Latest news with #coldplunge
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
I was scared to take the plunge at new Nottinghamshire attraction Saunahood but I've never felt more alive
I love a good hot bath. It's my favourite way to unwind at the end of a busy day. Failing that, a steaming hot shower. Cold water? No thank you. Thinking back to Wim 'The Iceman' Hof a few years ago, it gave me palpitations when his programme Freeze the Fear saw a number of celebrities immersing themselves in icy water. So why I agreed to visit a new Nottinghamshire attraction that combines a sauna with a plunge in cold water I do not know. I've no worries over the sauna part. I've sat and sweated my socks off in a wooden cabin many times although I've never understood why the Finnish ruin the ritual of a nice hot sauna by rolling in the snow afterwards. Each to their own. Running through the essentials to take to Saunahood, the website lists a towel, swimming costume, flip flops and water bottle. The latter is to stay hydrated but it did cross my mind to take a hot water bottle to warm up afterwards. READ MORE: Bramley's in Nottingham is not a restaurant I'd think to visit but now it's in my top ten READ MORE: Susanna Reid's 'stunning' red Next dress ideal for UK heatwave priced at £36 I feel as rigid as a block of ice when I pull up at the site at Holme Pierrepont Country Park's campsite, off Adbolton Lane, West Bridgford, for my first session of 'contrast therapy' as it's known. The new venture opened six weeks ago. Tucked away in a leafy green part of the park are two plunge steel baths in front of the sauna. "Don't dip your hand in," says founder Ellen Tobin as I go to test the water. "It'll put you off later." Ellen explains that contrast therapy simply means alternating between hot and cold environments, switching between the sauna that's around 70-80°C and the plunge pools which are set at 10°C. That sets my mind at ease at little - at least it's not sub zero. But why? "When your body is in the hot environment your blood is pumped to the skin away from your core to try and cool you down - this is called vasodilating. In the plunge pool your body vasoconstricts - your blood goes to your vital organs and your core to protect you. "Both of these scenarios put your body under a small amount of stress - you are kicking your heart into action to work harder and giving your vascular system a great work out. The idea is that when you experience stress in life your body will be much more adept to dealing with it, and can keep you stable as it's been exercising the stress response with contrast therapy." Benefits from the heat include loosening the muscles and joints, a detox, improved cardiovascular function, lowering stress hormones and better sleep. The cold element reduces muscle soreness and swelling, boosts mood, builds mental resilience and stress tolerance and activates the parasympathetic nervous system so you experience a post-cold "calm". That's the science but what about the reality? Changing into my swimming costume as slowly as possibly to delay the inevitable, the time has come to step inside the sauna within a beautifully restored horse box. Until now the only revamped horse boxes I'm familiar with are the ones selling pizza or prosecco. It's a roasting hot day but it's even hotter inside with the wood-fired stove pumping out intense heat. I'm joined by Ellen, who hands me a pixie-like cap which protects the ears and head from the heat - particularly useful if you're bald. After five minutes or so, it's time to switch. I ask if it's better to dip your toe in and take it steadily or just go for it. As I fear, it's the latter. The water is every bit as horrendously cold as I imagine... so cold it hurts. The trick is to stay as still as possible because the more you move around the worse it is. As I grimace throughout, Nottinghamshire Live's photographer Joe tells me to imagine it's warm. It doesn't help. I brave it for longer than I was expecting though. Then it's back to the sauna and repeat several times within the 50-minute session, which ends with a final dip in the plunge bath. It's just as cold as the first time but it's more tolerable and I'm actually laughing and enjoying looking up at the blue sky and trees in the scenic setting. The contrast of hot and cold is said to speed up recovery after workouts or endurance events, improve circulation and regulate your body's stress response. It sounds like something serious athletes and high-pressured business executives would book themselves into it but it's attracting all demographics and ages, from a medal-winning para canoeist (who takes a book to read in the plunge bath) to families. Ellen said: "Guests