As more people seek programs and amenities to optimize their wellness routine, Life Time is taking recovery to new depths with the addition of cold plunges at more than 70 of its athletic country clubs nationwide by summer 2025.
Cold plunges can be a fantastic recovery tool and offer a variety of health benefits, including boosting energy, alleviating inflammation and aiding recovery. In fact, according to a recent survey conducted by Life Time, more than 43% of the more than 1,000 respondents noted ice baths and cryotherapy as a recovery practice they want to try or increase in the year ahead.
“Cold-water therapy is one of the most effective ways to recharge your body and mind,” said Danny King, the director of recovery and performance at Life Time. “By spending just 30 seconds in a cold plunge, you can boost your energy, improve your sleep and build mental resilience. It’s a simple yet powerful tool for recovery. By integrating this into the comprehensive offerings at Life Time, we further solidify our position as the premier holistic destination for health and wellness, providing unparalleled opportunities for our members to live healthy, happy lives.”
As highlighted in Life Time’s Experience Life Magazine, cold plunge benefits include:
- Morning Boost: Immersion in cold water stimulates the nervous system, providing a burst of energy and alertness to start the day.
- Mental Resilience: Cold plunges are a form of positive that help train the body’s response, building resilience through focused breathing during moments of discomfort.
- Restful Sleep: For some, cold plunging before bed can lower heart rate and regulate body temperature, contributing to better deep sleep and REM cycles.
Beginners are encouraged to start with short durations, such as 30 seconds, and gradually build up their tolerance. “While everyone is talking about cold plunge, it isn’t about how long you can stay in,” said King. “We encourage people to talk with one of our experts to understand the proper techniques and timing. This helps to avoid potential risks and achieve the best possible outcomes for your health and wellness.”
With recovery becoming a vital part in all health and fitness routines, the cold plunge expansion complements Life Time’s growing recovery offerings and spaces, including its Rejuvenation Suites with saunas, steam rooms and whirlpools. This in addition to dedicated LT Recovery spaces featuring Dynamic Stretch programming, hydromassage and cryotherapy beds, compression boots, percussion massage guns and foam rollers. To support in recovery, Life Time also offers its proprietary line of LTH supplements and wellness products.
This initiative also underscores Life Time’s commitment to continually enhancing its spaces through ongoing renovations of existing athletic country clubs. Life Time’s rollout of cold plunges is already underway and will continue beyond 2025, with numerous locations nationwide benefiting from this enhanced recovery feature.
Learn more on which clubs have a cold plunge via your respective club website under the luxury amenities page.
Great to see Life Time incorporating cold plunges into more clubs! I recently read an article on Arctic Plunge Gear https://arcticplungegear.com/ that highlighted the growing popularity of cold therapy for recovery and performance. It’s exciting to see large fitness brands embracing this trend.
Do you think cold plunges will become a standard feature in gyms nationwide, or is it still more of a niche recovery method? Would love to hear your thoughts!