Taking an ice bath can be a challenging but rewarding experience, and having the right accessories can improve the overall effectiveness and comfort of the process. We have summoned The Wellness Counsel of WisemenTM to guide us and here are the essentials they suggest you get for optimal cold therapy:
Plunge Bath
I mean, where else did you want to have a cold plunge bath from, a sauce pan? Of course you’re going to need a bath. Well, if you’re weird enough you could have a cold exposure experience from kitchenware but trust us, a bath offers more convenience and flexibility for your varying needs. Check these plunge baths for example. These portable units come in different sizes, catering to different requirements and preferences. The availability of various sizes allows users to choose a unit that aligns with their specific goals, available space, and mobility. Whether for home use, travel, or on-the-go recovery after physical activities, a portable ice plunge bath provides a versatile solution for incorporating cold therapy into one's routine.
The portable nature of these ice plunge baths means they can be easily transported and set up in different locations, offering users the flexibility to engage in cold therapy wherever and whenever it's most convenient. This adaptability is particularly beneficial for individuals who may not have access to permanent cold plunge facilities or prefer the convenience of a portable solution. Ultimately, the range of sizes ensures that individuals can find a portable ice plunge bath that suits their unique needs, making it a practical and accessible tool for enhancing the benefits of cold therapy
Thermometer
A reliable thermometer is crucial for monitoring water temperature during ice baths. Why? Maintaining the appropriate water temperature is essential to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the cold therapy.
The Wellness Counsel of WisemenTM recommend that the temperature for ice baths should typically range from 10 to 15 degrees Celsius (50 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit). Now, you could measure that with your pinky [we don’t know how], or you could get a thermometer like this one. The device helps users control and adjust the water temperature to stay within the desired range, preventing the risk of overcooling or discomfort. Consistent monitoring with a reliable thermometer is essential for those engaging in cold therapy for desired therapeutic benefits whilst avoiding potential health risks associated with extremely low temperatures.
Ice Bags or a Water Chiller
It’s an ice bath, or course you’re going to need ice. There’s just one problem here: you need ice cubes but they come packed in plastic bags and that’s a deal breaker at Deep Dive Wellness. Imagine the damage you’ll have done to the planet in just one year. We know you care so The Wellness Counsel of WisemenTM advises you use a more affordable and more reliable option – a water chiller. Having a water chiller instead of ice bags is a convenient and efficient option for ice therapy.
A water chiller provides a controlled and consistent source of cold water, offering several advantages for those engaging in cold water soaking, ice baths, or localized cold therapy, some of which being:
- Consistent Temperature: A water chiller can maintain a constant and controlled temperature, ensuring that your cold water remains at your desired therapeutic level throughout the session. This is particularly beneficial for achieving specific physiological responses associated with cold therapy.
- Ease of Use: Unlike with ice cubes where you have to walk down a few blocks, come back, tear the plastic, discard the plastic, et al., a water chiller is a plug and play. It eliminates the need for constant monitoring and replenishing of ice and saves valuable time, unless you have no goals in life and a lot of time to waste. Users simply adjust the chiller settings to achieve and maintain the desired cold temperature, providing a more user-friendly experience whilst being friendly to the environment.
- Extended Duration: Water chillers are designed to sustain cold temperatures for extended periods, allowing individuals to enjoy longer and more comfortable cold therapy sessions without the worry of ice melting.
- Customizable Settings: Some water chillers come with customizable temperature settings, allowing users to tailor the cold therapy experience to their preferences or specific therapeutic goals.
- Less Mess: Using a water chiller reduces the mess associated with melting ice or discarding plastic packs. There's no need to deal with water runoff or melting ice cubes during the therapy session.
- Convenience: Water chillers are often designed to be portable and easy to use. They are suitable for various settings, including home use, gyms, or sports facilities, making them a convenient option for individuals incorporating ice therapy into their routine.
- Cost-Effective in the Long Run: While the initial investment in a water chiller may be higher than buying ice cubes, it can be cost-effective in the long run by eliminating the need for frequent purchases of bags of ice.
While both ice cubes and water chillers can be effective for ice therapy, the choice between the two depends on individual preferences, the specific therapeutic goals, and the context in which the therapy is being practiced. Water chillers are especially advantageous for those seeking a more controlled, convenient, and sustained cold therapy experience.
Digital Waterproof Timer
Using a digital waterproof timer for an ice bath is crucial for precision timing, ensuring that you adhere to recommended guidelines for therapeutic or recovery benefits without the risk of inaccuracies. It allows for consistent routines, helping you replicate durations for optimal results and minimizing potential risks associated with overexposure. Having a timer with a visible display and audible alarms increases your safety by preventing prolonged exposure to icy water, reducing the risk of conditions like hypothermia. Additionally, if it has user-friendly features of digital timers, such as programmable settings and easy-to-read displays, you’ll be managing your ice bath sessions like a boss.
