Choosing an Affordable Ice Bath Recovery Tub
If you’ve been looking to get into cold plunge therapy, but aren’t ready for the commitment of a full-sized pool, consider an affordable ice bath recovery tub. These portable, inflatable tubs have been known to help alleviate pain from muscle soreness and reduce the number of aches and pains that athletes experience. They also make it easier to achieve the desired temperature for a good soak, and can be inflated in just minutes. They’re easy to store, too, and can be transported from your home to your gym or backyard with ease.
Choosing the right one for you will depend on how often you plan to use it and where. A simple model, such as this one from Polar Recovery, is a great option if you’re just starting out and are looking for a cheap way to plunge. It comes with a carry bag, pump and repair kit, as well as a floating thermometer to help you monitor the water temperature before jumping in. It’s insulated, too, and can fit up to four people for group plunging.
More expensive options, such as the PLUNGE or Cold Stoic ice bath from Australia, have built-in cooling units to keep the water in the ideal range. However, they can be quite energy-consuming and are more expensive to run. They also require more frequent draining and refilling, as they’re not self-cleaning affordable ice bath recovery tub like their cheaper counterparts. These models are also typically more user-friendly and have extra features like a cell phone holder, a skimmer net and guided plunging videos to make the experience even better.
You should also think about the space you have available in your home or workout space to see how long you’d like the tub to be. For instance, if you have a spacious backyard, a longer model might be more practical than a smaller one that’s designed to fit into a garage or workout area.