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The Best Ice Baths for Post-Workout Recovery








best ice bath tubs


Courtesy of Retailer

ICE BATHS have garnered a lot of attention in the past year thanks to TikTok—and also to this viral video where Joe Rogan became another internet meme. It's worth mentioning a lot of these popular 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. If there was a GOAT to be named at who is the best at daily cold plunges, Wim Hof would hold the title.

So what are the potential benefits to cold water therapy? To provide a 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. Lastly, people who enjoy ice baths often explain they get a euphoric sense of feeling after each session.

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This is all to say cold water therapy can 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 for cold water therapy. Some ice baths are expensive—especially when they have their own chiller's attached—while others are simply just big ol' buckets you can dump water and ice in. Ahead, the best ice baths for recovery on the market right now for all types of preferences. It's time to make like "The Iceman" Wim Hof himself and start welcoming the benefits of cold water therapy

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As Seen On Your Uncle's Farm
Rubbermaid
Stock Tank, 100 gal
The Best Ice Baths for Post-Workout Recovery
Dimensions 53"L x 31"W x 25"H
Types of Use Outdoor
The Ice Bath Aaron Judge Swears By
The Cold Plunge
Ice Bath Standard
The Best Ice Baths for Post-Workout Recovery
Courtesy of Retailer
Dimensions 73"L x 32.5"W x 27"H
Types of Use Outdoor
Best Inflatable Ice Bath Design
Tru Grit
Inflatable Ice Bath
The Best Ice Baths for Post-Workout Recovery
Dimensions 60"L x 30"W x 37"H
Types of Use Outdoor
Amazon's Choice
CO-Z
Inflatable Adult Bath Tub
The Best Ice Baths for Post-Workout Recovery
Dimensions 63" x 33" x 29.1"
Types of Use Indoor and Outdoor
Best Handmade Ice Bath
Odin
Ice Bath Original
The Best Ice Baths for Post-Workout Recovery
Dimensions 51.1L x 49.2W x 28.0H (Original Exterior)
Types of Use Outdoor
Best Ice Bath for Multiple Users
Coleman
4-Person Inflatable Hot Tub
The Best Ice Baths for Post-Workout Recovery
Courtesy of Retailer
Now 39% off
Dimensions 25.98'' H x 70.87'' W x 70.87'' D
Types of Use Outdoor

Are Ice Baths Worth the Investment?

The Best Ice Baths for Post-Workout Recovery

You don't have to be an athlete to benefit from taking ice baths. While they have been shown to help with recovery, there are also other potential 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. If anything, you can also go the old school route and fill your bath tub at home with ice.

Make sure to 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, so as positive findings come out more innovative ice baths will be continue to be developed.

How We Selected

ice baths

For the past year, 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.

Gear and Commerce Editor John Thompson is the Gear and Commerce Editor at Men’s Health, where he covers fashion, grooming, gear, and technology.