Latest news with #wellness
Entrepreneur
2 hours ago
- Business
- Entrepreneur
The Playbook I Used to Launch a Thriving 8-Figure Business — and How You Can Too
You don't need a big budget or breakthrough idea to launch a successful business. This article lays out a proven, step-by-step playbook to build a direct-to-consumer company from scratch — based on real results. Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. When I decided to launch a cold plunge company in Italy, I didn't have much to work with — no team, no warehouse and nowhere in my home to shoot product content. But I believed in the product and knew wellness was a booming category. I'd built companies before, including an e-bike brand that hit eight figures in sales. This time, I relied on a lean repeatable system — and it worked. Here's the approach I used to get traction quickly without a massive ad budget or complicated launch strategy. Pick a product people are already curious about You don't need to invent something new. In fact, it's often better if you don't. I saw cold plunges picking up steam with athletes, biohackers and wellness creators, but the category hadn't gone fully mainstream yet. That meant there was room to stand out. I looked at search trends, scrolled through niche subreddits, followed what health influencers were posting and paid attention to what products were crossing demographic lines — things like collagen for men or hormone tracking for women. The goal is to find something visual, results-driven and culturally relevant that solves a real problem. Source simply, improve later Finding a supplier doesn't need to be a bottleneck. I started with a Chinese manufacturer. The quality was solid but slow communication and long shipping times made me rethink things. Eventually, I moved production to Italy to improve logistics and offer better customer service. In the early stages, don't obsess over perfecting every feature. Focus on sourcing a product that's reliable and good enough to start selling. Keep order quantities low and build systems that let you test, learn and iterate. Use real people to build trust Instead of burning cash on ads right away, I turned to influencers. I sent cold plunge units to athletes and fitness creators I respected. Some posted quickly; others waited until they had personal results. That authenticity worked in our favor. Start with creators who already talk about your niche. It's not about follower count — it's about fit. Give them something worth sharing and let them speak in their own voice. One well-timed video or post can outperform a five-figure ad campaign. Related: Your Follower Count Is Irrelevant When It Comes to True Influence — These Are the Criteria That Really Matter Add credibility by aligning with experts In wellness, consumers are skeptical — and rightly so. That's why I built an expert panel featuring doctors, physiotherapists and sports scientists who believe in the power of cold therapy. They contributed content and lent their names to the brand. You can replicate this by reaching out to professionals who already talk about the benefits of your product type. Offer to feature them, link to their work and collaborate on educational content. It's a win-win: they get exposure and your brand earns instant trust and SEO value. Launch fast with a simple store When it came time to sell, I built a clean Shopify store with clear product descriptions, a few solid photos and no overthinking. The goal was to start taking orders and gather real feedback — not chase perfection. Over time, I added customer reviews, expert endorsements and better visuals. But I didn't wait to launch. Starting fast, let me test pricing, messaging and demand in real-time. Final thoughts Launching a wellness brand doesn't have to be complicated. You don't need a groundbreaking product, a huge team or an investor-backed ad budget. What you do need is a product people care about, a smart sourcing plan, trust-building partnerships and a store that gets the job done. This playbook helped me grow one business to eight figures — and it's now fueling the early success of another. Different product. Same system. Still works. Ready to break through your revenue ceiling? Join us at Level Up, a conference for ambitious business leaders to unlock new growth opportunities.
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
I went to a medical clinic in Portugal — thousands of miles from my NYC home. I saved $500 and found an answer for my back pain.
