If you’re new to plunging, starting off slow and gradually increasing your exposure is the best route. A 30-second dip is usually long enough at cold temperatures for most people who aren’t experienced. Once you become more used to the cold sensation, you can target up to three minutes. Of course, you should consult with your doctor first before undertaking any cold plunges. How often should you cold plunge? Those who want to be able to move their plunge around will be happy to learn that the Ice Barrel only weighs 55 pounds when empty. To fully embrace the world of ice barrel therapy, it’s essential to understand the significance of the vessel itself. The right barrel can make all the difference in your cold water therapy experience. When seeking the optimal barrel for your cold plunge, consider essential factors such as:

Having run collegiately and professionally for the last 14 years, I’ve spent countless hours in ice baths. Anyone looking to plunge horizontally may want to look elsewhere. You can only sit or crouch in this one.

Get colder. Feel better.

Anyone who doesn’t want to waste water and ice may want to spend more money on a cold plunge that will regulate your temperature and keep your water clean on its own. People have been using cold water immersionfor centuries, as it’s been said to promote speedy muscle recovery, mental health benefits, and increased energy, thanks to the waves of norepinephrine your body can release with each plunge. ( 1) While you can DIY a cold plungewith as little as a garbage bag, some ice, and water, many prefer a more concrete pool or tub for their cold water immersion. Superb ice bath barrel. Lid stays securely in place no debris or critters invading it. I bought the smaller barrel I’m 5ft 8” and fit comfortably in it, water covers shoulders at 3/4 full. While one cold plunge may be perfect for one athlete, it may be totally wrong for another. Think about your personal needs. Athletes who like to sit in a tub may want a horizontally-oriented plunge, whereas those who want to fully lay down would prefer a bathtub shape.

Athletic performance and the measure of wellbeing is discussed above as it relates to single-use of cold therapy. Sports psychology is an area that seeks to improve athletic performance by removing mental barriers. Cold-water immersion therapy provides short-term improvements in feelings of wellbeing and the ability to return to competition or the next workout in a better frame of mind (Jansky et al., 1996; L’Hermette et al., 2020; Rowsell et al., 2011; Rymaszewska et al., 2020; Szczepańska-Gieracha et al., 2014). https://youtube.com/watch?v=Fo_x4kH-xdI Video can’t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: Best Cold Plunges (2022) — ONLY The BEST (https://youtube.com/watch?v=Fo_x4kH-xdI) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lXNBFjHDDg Video can’t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: Ice Barrel Review (2022) — Best SPACE-SAVER? (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5lXNBFjHDDg) Ice Barrel Highlights

Ice barreling without the ice? Yes, it’s possible.

A matching colour step will be provided if chosen as an option. The step is made of the same material as your HydroBarrel and is approx 28cm high. Those who live in a hot region may be more interested in a cold plunge with an acrylic or fiberglass build, which may be able to keep their water colder for a longer period.

The freedom to easily plunge as much of your body as you desire, even to the point of complete immersion, is a distinctive feature that’s surprisingly overlooked until you actually try different types of cold plunges for yourself. This however is another thing that the Ice Barrel 300 fixes because it’s not as tall, making it much easier to step in and out of.These improvements suggest that regular cold water immersion is enhancing my body’s natural healing process. As a professional marathoner who’s tried it out myself, I can verify that Ice Barrel gets the job done. But is it worth the price tag or is it overkill, just another expensive training tool that you can easily get by without? I also have the Maintenance Kit that helps me keep the water and barrel clean. The kit includes the following: Baijze, G. A. (2016, Sept.). The Effects of Cold Showering on Health and Work: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Plos One. Retrieved Dec. 7 2021, from https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0161749 Depending on experience, most cold plunges take place around at least 59 degrees Fahrenheit or below to trigger your body into a state of readiness. Remember: You can always make the water colder. Go at a comfortable pace, adjust, then work down from there. Do I need to consult with professionals before using a cold plunge?