are on day-dates, celebrating birthdays, looking for a way to unwind and reset at the end of the week - or just get time out for themselves. It's been a real joy to welcome people and see everyone embracing the ancient art of sweat bathing - coming together to cleanse the body and reset the mind." A maximum of eight people can book a private session or six for a communal session, costing £15 each for 50 minutes. Ellen said: "Feedback has been amazing. People are leaving glowing and talking about how lovely they feel and also making connections with others. The sound of laughter coming from the sauna and guests saying 'lovely to meet you' as they leave is really heart-warming. "It's about connection with others, time away from technology and all the distractions and stresses of life. Guests are coming back time and again and building contrast therapy into their weekly routine. I can't ask for more than that." The experience is undoubtedly life-affirming. Before I tried it I thought I would hate every second. Afterwards I feel amazing; energised but with an inner calm. I'm glad I stepped out of my comfort zone and, even though I thought it would be torture, it was fun. I might even return in the winter when it snows. Saunahood is open on Friday from 12pm to 6pm and weekends 10am to 4pm. Book online at
Associated Press
6 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Epic Hot Tubs Cold Plunge Lineup Meets Surging Demand for Cold Therapy
The Wellis Spa Iceland Cold Plunge tub, shown as a compact, rectangular acrylic unit in ice white shell with a grey cabinet. Epic Hot Tubs, North Carolina's trusted source for outdoor relaxation products, now features a versatile selection of Wellis Spa cold plunges—including the Iceland, Iceland Duo, and Nord Fjord models. These options empower customers to embrace the growing cold immersion trend, offering benefits like enhanced recovery, boosted immunity, and improved mental clarity for at-home wellness routines. Epic Hot Tubs, a premier provider of hot tubs, swim spas, and saunas in North Carolina, today highlighted its expanded lineup of Wellis Spa cold plunge tubs, designed to help customers capitalize on the rapidly growing trend of cold immersion therapy. Featuring the Iceland Cold Plunge, Iceland Duo Cold Plunge & Hot Tub Combo, and Nord Fjord Cold Plunge, this collection provides flexible options for individuals seeking to integrate science-backed wellness practices into their daily lives. Cold plunge therapy, involving brief immersion in chilled water, has gained widespread popularity for its potential to boost energy, reduce inflammation, accelerate muscle recovery, strengthen immunity, and enhance mood and sleep quality. As more people prioritize at-home wellness solutions post-pandemic, Epic Hot Tubs' offerings cater to a range of needs—from compact, single-user designs to multi-zone combos and portable inflatables. The Iceland Cold Plunge is a sleek, plug-and-play tub capable of chilling to 35°F or heating to 104°F. It includes Scandinavian insulation, WiFi controls for remote temperature management, and LED lighting, making it ideal for solo users in small spaces like home gyms or patios. For those desiring versatility, the Iceland Duo features separate hot and cold zones in one unit (86.6 x 86.6 x 29.9 inches), allowing simultaneous use at independent temperatures. With 158 gallons total capacity, OzMix sanitation, corner lighting, and 14 jets in the hot tub side, it's perfect for couples or families combining recovery with relaxation. The Nord Fjord Cold Plunge offers ultimate portability as an inflatable model (59 x 31 x 26 inches, 66 gallons), easy to set up, store, and move. It supports customizable cold or hot therapy, emphasizing convenience for fitness enthusiasts or those with limited space. 'With cold therapy becoming a cornerstone of modern wellness routines, we're proud to offer these innovative Wellis Spa models that make it accessible and enjoyable for everyone,' said the owner of Epic Hot Tubs. 'Whether you're an athlete recovering from workouts or simply looking to elevate your daily health, our lineup provides the best options to experience benefits like improved circulation, reduced stress, and heightened mental focus right at home.' This expansion aligns with industry momentum, as the global cold plunge tub market is predicted to reach new highs by the end of 2025, showcasing heightened awareness of its therapeutic advantages. Customers can view and test these models at Epic Hot Tubs' showrooms in Raleigh, Durham, Pineville, and Cornelius, with expert consultations available. Additional services include free local delivery, financing options, and backyard prep like concrete patio installation. For more details or to schedule a visit, contact Epic Hot Tubs at 888-884-3742 or visit Media Contact Company Name: Epic Hot Tubs & Swim Spas Contact Person: Richard Horvath Email: Send Email Phone: 8888843742 Address:4205 Wake Forest Road City: Raleigh State: North Carolina Country: United States Website: Press Release Distributed by To view the original version on ABNewswire visit: Epic Hot Tubs Cold Plunge Lineup Meets Surging Demand for Cold Therapy
