CW2 Mark- Green Beret

 “I would like to take a moment and explain how cold plunging has changed my life with regards to human performance and healing. I have been a life-long athlete. Ironman’s, adventure racing, and over 20 years of combat deployments encompassing the entire Global War on Terrorism with Special Operations Forces units. My body and mind have taken a pounding over the last ~24 years. Over the last two years, and now in my forties, the injuries have started to add up. First, a torn groin, blown out lower back, knees, and feet. Then, one month ago I slipped a disk in my lower back and the pain was so excruciating that I could not role over in bed and struggled to get in and out of a car. I limped into our unit’s physical therapy facility, and they recommended cold plunging and a TINs unit for my initial treatments. I noticed immediate relief after 5 minutes in the cold tank. Immediate relief. Increased range of motion, decreased pain, and decreased frustration were immediate. Did I still have pain? Yes. It’s not a miracle cure. However, after a week, I estimate I was 65% better. I no longer needed the opioids that were prescribed to me or the anti-inflammatory medications. Now I am three weeks post injury and have plunged approximately 15 times and I am 99% back in the fight (so to speak). Now I am noticing decreased inflammation throughout my entire body. The pain I have suffering from my nagging injuries that had accumulated in my feet, knees, knees, hips, and lower back is now markedly decreased as well. However, what is most amazing is the psychological improvements that have also correlated with cold plunging. Specifically, decreased stress levels and decreased anxiety. I am not sure if it is due to the lack of inflammation throughout my body or if some other process has taken place. What I can say for sure is that it works and that I suspect this will be a life-long form of physical and mental therapy for me. I can’t recommend it enough. Take the plunge! De Oppresso Liber”

V/R SO1 Redacted- Navy Seal

“I am a broken 32-year-old. I have had over 15 broken bones, 20 plus shoulder, and hip dislocations, slipped/compressed discs, scoliosis, shattered talus tib/fib with dislocation, multiple concussions, and even shot myself ( on accident ) with a nail gun In my face. How, you ask? Dirt bike riding, carpentry, roofing, ten years in the SEAL teams, and living my life a quarter mile at a time. As a medic, I understand the importance of icing to help with inflammation and swelling. Most people know that when you hurt yourself if you wrap the Injury with ice, it will make things better. Well....I had no idea how impactful emerging my entire body in "freezing" cold water would be! For the past eight years, I have been constantly reminded of all my injuries, aching joints, chronic pain, and the fear of not being able to do my job anymore. A month ago, I blew my back out; this time was the worst it has ever been. Unable to pick my kids up and to struggle to put on my shoes, I began to think, "Maybe I should start taking care of myself". I began going to physical therapy at work like I have many times over the years, but this time I wasn't going to feel "good enough" I was going to get better! The physical therapist suggested that a cold bath would be great for the swelling in my lower back. I wouldn't say I like the cold, but I was serious about getting better, so I did my first 3 min plunge. It has been one month of consistent ice baths 5-6 times a week, and I can confidently say that I am on the rehabilitation fast track! For me, the ice bath isn't just a thing I do to prevent inflammation. It's a daily reminder to eat better, stretch, work out, stop drinking alcohol, and take care of myself, not just for me but my wife and kids. I am excited to experience the long-term benefits of ice baths and hope for a healthy and pain-free future. God Bless.”

 Chad Carpenter -Former 19D Cavalry Scout

 “If you’re part of the veteran and/or Jiu Jitsu community you’ve probably heard of ice baths / cold plunges from top influencers like Joe Rogan, David Goggins, Jocko Willink, Tim Kennedy, Cameron Hanes, and the neuroscientist Andrew Huberman. I’ve always been interested in adding this to my daily fitness routine but never took the “plunge”. When I joined a new Jiu Jitsu academy in April of 2023 I had the pleasure of meeting some savages, including a former SF 18D Adam Bardwell, that I overheard him discussing the physical and metal benefits of ice baths. I have the utmost respect for veterans, especially the SF community, so after watching some of Adam’s IG videos it inspired me to do my own research and to just go for it. My first plunge in the low 40 degree water was quite the shock, as it’s supposed to be, and I quickly realized that I immediately needed to focus my breathing and calming my mind in order to stay in the allotted time, a similar method I use for Jiu Jitsu. After a couple weeks of daily ice baths from 4-7 minutes in low 40 degree water I noticed some staggering benefits. Aside from the long lasting adrenaline rush and mental resilience I was building up, I developed the ability to stay more calm in stressful circumstances, with a notable reduction of anxiety and stress, which in turn allowed me to become more clear headed throughout the day. On the physical side I noticed a significant decrease in pain from prior shoulder and back injuries, allowing me to train harder and recover quicker. This is the result of the intense cold triggering vasoconstriction, causing blood vessels to constrict and reducing inflammation throughout the body; which alleviates muscles soreness and joint pain. As if those benefits weren’t enough, I also noticed a significant improvement in my immune system and have not been sick once since doing ice baths, which is significant when you have little kids going to daycare, continuously bringing home every illness known to man. This is the result of exposure to the cold temperatures strengthening the body’s defense mechanisms, boosting white  blood cell production and improving overall immunity. I’ve started sharing my IG reels to spread the word of the significant benefits and to my surprise have had many individuals from their 20’s up to their 60’s start experimenting with ice baths; they just needed a little inspiration as well. This is an incredible natural tool to implement in you daily or weekly fitness routine and I plan to continue doing ice baths henceforward. “