I visited a Lisbon longevity clinic to address persistent injuries and lower back pain. The clinic offers body scans and osteopathy, revealing insights into muscle imbalances. These tests are costly in the US, but cost a fraction of the price in Portugal. I'm OK with aging — it's a privilege to get older! I don't feel the need to invest in expensive supplements to subtract 15 years from my biological age or get a vampire facial to look a few years younger. At the same time, I'm a runner, trying to learn more about my body. That's why I ended up at a longevity clinic in Lisbon, about 3,400 miles from my home in New York City. I'd spent most of 2024 managing a few injuries. First, a grade 2 MCL tear in my left knee, after dancing in shoes that couldn't quite handle my moves. After I was cleared to run, I went a little too hard, leading to tendonitis in the Achilles and peroneal tendons of my right foot. I did everything you're supposed to do: physical therapy, low-impact cardio, and strength training. Still, I felt frustrated and stagnant. Without my regular workout routine, I felt my muscles stiffen everywhere in my body, reviving a pain I get in my lower back when I'm not active. I wanted to get to the bottom of these incessant, random aches. While staying in Portugal earlier this year, a friend, who's a physician, recommended I check out MetaClinic, a wellness center in the heart of Lisbon. It's marketed as a one-stop shop for wellness, offering everything from hormonal health assessments to body composition and metabolic rate testing. While my sports doctors and physical therapists in New York City are phenomenal, it often felt like we were treating each issue separately rather than exploring how one might be leading to another. I was drawn to MetaClinic's mission of connecting the dots within the body. As a freelance journalist with basic marketplace health insurance, I gained more from the experience than I could have imagined for a fraction of the cost in the US. And one appointment, which I decided to tack on at the last minute, may have helped identify the cause of my years-long back pain. I got 2 body scans to measure my muscles, body fat, and metabolism I began with two tests commonly offered at private longevity clinics, a new kind wellness center that is booming worldwide. First, I did the DEXA scan, a low-dose X-ray that measures your bone density, muscle mass distribution, and body fat percentage. Second, the indirect calorimetry test, a breathing assessment that measures your resting metabolic rate (or, the amount of calories you burn throughout your waking day). Together, these cost me €190 (or $224). While these tests are available in the US, I'd never considered them since they would cost up to $1,200. According to the clinic's website, these scans would provide a vivid picture of how my body works. As a health journalist, I was a little skeptical about how much I could learn from five- to 15-minute tests. "These are essential factors for health," Dr. Andrea Maier, one of the world's leading longevity researchers who offers these tests at her clinic in Singapore, told me. However, she echoed my concern. These scans only give a small glimpse into the bigger picture of what's going on with my body, she said. You need to take the findings with a grain of salt, and combine them with other tests — measuring your VO2 max and studying your diet, for example. I wanted to try it because, according to research, muscle mass distribution can tell you a lot about a body — present and future — from heart health to disease risk. I was curious to see if my year of reduced physical activity had affected my health. The DEXA scan was a pleasant experience. After lying still on a table for about 10 minutes while my entire body was scanned inch by inch, I got my results. Thankfully, I learned I had minimal visceral adipose tissue (a type of harmful fat), which is linked to lower inflammation and a lower risk of age-related diseases. I felt relieved! However, my total body fat content was on the high end of the normal range, at 35.8%. My technician at MetaClinic said this range was completely fine, but Maier advised I should aim to reduce it and increase my muscle mass. That didn't surprise me, given I hadn't been strength training at all, as I was afraid of aggravating my injuries while abroad. The calorimetry test was not so simple. My technician said, "It's time to wrap you like a present," before she put a dome-like helmet over my head and wrapped my entire body in plastic. The goal of this 15-minute test is to measure how much energy (calories) your body burns at rest, but not when it's asleep. It measures the oxygen you breathe in and the carbon dioxide you exhale, to see how efficiently your body is using oxygen to generate energy. My results indicated that I burn, on average, about 1,400 kcal/day by just existing. (Research suggests this is in line with the average.) For anyone looking to better understand how their body is changing over time, these tests can be a good starting point, but it doesn't tell you much in a vacuum. The osteopath identified a source of back pain I'd never considered At the last minute, I decided to meet with the clinic's osteopath, a licensed doctor whose medical practice looks at the whole person in a holistic sense. I hadn't tried this area of medicine before. In New York City, one appointment with a DO (doctor of osteopathic medicine) could cost anywhere from $135-$400 out of pocket for one appointment. Here, it cost me €60 ($70). Looking at me, she said she could tell I'd been doing calf raises on my right foot because that calf was notably bigger than my left. To achieve muscle