Globe and Mail
6 days ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Epic Hot Tubs Cold Plunge Lineup Meets Surging Demand for Cold Therapy
Epic Hot Tubs, North Carolina's trusted source for outdoor relaxation products, now features a versatile selection of Wellis Spa cold plunges—including the Iceland, Iceland Duo, and Nord Fjord models. These options empower customers to embrace the growing cold immersion trend, offering benefits like enhanced recovery, boosted immunity, and improved mental clarity for at-home wellness routines. Epic Hot Tubs, a premier provider of hot tubs, swim spas, and saunas in North Carolina, today highlighted its expanded lineup of Wellis Spa cold plunge tubs, designed to help customers capitalize on the rapidly growing trend of cold immersion therapy. Featuring the Iceland Cold Plunge, Iceland Duo Cold Plunge & Hot Tub Combo, and Nord Fjord Cold Plunge, this collection provides flexible options for individuals seeking to integrate science-backed wellness practices into their daily lives. Cold plunge therapy, involving brief immersion in chilled water, has gained widespread popularity for its potential to boost energy, reduce inflammation, accelerate muscle recovery, strengthen immunity, and enhance mood and sleep quality. As more people prioritize at-home wellness solutions post-pandemic, Epic Hot Tubs' offerings cater to a range of needs—from compact, single-user designs to multi-zone combos and portable inflatables. The Iceland Cold Plunge is a sleek, plug-and-play tub capable of chilling to 35°F or heating to 104°F. It includes Scandinavian insulation, WiFi controls for remote temperature management, and LED lighting, making it ideal for solo users in small spaces like home gyms or patios. For those desiring versatility, the Iceland Duo features separate hot and cold zones in one unit (86.6 x 86.6 x 29.9 inches), allowing simultaneous use at independent temperatures. With 158 gallons total capacity, OzMix sanitation, corner lighting, and 14 jets in the hot tub side, it's perfect for couples or families combining recovery with relaxation. The Nord Fjord Cold Plunge offers ultimate portability as an inflatable model (59 x 31 x 26 inches, 66 gallons), easy to set up, store, and move. It supports customizable cold or hot therapy, emphasizing convenience for fitness enthusiasts or those with limited space. "With cold therapy becoming a cornerstone of modern wellness routines, we're proud to offer these innovative Wellis Spa models that make it accessible and enjoyable for everyone," said the owner of Epic Hot Tubs. "Whether you're an athlete recovering from workouts or simply looking to elevate your daily health, our lineup provides the best options to experience benefits like improved circulation, reduced stress, and heightened mental focus right at home." This expansion aligns with industry momentum, as the global cold plunge tub market is predicted to reach new highs by the end of 2025, showcasing heightened awareness of its therapeutic advantages. Customers can view and test these models at Epic Hot Tubs' showrooms in Raleigh, Durham, Pineville, and Cornelius, with expert consultations available. Additional services include free local delivery, financing options, and backyard prep like concrete patio installation. For more details or to schedule a visit, contact Epic Hot Tubs at 888-884-3742 or visit
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Dierks Bentley Makes Tour Opener Zach Top Take Part in an Icy Challenge on the Road & He ‘Took It Like a Champ'
'It's not a summer tour without a cold plunge,' Dierks Bentley wrote on his Instagram on July 8, as he gave fans an insider's glimpse as he welcomed his tour opener Zach Top into what has become a bit of a tradition for a Bentley tour. Previous tour openers who have taken part in Bentley's cold-plunge tradition include Riley Green, Jordan Davis, Parker McCollum and Caylee Hammack. On his current Broken Branches Tour, Bentley dared Top to take a dip in a tub of ice water. Holding up a thermometer that read 29 degrees, Bentley said in the video, 'Let's see how Zach does this.' More from Billboard How Zach Top Is Crafting Country's Future With an Old-School Sound Dolly Parton Puts Songwriting 'On Hold' Following Husband's Death Benny Blanco on Wedding With Selena Gomez: 'It'll Be Chill' 'I need a fresh beer and a cigarette,' Top said, to which Bentley remarked, 'The cigarette might provide some warmth…might spark the heat.' 