Apartment living? How to cold plunge in small spaces

The view from the balcony of your third-floor apartment is jealousy-inducing. You can see the skyline stretching out before you, with its bustling streets and city lights sparkling. As you sit on a space-saving patio chair, you can feel the energy of the city below.

When it comes to maintaining your recovery routine, that stunning view doesn’t always make up for the space constraints inside. You are scrunching up in your bathtub full of ice as friends in the suburbs are posting pictures of their patio cold plunges.

The reality of apartment life often means dealing with limited space, lease restrictions, and curious neighbors. But here’s the good news: You don’t need a large patio or a mortgage to enjoy the benefits of cold water immersion. An inflatable cold tub, like the Chilly GOAT GO!, is the perfect solution for apartment living. It offers all the advantages of a cold plunge while being tailored to fit your space constraints.

These tubs are designed to be portable, packable, and convenient, allowing you to maintain your cold therapy routine without crowding your living area. Whether you’re on the top floor or have limited room, this adaptable solution provides the flexibility and practicality you need to keep up with your recovery, right at home.

Inflatable cold tubs: A perfect fit for every living space

Cold water therapy is quickly becoming the coolest way to prioritize both physical and mental health. Just a few minutes a day can help reduce inflammation, boost your mood, increase energy levels, and support your immune system.

At-home cold tubs like the Michael Phelps Chilly GOAT Cold Tubs by Master Spas make it easier than ever to incorporate this beneficial practice into your routine.

However, if you live in the city or are renting, you might not be able to incorporate a cold tub like the Alpine into your setup. 

The new Chilly GOAT GO!, an inflatable cold tub, offers a flexible and practical solution, allowing you to enjoy cold water immersion and prioritize your well-being. It’s designed to fit into your space without the need for permanent installations or landlord approvals.

Find the perfect spot

The first step in setting up your Chilly GOAT GO! is finding the right spot. Depending on the space of your rental, you might be able to put the cold tub in a courtyard or balcony — if it’s reinforced. For apartments with limited space, a corner of your bathroom might be the obvious choice. However, you can also consider a spot near a window, or even the living room if it’s roomy enough.

The Chilly GOAT GO! is 34 inches long by 13 inches wide when inflated. When you are picking the best spot for your inflatable ice bath, make sure that it won’t interfere with your daily activities. 

Make setup and storage easy

One of the biggest advantages of an inflatable cold tub is its portability and ease of storage. At less than 40 pounds, you can easily carry it up the stairs to your apartment or move it outside for the summer. 

If you have limited space, you can easily deflate the ice bath and store it away in a closet or under the bed. To make setup even easier, keep a dedicated space for your cold tub supplies, including a pump, hose, and digital thermometer. An electric air pump, which costs less than $20 on online retail sites, allows you to quickly set it up and fill it when needed.

But if you have space to keep the GO! inflated, simply put the cover on and buckle it when you are not plunging. 

Optimize your water source

In an apartment, you might not have access to a large outdoor spigot or a convenient place to dump water after use. Instead, use a standard bathroom or kitchen faucet to fill your tub. You can purchase an adapter that attaches to your faucet, making it easy to connect a hose and fill your tub directly. 

For draining, you can open the plugs of the GO! A small pump can make it easier to  empty the tub efficiently — especially if it’s indoors. Direct the water into a bathtub, shower, or out onto a patio where it can safely drain away. This method keeps the process clean and straightforward, making it apartment-friendly.

Control the temperature

Keeping your ice bath at the right temperature is essential for getting the most out of your cold therapy sessions. Aim to keep the water below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Going colder than 40 degrees, however, won’t provide many extra benefits, so there’s no need to push it too far.

To get started, fill your tub with the coldest tap water you can, then add ice as needed. A good general rule is to use an ice-to-water ratio of 1 to 3 — so for every three gallons of water, add one gallon (or about 7.6 pounds) of ice. If freezer space is a concern, reusable ice packs are a great option since they can be refrozen after each session.

Because a portable ice tub needs to be drained after one or two uses, you’ll likely need to refill and re-ice it. To help retain the cold temperature and save on ice, the Chilly GOAT GO! comes with an insulated cover that you can buckle into place when you are not cold plunging. This can make it easier to stick with your routine.

Enhance your experience

Just because you’re renting or have a small living space doesn’t mean you can’t make your cold therapy sessions enjoyable. Add a few personal touches to create a relaxing environment. Consider placing your tub near a window with a nice view, or even surrounding it with some plants to bring a touch of nature indoors. 

Setting up mood lighting with candles or a small lamp can add warmth to the space — something you might appreciate as you get into your 50-degree ice bath. 

If you’re worried about water splashing or making a mess, consider using a waterproof mat underneath the tub to protect your floors. This is especially helpful if you’re setting up in a living area or other carpeted space.

With an inflatable ice bath like the Chilly GOAT GO!, you can create a personalized wellness space that fits your lifestyle and living situation. These tubs bring the rejuvenating effects of cold therapy right to your home, allowing you to recover smarter and feel your best, whether you’re in a spacious house or a cozy apartment.

Choosing the Best Cold Tub

Do you want to enjoy the benefits of cold water therapy wherever you go? Having a Michael Phelps Chilly GOAT Cold Tub by Master Spas allows you to realize the impact of cold water. Enjoy clean, clear, cold water on demand. Click here to learn more about the benefits of incorporating a Michael Phelps Chilly GOAT Cold Tub into your routine. Start your journey today!