So, you’ve decided to take the plunge! Cold plunging, or immersing yourself in cold water, is an invigorating and effective way to boost your health. It can reduce inflammation, increase circulation, improve mood, and even help with muscle recovery. But to get the most out of your experience, you’ll want the right accessories. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need as a beginner to ensure you feel comfortable and ready to go. Whether you’re looking for convenience, safety, or ways to maximize comfort, we’ve got you covered. Let’s get started!
1. Thermometer for Precise Temperature Control
One of the most important accessories for your cold plunge journey is a reliable water thermometer. Cold plunging is most effective within certain temperature ranges, generally between 50°F and 59°F (10°C to 15°C) for beginners. Having an accurate thermometer will help you ensure that your plunge is effective and safe.
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Recommended Product:
- ThermoPro Digital Pool Thermometer Floating Easy Read, Large Size Water Thermometer for Cold Plunge (available on Amazon): This highly-rated thermometer floats easily, is easy to read, and is perfect for beginners to monitor their cold plunge temperature accurately.
2. Insulated Gloves and Booties for Comfort
The hardest part of cold plunging for many beginners is keeping their extremities warm. When you’re just starting out, using insulated gloves and booties can help you ease into the experience without feeling overwhelmed by the cold in your hands and feet. This is especially useful when you’re trying to increase your time in the plunge gradually.
Recommended Products:
- Cressi Neoprene Gloves (Amazon): With high ratings, these gloves are perfect for insulation, ensuring your fingers stay protected from the harsh cold.
- BPS Storm Ultra Premium Neoprene Booties (Amazon): These booties are comfortable and have excellent reviews, providing a barrier between your feet and the icy water, which can help you endure the cold longer.
3. Cold Plunge Tub or Tank
If you’re not near a natural body of water, having a dedicated cold plunge tub at home is a must. While some people use bathtubs, investing in a good cold plunge tub can make the entire experience much more enjoyable. Look for options that are durable, easy to fill, and maintain the cold temperature effectively.
Recommended Product:
- Ice Barrel 300 (Amazon): The Ice Barrel 300 is a popular choice among many cold plungers because of its ease of use, upright design, and durability. It has a lot of positive reviews and is perfect for beginners who want a straightforward and effective cold plunge experience.
- INTEX 28483E SimpleSpa Inflatable (Amazon): If you’re on a budget, an inflatable pool can be a beginner-friendly, affordable option that lets you experiment without the steep price tag. Plus this tub can be used for cold plunge or hot tub with bubble jets!
4. Bath Mat
Stepping out of a cold plunge onto a cold floor isn’t ideal, especially for beginners. To make your experience more comfortable, consider getting an absorbent mat or rug to step on immediately after your plunge. This will also help prevent slips and keep your feet warm as you transition out of the water.
Recommended Product:
- Yimobra Bath Rug (Amazon): Highly rated, this thick, absorbent bath mat offers great comfort when you step out of your cold plunge tub, providing traction and warmth.
5. Insulated Water Chiller or Ice Maker
If you don’t want the hassle of continuously buying bags of ice, you might want to invest in an insulated chiller or an ice maker to make the process more seamless. Maintaining the right cold temperature consistently can be challenging without a reliable source of ice or a water chiller.
Recommended Product:
- Kismile Countertop Ice Maker (Amazon): This ice maker is highly rated and ensures you have a steady supply of ice, making your cold plunge setup convenient and consistent without having to run to the store every time.
6. Timer for Monitoring Sessions
Monitoring how long you stay in your cold plunge is crucial, especially as a beginner. Start with shorter sessions, such as 1-2 minutes, and gradually work your way up. A simple timer can help you keep track and ensure you stay within a safe duration.
Recommended Product:
- Gymboss Interval Timer (Amazon): Easy to use and highly rated, this timer helps you keep track of your time, which is key when building your cold tolerance gradually. It’s waterproof too, so you can keep it nearby without worrying.
7. Robe for Quick Warm-Ups
A warm robe is essential for post-plunge comfort. As soon as you finish your cold plunge, wrapping yourself in a robe will help regulate your body temperature and make the transition much smoother. Look for something thick, warm, and absorbent.
Recommended Product:
- Alexander Del Rossa Plush Fleece Bathrobe (Amazon): This cozy, plush robe is highly rated for its warmth and comfort—exactly what you need to feel snug right after stepping out of cold water.
8. Towel for Drying Off
It might sound simple, but a high-quality, quick-dry towel is an essential accessory for cold plunging. Choose a towel that is highly absorbent and soft to avoid discomfort as you warm up.