'That's the strategy here, Dierks,' Top said, later lighting up a fresh cig and getting into an ice-cold tub. Top didn't have to brave the ice alone: Bentley got into his own ice-filled can. Quickly after Top got in, holding his beer and cigarette aloft, Bentley said, 'Do we have an extra bag of ice?' 'No! No more ice in mine!' Top shouted laughing and adding, 'They snuck some warm water in yours.' For his part, Top seemed right at home in the freezing temps (he is a Washington state native, after all). Bentley noted that Top also fared better than some of his previous tour openers. 'I can tell you he's already done more than Riley Green,' Bentley said. 'Get f—ed, Riley Green!' Top said jokingly, before quickly adding, 'Just kiddin' brother, I love you.' 'Parker McCollum, you [did better] than Parker,' Bentley said. 'That doesn't surprise me,' Top said, before Bentley added, 'Travis Denning was in it for about two seconds…Jordan Davis, you've already smoked Jordan Davis.' On Instagram, Bentley also added, 'Zach Top took it like a champ!' Of course, some of those previous openers had their own viewpoints in the post's comments. Denning wrote, 'I did two-ish minutes, thank you very much!,' while Davis wrote, 'I was trying to show respect to you, Dierks Bentley…didn't want to beat you at your own game.' Bentley's Broken Branches tour, which takes its name from his recently-released album, continues July 10 in Virginia Beach, Virginia. See the video below: Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Popular wellness trend is supposed to help with weight loss — but it may make you eat more
Maybe it's better not to take the plunge. While the ostensible point of most wellness trends is to promote good physical and mental health — as opposed to purely shedding pounds — weight management is often an added perk. But a fascinating new study published in the journal Physiology & Behavior warns that the caloric dump of one popular practice might be mostly in your head. Cold plunges and ice baths have made quite the splash in recent years, thanks to their purported boost in mental clarity, blood circulation and metabolism and their reduction in muscle soreness and stress. And if you've ever spent time in freezing water, you've probably noticed a significant uptick in your appetite — leading you to naturally believe you've really earned that burger. Sadly, it seems that might not be the case. Researchers suspect that the 'after-drop' effect — where core body temperature keeps falling after cold exposure, even when you're out of the water — triggers brain regions linked to temperature and energy, boosting appetite. 'Ice baths and cold dips have become really popular, with many people hoping they'll help with weight loss,' David Broom, a professor at UK's Coventry University Research Center for Physical Activity, Sport and Exercise Sciences, said in a statement. 'But our findings show that while cold water does make your body work harder and burn more energy, it also leads to eating more afterward — possibly undoing the potential weight-loss benefits,' he continued. 'Interestingly, people didn't say they felt hungrier during or after the cold water — they just ate more.' Researchers asked 10 men and five women who were active and healthy to spend 30 minutes in cold water (60 degrees Fahrenheit), hot water (95 degrees) or room temperature water (78 degrees). Afterwards — in what sounds like the best controlled trial ever — they were asked to eat a plate of pasta until 'comfortably full.' Of the three groups, the cold water cohort ate a whopping 240 extra calories. Depending on various factors, spending 30 minutes in a cold plunge — which is, by the way, not really recommended by experts, who advise shooting for no more than 10 minutes due to risk of hypothermia — only burns an estimated 250 to 500 calories, which is why probably why researchers say the overeating might negate the burn. For what it's worth, these findings align with what experts say about contrast therapy — the art of repeatedly alternating between hot and cold, like shvitzing in a sauna and then jumping into a cold plunge, as one does in modern bathhouses and traditional Finnish culture. Dr. Hany Demian, CEO of BioSpine and co-founder of Pain Care Clinics, previously told The Post that contrast therapy burns 'a very small amount of calories, but nothing significant.' He added that the surge in hunger has more to do with 'stomach contraction and relaxation, which stimulates the appetite.'