balance between my left and right legs, she said I should be doing my physical therapy exercises on my healthy leg, too, not just on the injured side. Then she assessed my lower back pain. While I was lying face down on the table, she started at my feet and worked her way up. She found that my hamstrings were unusually tight. Normally, when I have back pain, my physical therapists target my glutes — right beneath the joint where I feel tightness. I hadn't considered that my pain could be stemming from my hamstring, and that it could be the result of my left foot taking on more of the load when walking to compensate for the discomfort in my right heel. When I got back to New York City, I started working out biweekly with a friend who's a personal trainer to help address these muscle imbalances. Four months in, I can't believe how much better both my back and right heel are feeling. Why Americans fly abroad for longevity tests In the US, these tests don't feel affordable. I'm glad I seized this opportunity while working in Lisbon for two months through the winter. In total, I paid just $224 for all three of these assessments without health insurance. In the US this collection of tests would have set me back between $400 and $1,200, depending on insurance coverage. While all of the information I got from my day at MetaClinic may just be a "starting point," I found it helped me get a fresh perspective on how to manage discomfort on both sides of my body. I have the New York Marathon coming up in November, so I'm actively working on getting my muscles prepared for the demands of training. Read the original article on Business Insider
Daily Mail
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Camp Bestival launches 'slomo wellbeing' to connect families with yoga, breath work and meditation after a boogie to Sir Tom Jones, of course
It's not unusual for Sir Tom Jones to headline a music festival and perform in front of 30,000 people. But the organisers of Camp Bestival insist that alongside an appearance from the global superstar this year's event will give families a unique opportunity - to improve their health and wellbeing. Camp Bestival is unveiling its first ever wellness festival designed to bring 'joy, calm, and connection' to visitors from the UK and beyond. Former radio 1 DJ Rob Da Bank and his wife Josie, who co-founded Bestival, believe it will provide the perfect antidote to families struggling with the day to day pressures of life in the modern digital age. Rob, 52, told MailOnline: 'Wellbeing is all about inclusivity and accessibility, and we really want families to give it a whirl. 'We are both so passionate about wellbeing and would love to see the children of tomorrow starting early and having some fun with it. 'Our whole mission is to make wellbeing accessible and to bring it on from the uber-trendy, slightly snooty wellbeing vibe. 'Everyone is struggling with mental health and anxiety and stress and should have access to that.' Camp Bestival - which runs from July 31 to August 3 - has grown into the UK's top family-friendly festival since the couple first launched the event which takes place at Lulworth Castle in Dorset in 2008. A young Ed Sheeran once played there before hitting the big time - performing in the woods to an audience of around 30 people - while headliners have included Chuck Berry, Brian Wilson, Mark Ronson, Simple Minds and Primal Scream. Sugababes and 90's dance act Basement Jaxx are topping the bill this year along with Sir Tom, 85. With eight out of 10 Britons opting for a staycation this year, according to one recent survey, the event offers music lovers the chance to enjoy a 'festi-holiday' camping out in the green green grass of home. And, for the first time, they will be able to make the most of the new Slomo Wellbeing Festival which will have its own chilled out section of the site. Described as being 'a festival within a festival', people of all generations will be able to take part in daily sessions that include breath work, meditation and yoga often blending ancient practices with contemporary twists. There's also reset retreats, luxurious hot tubs, saunas and ice cold plunge pools as well as massage and treatments. A 'dynamic mix of practitioners' will lead sessions throughout the day from mood lifting sunrise ceremonies to meditations under the stars. Taking inspiration from Nordic contrast therapy culture, the schedule also includes chill-out DJ sets, cooking demonstrations, cacao-fuelled dance mornings, sound therapy, mantra evenings, and family shake-out sessions. While drop-in wellbeing sessions are free, specialist treatments and experiences come at an extra cost and need to be booked in advance. Josie, also 52, said of the new space: 'You can walk through the doors and feel like you've entered a very beautiful, nurturing new world. It's very colourful and stylish. 'There's a real fun side to the wellness that we're offering. When Robby and I curate Camp Bestival we really try and offer families new things to try that they don't get to try in everyday life. 'We're really honoured to be able to do this for children and families. Life is hard at the moment and parents are stressed. If we can get more people breathing, doing exercise and really having fun together then that's a great thing. 'We cannot wait to throw open the doors.' A host of top acts will appear alongside headliners including Lightning Seeds, The Zutons, DJ Annie Mac and drum and bass star Goldie. Hundreds of free activities for families to explore include theatre, circus skills, science explorations, sports and a range of live performances including DJs, family raves, comedy and evening cabaret.
