Cold Pod Pro - Portable Ice Bath

Also known as Cold Water Immersion, taking an ice bath works by increasing blood flow, and training your body to relax and de-stress.

The initial shock from entering the cold water causes your heart to beat faster and interrupts your breathing. At the same time, blood flow starts to slow down and heat transfers from your hands, feet, arms, and legs to the middle of your body to keep you warm and protect your heart. Your fight or flight response activates telling you to get out, but the real benefits come from staying in and relaxing as best as you can. After 1-2 minutes your breathing and heart rate adapt and your body starts to heat up as your metabolism increases to keep up with the demand for producing energy to stay warm. You may experience a numbing effect that can reduce painful body symptoms both during and after.

When you step out of your Pod, your blood flow increases to bring fresh oxygen and nutrients to your muscles and you may experience an increased feeling of well-being and alertness throughout the rest of your day. This "flushing" effect removes waste products produced by the body during exercise to repair and reduce soreness and inflammation, decrease recovery time and improve circulation so you can do more, more often.

Yes, setting up the Gyminus Cold Pod Pro is easy. Preparation can take anywhere from as little as 7 to 15 minutes, depending on how you fill it. The main method involves using a water hose, but some customers have reported using buckets of water to fill their Pod. Either way, the steps to taking your first ice bath are the same:

1. Take your Cold Pod Pro out of the packaging and insert the support poles into each of the six holes at the base of the Pod.

2. Scan the area for sharp objects that could puncture the Pod, and set it out of the way of anything that could fall on top of it.

3. Stand the Pod and set on a flat, even surface in your desired area (garage, backyard, apartment patio/balcony, even your living room). Use the air pump (included) to fill the inflatable support ring at the top of the Pod with air. Make sure the double-safe three-in-one inflation valve is secure before continuing.

4. Ensure both emptying valves (underneath and on the side of the tub, near the bottom) are closed shut before filling.

5. Fill with water, using your desired method, 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm) below the top of the inflatable ring to prevent water from spilling once inside the tub and allow room for ice, if using.

6. Add ice (optional, depending on surrounding temperature and other factors).

7. Take your first plunge in the Gyminus Recovery Cold Pod Pro!

8. Cover with the inflatable Pod insert and adjustable cover to prevent dirt and other debris from entering the Pod during storage and in between uses.

The Cold Pod Pro comes in one size: (Height) 31.5in x (Diameter/Width) 29.5 in (80 cm x 75 cm) with two color choices: Black, or Black and White.

The Pod is spacious enough to hold a little more than 84 gallons (320 liters) of water when full and comfortably fit a person anywhere from 5ft (152cm) to 6ft 2in (183cm) and up to 260lbs (118kg).

The best temperature to enjoy your cold water therapy journey is around 50-59 degrees Fahrenheit (10-15 degrees Celsius). This is just low enough to cause a slight restriction to blood flow and reduce muscle temperature without risking hypothermia or causing extreme discomfort.

The Cold Pod Pro uses 5 layers of insulation: a combination of a Nylon, 100% Pearl Cotton, a Water-Proof coating, and two layers of PVC material to provide one of the coolest cold water therapy experiences available. This layered material is designed to maintain the above water temperature anywhere from 8 to 96 hours depending on location, time of year, and surrounding temperatures.

The Cold Pod Pro is safe to use everyday for sessions, but it's not necessary. Just keep in mind that staying in longer than 20 minutes may increase the risk of numbness, cold-related injury, or too much stress on the body. Short sessions lasting anywhere between 5-15 minutes is enough to reduce soreness, improve muscle recovery, and increase energy and alertness.

It's best to use before a workout, when your muscles feel sore and you need a boost in performance, or 4-6 hours after strength training to allow the temperature of body to return to normal and prevent any negative muscle-building effects. For people training multiple times a day, daily ice baths may improve recovery and readiness. Moderation and strategic use is recommended.

The Gyminus Recovery Cold Pod Pro should be emptied, cleaned with a mix of soap and water, and refilled as often as needed to maintain cleanliness and remove dust, dirt, and other debris.

Most healthy people can benefit from cold water immersion, but it’s not for everyone.

Kids should only do it under the supervision of an adult, and people with pre-existing health problems (such as cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, heart or circulation issues) should consult with their physician first.

Cold shock can stress the heart and blood vessels. Children and elderly individuals are more likely to experience issues with regulating body temperature, so extra caution and supervision should be given.