Traveling athlete? Take your recovery routine on the GO!
There’s nothing like the feeling of crossing the finish line of a race, whether it’s your first 5K or your 50th marathon. You are filled with a sense of pride and relief as the volunteer puts a medal around your neck.
However, that excitement can easily give way to discomfort as fatigue sets in, lactic acid building up in your muscles. Your once-strong stride is more of a hobble as you make your way to the finisher area. While other participants are enjoying the post-race festivities, you are looking forward to just one thing: an ice bath.
But getting that much-needed ice bath isn’t always easy when you are on the road. Hotels have limited tub space, and the water might not be as cold as you're used to back home. While you might be able to pack a foam roller or massage gun, it can feel nearly impossible to keep with your cold therapy routine.
Enter the inflatable cold tub: your new best friend for recovery, no matter where you go.
Whether you’re heading to a competition, traveling for work, or just dashing off for a weekend getaway, the Michael Phelps Chilly GOAT GO! allows you to take your recovery routine on the road with ease.
Why cold therapy is essential for athletes
Cold water immersion, or ice baths, is a go-to recovery method for athletes. It’s as simple as taking a dip in cold water to help ease muscle soreness, reduce inflammation, and shake off the fatigue that comes after intense workouts or endurance events.
When you push your body to its limits, tiny muscle tears can cause soreness and inflammation. Taking a cold plunge helps constrict blood vessels and slow down metabolic activity, which reduces swelling and flushes out waste like lactic acid that builds up during exercise. The benefits of ice baths don’t stop at soothing sore muscles. Cold water immersion can also speed up recovery by cutting down on inflammation.
When you’re traveling for a race or frequently on the go for work, sticking to a consistent recovery routine becomes even more crucial. Travel can take a toll on your body — long flights, time zone changes, and unfamiliar surroundings can all ramp up stress and fatigue. These factors can disrupt your body’s natural recovery processes, making it harder to bounce back after a workout in the hotel gym.
That’s where cold therapy and a portable ice tub comes in hand. A plunge in cold water will help your body reset, keeping you on track with your training, even when you’re far from home.
Meet your new travel must-have: The Chilly GOAT GO!
Let’s be real: Not all of us are lucky enough to have access to a spa or gym with a cold tub when we’re on the road.
That’s where an inflatable cold tub, such as the Chilly GOAT GO!, comes in. The all-new ice tub from Michael Phelps Chilly GOAT Cold Tubs by Master Spas is lightweight, portable, and easy to set up. It’s the perfect solution for athletes who want to keep up with their recovery routine wherever they go.
This inflatable tub is designed for those on the move. Compact enough to fit in the provided backpack, it’s durable enough to withstand the rigors of travel and quick to inflate and deflate. Plus, it’s easy to pack down and store away when you’re done, so you don’t have to worry about taking up too much space.
Planning ahead: What you need to bring
Before you hit the road, make sure you have everything you need to keep your cold therapy routine on track.
Inflatable cold tub
The best way to take an ice bath when you travel? An inflatable ice bath like the Chilly GOAT GO! Before you head out, whether you are flying or driving, you want to pack your GO! Make sure that it’s wiped down and dry, then pack it up for your trip.
Portable pump
Chilly GOAT GO! Inflatable tubs come with a manual pump, which can be easily packed in your travel gear or in the complimentary backpack.
Water source
Hotels will have a bathtub or shower where you can fill your tub. Accommodations such as a vacation rental will likely have an outdoor spigot, and campsites often have potable water. If you’re staying somewhere more remote, make sure you have access to clean, cold water.
For reference, the Chilly GOAT GO! holds about 120 gallons of water.
Towel and robe
A towel is a must for any ice bath session. You’ll want to dry off as soon as you step out. While it’s best to warm up naturally to maximize the benefits of your ice bath, a robe can be a nice option, especially if you’re using your inflatable cold tub outside at a vacation rental.
Setting up your ice bath while traveling
Now that you’ve got everything packed, let’s talk about how to set up your inflatable cold tub once you reach your destination. The good news? It’s super easy.
Find a suitable location
Look for a flat surface where you can set up your tub. A bathroom is one option. If you’re staying somewhere with outdoor space, such as an Airbnb or VRBO rental, you can also set it up outside.
As you don’t need to bring a chiller with you, you don’t have to worry about finding electrical outlets when picking the best spot for your ice bath.
Inflate the tub
Use your portable pump to inflate the tub. This should only take a few minutes. Make sure the tub is fully inflated and check for any leaks before filling it with water.
Fill the cold tub with water
Depending on your location, you can either use the shower or a hose to fill your tub with cold water. Fill it to a comfortable level. When you are submerged in the Chilly GOAT GO!, you want to have the opportunity to sink down to your neck, which activates the vagus nerve.
Add ice
If you have access to ice, now’s the time to add it. For the Chilly GOAT GO!, we recommend a 1:3 ice-to-water ratio — in other words, one gallon (or 7.6 pounds) of ice per three gallons of water. However, the amount of ice you need will depend on the temperature of the water and how cold you want your ice bath to be. You can begin to see the benefits of cold therapy when the water temperature is below 60 degrees. However, the best temperature for an ice bath depends on your body and whether you regularly cold plunge.
Set a timer and plunge
Once your tub is ready, set a timer for 3 to 5 minutes and hop in. Keep in mind that the first minute might feel intense, but your body will adjust. Focus on your breathing and enjoy the recovery benefits.
If you’re feeling especially sore or trying to recover between events, it might be tempting to extend the length of your cold plunges. However, experts recommend aiming for a total of 11 to 15 minutes per week for optimal recovery.
Pack down
The Chilly GOAT GO! can be used one to two times before you need to change the water. If you are heading back home after your ice bath, drain the water and get ready to pack it down. Dry the walls as best you can and deflate the tub. Using the complimentary backpack, the inflatable ice bath is easy to stow and go.
Pro tips for going cold on the road
Traveling doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your recovery routine. With an inflatable cold tub, you can take your cold therapy on the road, ensuring that you stay at the top of your game no matter where you are. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a fitness enthusiast, this portable solution is a must-have for anyone serious about their recovery.
Map out access to ice
If you’re staying at a hotel, look for the ice machine on your floor or whether there is one for guests to use. A recycling bin or the provided ice bucket is an easy way to carry ice back to your room.
Another option: Make a quick stop at a convenience or grocery store to buy a few bags of ice for your inflatable cold tub.
Stick to your routine
Traveling can throw you off your routine and leave your body feeling more inflamed and tired than usual. Even with these challenges, it’s important to stick to your recovery habits as much as you can. If you normally start your day with a cold plunge before a workout, make sure to fit in your ice bath before heading out. Keeping up with this routine will help ease the effects of travel and keep you feeling your best. Your body will definitely appreciate it.
Listen to your body
Cold therapy can be intense, especially if you’re feeling stressed from travel or an athletic competition. If you feel too uncomfortable or start to shiver, it’s okay to cut your session short.
Next time you’re packing your bags, don’t forget to bring along your inflatable cold tub. Because when it comes to recovery, you should never have to compromise — even when you’re on the go.
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!
