What Is a Cold Plunge?
A cold plunge, also known as Cold Water Immersion (CWI), involves submerging the body in water between 10–15°C (50–60°F) for a short duration. While athletes have used ice baths for decades to support recovery, the practice has gained broader adoption due to increased consumer interest in stress management, biohacking, and holistic wellness.
A cold plunge is a dedicated tub with chilled water intended for short, controlled immersion. Many units cool to ~40°F (4.44°C). They are used to promote overall wellness, soothe muscle soreness, aid muscle recovery, enhance mental acuity, and boost mood and energy levels.
Cold water therapy involves briefly immersing your body in cold water to promote physical and mental wellness. Regular use may soothe muscle soreness, boost mood and energy levels, and aid recovery. For best results, start in a warm place, enter the cold plunge slowly for one to two minutes, and exit into dry layers to reheat comfortably.
Yes. Cold plunging is safe for beginners as long as they follow recommended times and listen to their body. Start slow and avoid pushing past comfort limits.
An ice bath is usually an improvised setup using ice and water, offering limited temperature control and little to no filtration. An electric cold plunge, on the other hand, is purposefully designed for recovery — it automatically chills and filters the water to maintain precise, consistent temperatures for a cleaner, safer, and more comfortable experience.
- Enter the cold plunge slowly and carefully. The surface may be slippery.
- Submerge yourself up to your shoulders for no longer than the recommended time.
- Breathe slowly and deeply.
- Exit the cold plunge promptly and dry yourself thoroughly.
- We recommend having a buddy with you when using the cold plunge, especially for your first time.
