Scroll through Instagram and you’ll find thousands of videos of people climbing into ice-filled tubs, shivering under cold showers or plunging into freezing lakes.
While it’s tempting to write off these feats as another flighty social media trend, submerging your body in bone-chilling water is actually an age-old practice.
Known as cold-water therapy, the benefits can include easing sore and aching muscles and limiting the body’s inflammatory response to exercise.
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Proponents also claim it’s a mood enhancer and can assist in improving workout performance.
Cold water therapy can be done in a natural body of water or at a physiotherapy clinic or gym but it’s also possible to treat yourself at home, following consultation with a GP.
Ice baths are available online and Amazon’s number one best-seller is currently 10 per cent off.
At $127.20 the ProdigyX Ice Bath Tub gets multiple five-star ratings for its ease of use, durability and size.
The tub is large enough and designed for full body immersion (up to the neck) of someone up to 195cm and it comes with a thermometer and lid.
It also boasts five-layer insulation to keep water at the optimum temperature for longer and the brand claims it takes just five minutes to set up.
“It was incredibly easy and quick to set up, the quality is awesome and it looks sleek,” said one customer who bought the ice bath to upgrade from his cold shower routine.
“I set my ice bath up in the front yard so that I can enjoy the wholesome experience in the outdoors,” he said. “I love it and get excited about doing my daily cold plunge now!”
“Bought this for my housemate and I to use for our morning routine and we both love it,” said another reviewer.
“It’s amazingly priced, sturdy and super compact. We’ve been starting the day full of energy after our cold plunge, we’re both feeling more energised, alert and focused throughout our day! It’s also great to help our bodies recover after a week of workouts.”
Recent interest in cold water therapy is thanks in part to Dutch extreme athlete Wim Hof, known as “The Iceman”.
He gained fame after breaking chilly world records, including climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in shorts, running a half-marathon above the Arctic Circle barefoot, and standing in a container while covered with ice cubes for more than 112 minutes.
His practice, known as the Wim Hof Method, is designed to keep his body and mind in its optimal natural state, and is based on three pillars.
The first is breathing, the second cold water therapy and the third commitment.
Caution is also advised when starting out with any cold water training.
According to Healthline, anyone who has a pre-existing cardiovascular condition or high blood pressure could be at higher risk, as could those with type 1 and 2 diabetes.
Another risk is also hypothermia, especially if you remain in the ice bath for too long.
Always talk to your GP first, make sure you have an observer with you when cold water swimming or immersing and ensure you warm up afterwards.
To find out more or to buy the ProdigyX Ice Bath Tub click here.