Cold plunge therapies provide immense benefits that make them a staple in many people’s daily routines.
Multiple studies have shown that taking a cold plunge may improve overall blood circulation due to its ability to constrict and dilate blood vessels. Increased blood flow enhances the transportation of oxygen and essential nutrients to various body parts while facilitating the removal of metabolic wastes.
Research indicates cold plunge therapies may soothe muscle soreness, support weight loss, relieve anxiety, and improve cognitive performance.
The numerous science-backed benefits of cold plunges explain why the practice is no longer a preserve of professional athletes and fitness aficionados. It has since piqued the attention of celebrities, CEOs, and even stay-at-home parents.
However, because many cold plunge treatments occur at home rather than in spas, proper accessories are necessary to improve their efficacy. This post highlights the top five items that go with a cold plunge tub.
1. Chiller
Modern cold plunge treatments are a significant step from traditional ice baths, which require a steady supply of ice bags from your local grocery store. Instead, you can achieve your ideal water temperature by investing in a high-end chiller.
Chillers are arguably the most resourceful accessories for cold plunge tubs, thanks to their ability to maintain the preferred water temperature. This equipment minimizes the need for endless trips to the grocery store to replenish depleted ice bags.
Besides, chillers can be a more economical investment in the long run.
However, chillers aren’t made equal. Research extensively and select a product that guarantees the benefits you want.
Insist on a high-end chiller that cools your tub water to the desired temperature while maintaining the temperature throughout treatment. The equipment should also come with variable temperature settings and an effective air circulation system.
2. Spa Robe
At-home cold plunge treatments don’t have to be bland. Not when you can spice up the experience by investing in a glamorous spa robe.
A spa robe lets you recreate the experience of a luxury spa bath, albeit in a home setting. Obviously, you’ll require the best robe for the job.
Consider the material a spa robe is constructed from before adding it to your cold plunge checklist. Prioritize robes from breathable and absorbent fabrics, such as 100% cotton.
A spa robe should also fit properly and feel comfortable to wear. For maximum comfort, consider robes with heavier fabric weights of 400 gsm or higher.
Remember to pick robe colors and patterns that align with your tastes and home décor.
3. Floating Thermometer
Maintaining specific water temperatures is critical to unlocking the benefits of cold plunges. While a chiller may help, you require a floating thermometer for accurate measurements.
A floating thermometer reliably monitors the temperature of your cold plunge tub, ensuring total muscle rejuvenation while enhancing your overall ice bath experience.
Premium floating thermometers come with legible scales for easy reading and interpretation. The tools are also constructed from water-proof and cold-resistant materials to withstand the frigid conditions in your cold plunge tub.
And true to its name, a floating water thermometer should have excellent buoyancy. This feature allows it to effortlessly remain on the water surface throughout your cold plunge therapy, reliably informing you when the temperature fluctuates beyond the ideal levels.
4. Recovery Wraps
Right after having a cold plunge, it’s best to change into dry clothes and gently warm up, then follow with massage therapy. Massage accelerates post-workout muscle recovery while stimulating blood circulation to various body parts.
Recovery wraps are designed to offer an effortless and serenading massage therapy after a cold plunge.
These cold plunge accessories utilize dynamic compressions, which generate rhythmic waves of pressure at the desired intensity level. That pressure travels along the muscles on your legs, stimulating muscular activity in the target area.
Some recovery wraps are fully wireless, making them highly portable. If you’re time-pressed and cannot complete a full massage therapy after your morning cold plunge, simply carry the wrap to your workplace and administer the much-required massage.
5. Massage Rollers
While recovery wraps are excellent for leg massages, massage rollers are more versatile. You can target rollers to the upper body or use them to stimulate full-body muscle recovery and blood circulation.
High-end massage rollers are constructed from premium ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA), a material noted for being remarkably lightweight and elastic.
Most rollers are hand-held. However, some come with advanced specifications to support hands-off post-cryotherapy massage treatments. One such feature is vibrating foams, which use advanced vibration technology to apply pressure to specific areas of the body.
Like recovery wraps, modern massage rollers are designed with efficiency in mind. The tools are equipped with variable speed settings depending on the preferred compression intensity.
Most massage rollers are also super lightweight, which speaks to their durability.
The Bottom Line
Having the above accessories can elevate your cold plunge experience, allowing you to unlock the full potential of this cryotherapy treatment. But like most at-home treatments, adequate preparation is critical to the success of cold plunge treatments.
First, get preapproved for a cold plunge treatment. The bath isn’t recommended if you suffer from a chronic cardiovascular or respiratory condition.
Next, ensure the water is down to 50 – 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a floating thermometer to measure the temperature rather than feel the water with your hands.
Then, take deep breaths to achieve total relaxation.