Associated Press
5 hours ago
- Health
- Associated Press
From Happiest Nation to Healthiest World: Is Agora the Next Unicorn
Female-led startup introduces Build Your Own Doc, turning preventive wellness into a data-driven gamified experience HELSINKI, FI / ACCESS Newswire / July 23, 2025 / Finnish-Australian health technology company Agora, founded by Elizabeth Angel and Dr Olivia Lesslar, has officially launched Build Your Own Doc, a new platform feature that creates personalized AI-driven wellness solutions. The tool can integrate more than one billion biomarkers and over five thousand years of ancient wisdom. Additionally, it draws on two hundred million research papers to create bespoke programs in response to a user's labs and wearables. Agora aims to make proactive wellness more accessible through evidence-based guidance. Elizabeth Angel, CEO of Agora, leads launch of AI wellness platform Build Your Own Doc. 'Wellness is the next human right,' said Angel, Agora's chief executive. 'Agora is not merely software. It is a cultural movement designed to make thriving normal.' With global wellness spending projected to rise from 6.3 trillion to more than 9 trillion US dollars by 2028, the company sees growing demand for preventive tools. Research suggests stress may contribute to 90 percent of illness. Agora addresses this challenge by offering proactive insights for leading causes of chronic disease including heart conditions, cancer, stroke, and Alzheimer's. Agora's leadership reflects a wide range of experience. Angel has worked in humanitarian aid, defense innovation, and applied science. Dr Lesslar, trained in psychoneuroimmunology, brings clinical depth. The idea for the platform was first developed in a Finnish forest, where the team envisioned a technology that blends nature, tradition, and modern science to support healthier habits. The company emphasizes data privacy and user empowerment. Agora's zero-trust architecture ensures personal health data remains under individual control. Users can opt to license anonymized data for research, receive incentives for meeting wellness milestones, or access insurer discounts. 'Health data is the battleground of trust,' Angel said. 'Agora ensures users remain the primary beneficiaries of their own information.' Agora logo The platform's gamified health adventures include sleep tracking, nutrition challenges, and reflective activities. Pilot users reported a 42 percent increase in healthy behavior adherence compared to traditional apps. Other features include community groups and fun support groups focused on healthspan vs lifespan and emotional well-being. Unlike single-focus platforms, Agora combines biometric feedback from both the body and brain, lab results, the user's own assessments and contextual inputs to generate cohesive recommendations through an interactive experience. The goal is to unify fragmented wellness tools into a single, user-friendly system. Since March 2023, Agora has launched across six continents, working with veterans, nonprofits, and educational groups. The platform's free Library tier includes neuroscience-informed music by Ravyn Lyte, an AI-generated artist designed to support calm and focus. Agora's enterprise pilots are scheduled to begin in Q3 with several Fortune 500 companies, targeting workplace burnout and stress. Additional testing with military teams includes gamified adventures for consolidating resilience. Research is also underway to evaluate its benefits for frontline workers and trauma response. Stress-related productivity losses cost the global economy nearly one trillion US dollars each year. Companies face an additional 18 percent payroll impact due to employee disengagement. Agora's approach offers a scalable method to improve well-being and quality of life. Analysts highlight the platform's low acquisition cost and strong alignment with demand for alternative wellness solutions. Angel emphasized mission over market value. 'The goal is to help billions thrive. Subscription revenue from enterprises helps us offer access to the people who need it most.' Agora continues to expand its partnerships across public and private sectors. If adoption accelerates, Finland may soon be known not only as the world's happiest nation but also as a leader in preventive health innovation. About Agora Agora is a global innovation company that accelerates groundbreaking solutions by cross-pollinating emerging technologies across traditionally siloed industries, from health to defense to music and everything in between. Fueling a worldwide movement that spans six continents, Agora creatively bridges the gap between innovation and the critical resources needed, such as funding and distribution channels, all with the aim of uplifting humanity. Media Contact Amy Wellington Agora [email protected] Explore Agora Registration is now open at SOURCE: Agora press release
