I Used a Smart Cold Plunge All Summer. Just a Wellness Trend or New Way of Life?

• I Used a Smart Cold Plunge All Summer. Just a Wellness Trend or New Way of Life?

For the better part of a year, my social media feed has been inundated with cold plunges, ice baths and cold exposure therapy. Ever since learning about Wim Hof, a Dutch extreme athlete known for withstanding cold temperatures, I have wanted to give the recovery technique a try. As a rookie, the closest I'd come to an ice bath was the frigid water of Lake Tahoe.

This summer, I tested the Echelon Smart Cold Plunge Pro (1.0 HP). It's an inflatable tub connected to a chiller device that can get as cold as 36 degrees Fahrenheit or heat up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. This all-in-one system can connect to your home Wi-Fi so that you can control it on your smartphone, and is even portable, so you could take it on the go (even though I wouldn't recommend it due to the size).

The Echelon Smart Cold Plunge Pro does have a simple ThriveX companion app that works well. This is where the "smart" part of the name really shines. The chiller unit has a touchscreen display that is a bit tough to see in direct sunlight, but the real magic lies in the companion app. With the mobile app, you can adjust the temperature, monitor stats and create schedules.

Schedules are my favorite feature. During my tests, I programmed the device to start cooling the water in the afternoon so I could use it after tennis sessions. To save energy, I  scheduled the device to turn off at night, and then it would start working again the next afternoon.

Now it's time to touch on some things I did not love about the device. The first is that the tub is a little short, so if you're tall, I would think about getting another model that is longer. Cleaning is also an ordeal. This is not really the device's fault, as it does have an ozone sanitizer built in. However, the nature of going in and out of water means that it will get dirty. I suggest picking up some chemicals that can help extend the life of your water so that you don't have to change it so frequently. 

In this episode of How to Do It All, which you can watch embedded above, I go into what I learned from the experience, along with my first impressions using the Echelon Smart Cold Plunge Pro. I also take you through the setup process so you can prepare for your first plunge. The video shares tips for cleaning and maintenance, so that you can get the most out of your cold plunge.

The cold plunge has made cold therapy an accessible and consistent part of my life. However, the system is a significant investment, as the Echelon Smart Cold Plunge Pro goes for $4,999. The convenience and smart features it provides are worth it if you're serious about this type of recovery. It's been a cool experience so far with the device, and I'm looking forward to diving even deeper.

Overall, my experience with cold exposure therapy was positive. However, this type of recovery is definitely not for everyone, and I'd recommend checking with your doctor first to ensure it's right for you. I'd also ensure you're aware of the risks, especially if you have a cardiovascular medical condition.

Ice baths have worked their way into my weekly schedule, but they haven't cracked my daily routine just yet. The real test will be in winter. Will I have the desire to get in the cold plunge when there is also snow on the ground? Check back later to find out. 

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