get ice bath benefits. But for those who don’t have access to cold bodies of water, there’s cold plunging at home. Online, you’ll find many retailers selling cold plunge systems with price tags ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars. These at-home cold plunge tubs are designed with electric chillers, covers, water filtration systems and other features.
But before you invest in a costly home cold plunge system, you can try out the health trend at home for a fraction of the price. At Lowe's, we have all the supplies you need to get started.
Before attempting cold plunging, check with your doctor about potential risks. Cold therapy is not recommended for everyone. Risks include hypothermia, cardiovascular stress and hyperventilation.
Benefits of Cold Plunges
Though evidence-based research is still limited on the effects of cold plunges, smaller studies and anecdotal evidence suggest several health benefits. These include:
- Improved metabolism
- Better sleep
- Reduction of sore muscles and body pain
- Boosted immunity
- Stress management
- Mood improvement
Easiest Way to Set Up a Cold Plunge in Your Backyard
You’ll only need a few materials to get started with cold plunging. To create an ice bath at home, invest in a tub deep enough to submerge your body in. You’ll also need access to a hose to fill the tub as well as ice to chill the water. To ensure the temperature of the water is ideal, consider adding a floating pool thermometer to the tub.
