FitnessNews

8 Best Ice Baths for Recovery in 2022

By Emily Lemon

best ice bath tubs

Courtesy of Retailer

Ice baths have garnered a lot of attention in the past year, largely thanks to TikTok (and also to this viral video of Joe Rogan that turned him into a meme). It’s also worth mentioning a lot of these ice bath videos are often connected to Wim Hof, a popular Dutch speaker who’s garnered international recognition for his Wim Hof Method, a series of daily meditation practices that includes periods of cold water therapy.

Read more: Best Bathing Suits

So what are the benefits of ice baths? To provide a very brief explanation, science has shown they can help reduce inflammation and help shorten the recovery period after physical activity. This is huge for all types of athletes, which is why you will sometimes see NFL players and NBA posting videos of themselves in ice baths. There’s also some evidence to show ice baths can potentially boost dopamine, although further studies are likely needed to help solidify this hypothesis. And lastly, people who enjoy ice baths often explain they get a euphoric sense of feeling after each session.

This is all to say ice baths prove to be an effective recovery method. While further research is being done, brands are starting to develop their own types of ice baths that are durable and easy to use. Some ice baths are expensive (especially when they have their own chiller’s attached), while others are simply just big ol’ buckets that you can dump ice water in. There are also ice baths that are more design-forward and meant to stay in one spot, as well as ice baths that are barebones in design but extremely portable. Regardless of the vessel you choose, there’s an ice bath out there for everyone who’s ready to take the plunge!

So behold, the best ice baths for recovery on the market right now. Make like “The Iceman” Wim Hof himself and start welcoming the benefits of cold water therapy!

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below

Best Ice Bath Overall

Ice Bathtub

  • Easy to transport, setup, and use
  • Made with strong materials
  • Standing use
  • Excellent overall value

Ice Barrel essentially makes ice baths as easy as ever. All you have to do to use the freestanding tub is fill it with water and ice, then walk up the provided step stool and gently lower yourself in. With the Ice Barrel you also receive a stand to hold the barrel in place, a lid to cover the top, and a UV cover to go over the entire tub. Once you’re finished, simply turn open the drain knob at the bottom and let the water empty.

  • Drain: Yes
  • Types of use: Outdoor
  • Hot tub compatibility: No

Read more: Best Athletic Shorts

Most Durable Ice Bath

Stock Tank, 100 gal

  • Under $120
  • Long lifespan
  • Has a drain spout on the bottom

Typically spotted on farms, this Rubbermaid Stock Tank is a popular choice for ice bath enthusiasts all around. It’s incredibly affordable, durable, and easy to get in and out of. All you have to do is fill this bad boy up with ice water and hop in. It’s big enough for single person use, and deep enough so the water will hit up to your neck. It’s also got a nifty drain at the bottom for easy emptying.

  • Drain: Yes
  • Types of use: Outdoor
  • Hot tub compatibility: No

Read more: Best Compression Shorts

Amazon’s Choice

Hydraflate Inflatable Bathtub

  • Incredibly affordable
  • Can be used indoors and outdoors
  • Compact and portable

This inflatable cold tub has over 200 five-star Amazon reviews and it well under $100. Reviewers like it’s portability and easy setup, making it ideal for making a quick ice bath in your walk-in shower, in your mud room, or outside on your deck.

  • Drain: Yes
  • Types of use: Indoor and Outdoor
  • Hot tub compatibility: No

Best Premium Ice Bath

Ice Bath

  • Can be used as a cold and hot tub
  • Excellent design
  • High-quality plumber and chiller

Seen on Shark Tank, the Plunge is what one graduates to when they have become certified ice bath users. It’s pricey, but it’s got everything one would need for year-round ice bath use. We’re talking a high-quality plumber and chiller, beautiful design, and a level of versatility that allows you to change the water into a steamy hot tub, if you so choose.

  • Drain: Yes
  • Types of use: Outdoor
  • Hot tub compatibility: Yes

Read more: Best Recovery Slides

Best Ice Bath for Multiple Users

4-Person Inflatable Hot Tub

  • Fits up to 4 people
  • Can be used as a hot tub and cold tub
  • Portable and easy to transport

The simplest way to hack a hot tub into an ice bath is by going with an inflatable hot tub. Just turn off the hot water feature and fill with water and ice. The best part is you can enjoy your recovery session with a friend or partner thanks to the tub’s spacious design.

  • Drain: Yes
  • Types of use: Outdoor
  • Hot tub compatibility: Yes

Avenli 6-person Inflatable Hot Tub

Similar to the Coleman, except this inflatable hot tub can hold up to six people! If you want an upgrade on size, but not on price, then this is the pick for a hot tub/ice bath combo.

  • Drain: Yes
  • Types of use: Outdoor
  • Hot tub compatibility: Yes

Read more: Best Sandals

Handmade in Australia, the Odin is another spa-like option for ice bath lovers who want some extra luxury. It’s equipped to maintain it’s own filtration and sanitation, plus it has a digital module to set your preferred temperature. And as of this writing it’s the only ice bath made fully out of cedar wood. Yeah, this bath is legit.

  • Drain: Yes
  • Types of use: Outdoor
  • Hot tub compatibility: No

Siberian Cold Plunge™ Ice Tub

  • A top luxury pick in the ice bath market, Renu Therapy has basically taken the ice bath and turned it into a spa-like experience. The ice tub has it’s own chiller and plumbing, making it a controlled experience for year-round use. Also included is a cover and the option to choose from several fine deck woods, like California Redwood and Pacific Cedar.
  • Drain: Yes
  • Types of use: Outdoor
  • Hot tub compatibility: No

Are Ice Baths Worth the Investment?

You don’t have to be an athlete to benefit from taking ice baths. While they help with recovery, there are also several other benefits we mentioned earlier that cold water therapy can provide. If you’re on the fence about investing in an ice bath, go for one of the low cost methods we suggested. You can also go the old school route and fill your bath tub at home with ice (the only downside to the latter is the temperature might be too cold for the ideal recovery benefits, though).

Last but not least continue to read up and educate yourself on the benefits of cold water therapy and ice baths. There’s new and exciting research coming out all the time!

How We Selected

For the past 7 months, we consulted with Men’s Health‘s editors and writers on the top ice baths for cold water therapy. Experts, including our Gear and Commerce Editor John Thompson, tried several ice baths and evaluated their cost, durability, ease-of-use, and design. We also considered top-reviewed ice baths that have high customer ratings on e-commerce websites that we trust.

This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below



This article was originally posted here.

Emily Lemon 4409 posts 0 comments
You might also like More from author

Comments are closed.

© 2024 - Functional Fitness Daily News. All Rights Reserved.