Forbes
6 hours ago
- Health
- Forbes
The Best Cold Plunge Tubs To Boost Recovery, Energy And Wellness
People have been jumping into bodies of cold water to boost energy, speed up recovery and generally feel more alive for centuries. More recently, cold plunging in tubs has become a preferred activity among athletes and anyone looking to reset their mind and body. Whether you're after the physical or mental benefits of cold water immersion, the best cold plunge tubs make it easy to recover, recharge and and feel better right at home—no freezing lakes or rivers required. I spoke with a trainer to learn more about the benefits of cold plunge tubs before assessing different models and naming the Sun Home Cold Plunge Tub the best of the bunch; it expertly balances price, power and features. Relax (if you can) in one of the best cold plunge tubs. Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailers In order to find the best cold plunge tubs, I looked at the features that matter most when shopping for one of these chilly setups: temperature control, maintenance, build quality, portability and how cold they actually get. I also considered noise levels, filtration systems and extra features, like timers or app connectivity. Whether you're looking for a premium, permanent tub or something a bit more portable, the following options meet different needs and budgets. Our Top Recommendations Best Cold Plunge Tub Overall: Sun Home Cold Plunge Tub Best Value Cold Plunge Tub: Susbie Icedoo Recovery Pod Best Premium Cold Plunge Tub: Plunge All-In Best Vertical Cold Plunge Tub: Nordic Wave Viking Cold Plunge Tub Best Portable Cold Plunge Tub: Cryospring Portable Ice Bath Dimensions: 76.8 x 27.6 x 25.2 inches | Weight: 15.5 pounds | Volume: 95 gallons | Material: PVC, drop-stitch fabric The Sun Home Cold Plunge Tub offers nearly all the benefits of a more premium, permanent tub without as high of a price tag—and without the installation hassle. It cools quickly thanks to a 1HP chiller (our tester found that it cooled water down from hose temp to sub-50 degrees in three hours), and it's easy to toggle the temperature up and down. It's also surprisingly spacious given that it's horizontal, though Sun Home also offers this tub in a vertical model if you don't have the space for a full-length setup. Between the power, filtration and energy-saving insulation, it's a great option for right around $5,000. Of course, this isn't a permanent tub, so it doesn't provide that set-it-and-forget-it experience; you might need to set it up and take it down every now and then. Plus, our tester wasn't sure how to store the chiller unit—it's not supposed to be exposed to heavy rain or snow, but it also doesn't come with a protective cover, and at this product's price, we think it should be weatherproof. Ultimately, these are minor drawbacks if you're looking for a professional-grade tub that's quick to cool and easy to use. Dimensions: 46 x 23 x 23 inches | Weight: 9 pounds | Volume: 129 gallons | Material: Fabric, aluminum What I like about the Susbie Icedoo Recovery Pod is how much bang you get for such little buck. At just $130 (or less when it's on sale, which it often is), this tub is a bit bigger than most other small or awkwardly vertical cold plunge tubs of a similar price, so you can stretch out a bit more and actually breathe, as opposed to sitting in a cold ball. It's also lightweight, easy to set up and surprisingly sturdy thanks to aluminum supports that are rated to hold up to 799 pounds. The design is technically insulated for cold and hot therapy, which means you can use it year-round, and a simple drain empties it in minutes. Given that this is a very affordable model, however, you may need to manage your expectations. Some reviews mention smaller parts can wear out or break over time, but customer service seems to be responsive if anything goes wrong. The photos also make it look like a plastic tub when it's actually a flexible fabric paired with aluminum supports, which sacrifices some durability. Still, it's hard to beat this model's size, portability and price if you want to experience cold therapy without a major financial commitment. Dimensions: 76.75 x 31.5 x 28.75 inches | Weight: 238 pounds | Volume: 105 gallons | Material: Acrylic, fiberglass We often think of the word 'premium' and assume it's tied to something inherently pricey, but premium also means thoughtfully designed and made to elevate an experience, as it does in the case of the Plunge