Recommended Product:
- Rainleaf Microfiber Towel (Amazon): This lightweight, quick-drying towel is a favorite among cold plungers. It’s also compact and easy to carry, making it great if you’re traveling to your plunge spot.
9. Storage Bin for Ice
If you’re using ice from a store, having a storage bin dedicated to keeping your ice can be a game-changer. It’s more convenient to access and will make filling your plunge tub much easier.
Recommended Product:
- Rubbermaid Roughneck Storage Tote (Amazon): This heavy-duty storage bin is ideal for holding bags of ice, and the lid helps keep the ice from melting too quickly.
10. Breathwork or Meditation App
Mental preparation is just as important as physical comfort when cold plunging. A breathwork app or guided meditation can help you focus and stay calm while immersed in the cold. Breath control can make a big difference in your ability to endure the plunge.
Recommended Product:
- Wim Hof Method App (available for download): The Wim Hof breathing technique is popular among cold plungers for good reason—it helps you regulate your breathing and stay relaxed. Downloading the app can help you learn the proper techniques to apply while cold plunging.
11. Headband or Beanie for Warmth
Wearing a headband or beanie during your cold plunge can help keep your head warm and make the experience less intense, particularly if you’re just starting out. Maintaining head warmth reduces discomfort, especially in windy or cold conditions.
Recommended Product:
- Tough Headwear Fleece Ear Warmer Headband (Amazon): This headband is well-loved for its comfort and ability to keep your ears warm. It’s lightweight and non-intrusive, perfect for use during cold plunges.
12. Portable Changing Tent
If you’re cold plunging outdoors, such as at a lake or river, you might want privacy for changing clothes. A portable changing tent can provide you with a convenient space to change before and after your plunge.
Recommended Product:
- GigaTent Pop-Up Pod Changing Tent (Amazon): This changing tent is easy to set up and gives you the privacy you need, making outdoor cold plunging that much more accessible and comfortable.
13. Essential Oils for Relaxation
Adding essential oils to your pre- or post-plunge routine can enhance the experience. Oils like eucalyptus or lavender are known for their relaxing properties and can help soothe your body after you emerge from the cold water. You can add a few drops to a diffuser nearby or even use them to massage tense muscles.
Recommended Product:
- doTERRA Lavender Essential Oil (Amazon): This highly-rated lavender oil is perfect for helping you wind down and relax after your cold plunge.
14. Cold Plunge Journal
Consider keeping a journal to track your cold plunge journey. Note how long you stayed in, what temperature you used, and how you felt before and after. Over time, you’ll notice progress, which can be very motivating.
Recommended Product:
- Full Focus Journal™ by Michael Hyatt – The Daily Journal to Clarify Your Thinking, Process Your Days, and Slow Down (Amazon): This notebook is simple, elegant, and well-made—perfect for keeping a dedicated log of your cold plunge experiences, progress, and reflections.
15. Storage Rack for Accessories
Finally, having a storage rack to organize all your cold plunge accessories—such as gloves, thermometer, booties, etc.—can be helpful for keeping everything tidy and accessible, especially if you’re cold plunging at home.
Recommended Product:
- SimpleHouseware Heavy-Duty Organizer (Amazon): This rack is affordable and helps keep everything in one place, making your cold plunge routine more efficient and less cluttered.
Tips for Beginners: Making the Most of Your Cold Plunge
- Start Slowly: Begin with shorter plunges (30 seconds to 1 minute) and gradually increase your time. Consistency is key.
- Breathe: Focus on deep, slow breaths. It’s normal to feel an initial shock—controlling your breathing will help you push through.
- Warm Up After Plunging: Have a warm robe and mat ready, and do some light movement to get your blood flowing once you’re out.
- Listen to Your Body: Cold plunging is intense. If you feel light-headed or uncomfortable, it’s okay to stop and try again another day.
Note: As an Amazon Associate, I may earn commissions from qualifying purchases.
Conclusion
Cold plunging can be an exhilarating practice with numerous benefits, but having the right accessories can make all the difference in creating a positive, comfortable experience—especially for beginners. From a reliable thermometer and insulated gloves to a plush robe and meditation app, the right gear helps you focus on the benefits without the distractions of discomfort.
Remember, everyone’s cold tolerance is different. Ease into it, build up gradually, and most importantly, have fun with the process. With these accessories by your side, you’ll be well-prepared to conquer your cold plunge journey and enjoy all the amazing benefits it has to offer!
Ready to take the plunge? Grab some of these beginner-friendly accessories and experience the thrill of cold plunging for yourself. Let us know—what’s your favorite accessory that makes cold plunging a breeze?