A digital waterproof timer's design specifically caters to wet environments, providing durability and longevity despite exposure to water. This feature simplifies the cleaning process, allowing for easy maintenance in the often messy setting of an ice bath. Overall, the combination of precision timing, consistency, safety features, and suitability for wet environments makes a digital waterproof timer a valuable tool for individuals incorporating ice baths into their routines, improving the efficacy and handiness of this therapeutic practice.
Rubber Mat or Towel
Placing a rubber mat or towel at the bottom of the tub is a practical and safety-oriented measure when engaging in ice baths. This provides insulation, preventing direct contact with the cold surface and making the experience more comfortable. There’s also that friction where the bath scratches those beautiful tile you imported from Italy, a mat or towel under would save you that. Additionally, the mat or towel serves as a non-slip surface, reducing the risk of accidents or injuries when entering or exiting the tub or bath. This simple precautionary step enhances both the safety and enjoyment of the cold therapy experience, ensuring a more secure and pleasant session.
Swimsuit or Cold Water Immersion Suit
Swimsuits or immersion suits are particularly beneficial in shared or public spaces, providing a level of modesty and hygiene. Additionally, these garments are designed for ease of use, ensuring a smooth transition into and out of the cold water, and they contribute to safety by offering buoyancy and support, especially in open water settings.
The versatility of swimsuits and the specialized features of immersion suits make them adaptable to various cold water activities, from therapeutic practices to sports recovery. Their easy application, combined with the practical benefits of modesty, insulation, and hygiene, ensures that individuals can optimize their cold water immersion experiences. And, going all bare-ballsy and butts out isn’t a thing anymore. Don’t do it. Even Bear Grylls left that stuff in 2023.
Hot Water Source
It is critical to have access to hot water nearby during a cold therapy session, you know, just in case. The Wellness Counsel of WisemenTM reiterates that providing a means to adjust the temperature if necessary especially if you’re a beginner and you don’t know how you cope with extreme conditions. This practice is essential for both safety and to counteract the effects of potential excessive cold exposure. Having hot water readily available allows you to regulate the intensity and duration of the cold therapy, ensuring a controlled and comfortable experience. If the cold becomes too intense or discomfort arises, the availability of hot water provides a quick and effective way to balance and adjust the temperature. You can see why the wisemen were insistent on this particular one.
Entertainment
Bring along a waterproof book, tablet, or waterproof phone case to keep yourself entertained during the ice bath. Chloe from accounts likes listening to metal whilst at it. You know those rock and roll songs with no lyrics and everyone is shouting like they’re possessed with a mean demon and you somehow understand exactly what they’re singing about? Chloe says she finds them soothing during her ice baths. “I find them soothing and the whole experience is easy,” she says. Having entertainment can distract you from the cold and make the experience more enjoyable. If you enjoy listening to music or guided meditations, consider using waterproof headphones to make the experience more immersive.
Hot Beverage
Preparing a hot beverage, such as herbal tea, to consume before and/or after an ice bath is a thoughtful strategy to raise core body temperature and improve the overall experience. Having warm tea before the ice bath helps pre-warm your body, making the initial exposure to the cold bath more tolerable. This step contributes to a gradual adjustment of the body to the colder environment, reducing the shock to the system and saving you from calling your mother like a 13-year-old, unless you’re thirteen years old.
P.S: If you’re under 18 years old, practice cold exposure with the guidance of an adult.
Thick Bathrobe or Blanket
The warm bathrobe or blanket will serve as a quick and effective way to initiate the rewarming process, supporting the body's return to a more comfortable temperature. This post-ice bath insulation helps minimize the risk of hypothermia or discomfort associated with prolonged exposure to cold.
Surface Skimmer
A surface skimmer is an effective tool for maintaining cleanliness in ice plunge baths. This wand is designed to remove debris, leaves, and other contaminants from the water's surface, ensuring a hygienic and pleasant experience during cold therapy. By skimming the surface regularly, the skimmer helps prevent the accumulation of particles that may interfere with the effectiveness of the ice plunge or create an unclean environment.
In a Nutshell...
The ice bath experience, while challenging, can be bracing, and choosing the right accessories significantly improves its overall efficacy and comfort. And as always, remember to consult with a healthcare professional before attempting ice baths, especially if you have any pre-existing health conditions. Listen to your body continually and stop the session if you feel uncomfortable or experience adverse reactions. All the accessories you need the most for optimal ice therapy can be bought here.