All-In. While this tub might cost more than other cold plunge tubs, you're paying for a complete, elevated self-care setup that's premium in just about every way. If you see cold plunging as more than a form of recovery and something closer to a daily practice, the All-In delivers a degree of comfort and features that most other tubs simply can't match. Unlike most cold plunge tubs that feel like a piece of gym equipment, the All-In is designed to look good and perform. Sporting a clean fiberglass shell and integrated components, it's durable and easy to use. Thoughtful details like a phone holder for guided sessions, underwater lighting and a silent fan mode make the experience that much more enjoyable. Of course, a setup like this is going to cost quite a bit more, but if you're serious about cold plunging and want to make it a regular part of your routine, the Plunge All-In is worth every penny. Dimensions: 36 x 30 x 44 inches | Weight: 60 pounds | Volume: 95 gallons | Material: HDPE Plastic If you're looking for a more premium cold plunge experience but don't have the space for a full-length tub, the Nordic Wave Viking Cold Plunge Tub is a great compromise. Featuring a more compact 95-gallon design, it's perfect for tight spaces and small homes, but it doesn't come at the cost of performance. The 0.8HP chiller utilizes multi-stage sanitation and ozone filtration, so you can skip the ice entirely and enjoy clean, cold water. The foam-insulated sides help seal in the cold, and the sloped floor makes it easier to drain the tub when you're done. Smart features include a digital display, Wi-Fi app integration and a quiet motor. Of course, this is still an expensive tub in spite of its upright design, plus it's clunky and heavy—the lid alone weights 16 pounds—so you might want to have a second set of hands around for the installation. And given that it's a vertical tub, you need to step up to get in and back down to get out, which can pose a challenge for anyone with mobility issues. If these minor drawbacks aren't true deal-breakers, you'll have access to a superb tub that takes up a bit less space than a standard horizontal design. Dimensions: 58 x 32 x 27 inches | Weight: 21.5 pounds | Volume: 135 gallons | Material: PVC, drop-stitch fabric If you're looking for one of the best portable cold plunge tubs that doesn't feel cheap or impermanent, the Cryospring Portable Ice Bath offers a reliable on-the-go experience. With a spacious 135-gallon capacity, it's built for full-body immersion, and the drop-stitch construction boosts durability while the cushioned base improves comfort. Underneath the PVC outer, a 10-centimeter air gap insulates your body and the locking lid keeps temperatures colder for longer, making it perfect for year-round use in spite of the fact that it's designed to store away. What really sets this tub apart is its portability, and that's in spite of everything it comes with: A protective tub cover, travel backpack, pump/vacuum, skimmer net, hose adapter, repair kit and synching strap to keep everything secure make it far more portable than any other setup, and it still weighs under 30 pounds. Plus, unlike most premium tubs that cost thousands, it comes in at less than $900, which makes it a great option whether you're traveling, setting up a home gym or just looking for some flexibility without sacrificing quality. The dedicated staff at Forbes Vetted spend hundreds of hours researching and writing health and wellness guides each year. From protein powders to supportive footwear to recovery tools , we cover every stage of the fitness journey to ensure you're informed every step of the way. Author of this guide and Forbes Vetted gear editor Cam Vigliotta has over six years of experience reviewing training and wellness equipment. With a degree in kinesiology, he understands the importance of proper recovery, whether you're managing post-race soreness or a major injury. He's also covered compression boots and massage guns. has over six years of experience reviewing training and wellness equipment. With a degree in kinesiology, he understands the importance of proper recovery, whether you're managing post-race soreness or a major injury. He's also covered compression boots and massage guns. This story was edited by Emmy Favilla , Forbes Vetted's managing editor, a media veteran with two decades of experience. She has covered e-commerce for the last eight years—including consumer products in the health and wellness, home and kitchen, and sleep and mattress spaces. , Forbes Vetted's managing editor, a media veteran with two decades of experience. She has covered e-commerce for the last eight years—including consumer products