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Formerly only found in physical therapy, medical spas, and wellness clinics, cold plunge pools for cold therapy are now becoming popular for at-home use. Athletes love incorporating cold plunges and ice baths into their cool-down routines to alleviate post-workout muscle aches and accelerate recovery. But while cold water therapy may be a buzzword in the wellness space at the moment, recent medical research suggests that it may offer a slew of additional wellness benefits aside from recovery, from boosting endorphins for a better mood to helping with insulin resistance.
A cold plunge pool is a type of pool designed for cold water therapy or cold water immersion (CWI). It typically consists of a small pool or tub filled with very cold water, between 55 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit. The idea is rooted in Scandinavian rituals: immerse your body in cold water for a short period of time and reap health benefits like increased blood flow and endorphin release.
To use a cold plunge pool, you would typically enter the pool and submerge your body in the cold water for a brief period of time, usually around two to five minutes (or as long as you can take!). The pool is typically designed to be deep enough to immerse your body completely, but not so deep that you can't touch the bottom. Many cold plunge pools are made from materials like stainless steel or concrete, which can help retain the water’s frigid temperature.
These cold water plunges may also help to reduce inflammation, improve circulation, boost metabolism, and jumpstart sluggish immune systems. Some people also use cold plunge pools to help them recover from intense exercise or athletic training. But you don’t have to be a professional sports star to get one of these cold plunge pools for yourself. In fact, we found a few fairly affordable and convenient cold plunge pools that are perfect for any space. Scroll through below to check out our top picks for at-home cold plunge pools.
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