in the health and wellness, home and kitchen, and sleep and mattress spaces. Cold plunge tubs have been around for a while, but in recent years, they've become a more popular recovery option. And yet, just because they're popular doesn't mean they're inherently safe. That's why we spoke with Jesse Ramos Jr. , CPT and owner of BBT Fitness NYC, to learn more about the benefits of cold plunge therapy, how it works and what to consider before jumping in. , CPT and owner of BBT Fitness NYC, to learn more about the benefits of cold plunge therapy, how it works and what to consider before jumping in. By combining our research with insights from a personal trainer, we created this comprehensive guide to cold plunge tubs. Our goal is to recommend options that aren't just effective but also safe, easy to use and suited to different needs. To find the best cold plunge tubs, we dove into the chilly details, focusing on what makes a tub effective, safe and worth the money. Here's what guided our picks: People take the (cold) plunge for different reasons. From muscle recovery to mental clarity to managing injury, we looked for tubs that support different goals. The options in this guide are suited for athletes, beginners, those seeking a more affordable model and people who live in small spaces. We looked for tubs made from durable materials that can hold up to daily use, and we considered setup, maintenance and temperature control options. From high-end tubs with app-controlled cooling systems to less expensive, no-frills options, any tub you buy should be built to last and easy to use. Long-term exposure to cold water isn't easy, nor is it for everyone, so we looked for brands that can help you understand how to use a tub safely. We also looked for solid insulation, efficient motors and water filtration, all of which make the experience a bit more well-rounded. Finally, we spoke with certified personal trainer Jesse Ramos Jr. to understand who benefits from cold plunging, how to do it safely and what to look for in an ideal setup. His insights helped us find recommendations based on price, effectiveness and real-world benefits. Buying a cold plunge tub isn't just about picking the most expensive setup. Ultimately, you need to find something that fits in your space and actually meets your needs. Keep these variables in mind as you weigh your options. Size And Shape A cold plunge tub should fit in your space and be comfortable to use once you're fully submerged in it. Large tubs offer more flexibility, but they also take up additional space and are usually harder to move. 'When choosing a plunge, think beyond just price,' says Ramos Jr. 'Look at how durable the materials are, how well it holds the cold, how easy it is to clean and drain and whether the size actually fits your space.' Consider not only how big the tub is, but how much space you need to get in and out, especially if you're leaning toward a vertical tub with a higher edge. Portability If you're working with a smaller space or want a tub you can pack in the car (or store when it's not in use), a portable one is the way to go. Lightweight, inflatable tubs are a solid option for beginners or those who don't want to commit to a permanent setup. They're also great for trying out cold plunging before you level up to a bigger investment. The Cryospring Portable Ice Bath, for instance, is made from the same material as a standup paddle board, so it's lightweight yet durable. Temperature Control One of the biggest factors that dictates how consistent you are with cold water therapy is your ability to maintain the tub's temperature. While some budget-friendly tubs rely on ice, premium models like The Plunge feature built-in cooling systems. 'Easy setup, reliable cold control and simple drainage' are the features Ramos Jr. says he prioritizes for consistent use. If it's difficult to get a tub cold or keep it cold, you probably won't want to use it. Filtration Clean water is key, especially if want to use your tub every day. Models with built-in filtration systems are easier to maintain, and they keep the water clean over time. Most lower-end tubs don't have built-in filtration, but it's a useful upgrade if you don't want to add 'clean the cold plunge tub' to your weekend chore list. Weather Resistance Make sure a tub is ready to withstand the elements if you intend to store it outside. 'Indoor tubs are more convenient year-round, but outdoor plunges give you that extra mental edge,' says Ramos Jr. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your setup and how you want to use your tub, though outdoor models should be durable enough to handle regular exposure to the sun and harsh weather.
