Lane Johnson’s secret to recovery: Inside his cold tub routine

It might be Lane Johnson’s 13th season with the Philadelphia Eagles. He might be heading into the year as a two-time Super Bowl champion.

But for the veteran offensive tackle, there’s no such thing as just another season. The training is still intense. The expectations are still high. And the work doesn’t stop.

There’s also something new — or at least more intentional — that’s helping him get ready for the 2025 season: a smarter approach to recovery.

“I stay fit and recovered with the Chilly GOAT tubs,” he says. “It’s something I’ve used for years now, and I’ve noticed huge boosts in mental clarity and focus.”

From Kilgore to championships

A career in the NFL wasn’t always the obvious path for Lane Johnson. A Texas native, Johnson first took the field at Kilgore College, where he played one season as a quarterback. After transferring to the University of Oklahoma, he spent time at tight end and later moved to defensive end. It wasn’t until a string of injuries struck the offensive line that a coach asked Johnson to try out as a lineman.

That opportunity changed everything.

Johnson started 12 games at tackle that season. The next year, he started 11 of 13 games, helping solidify the Sooners’ offensive line and drawing attention from NFL scouts.

In 2013, the Philadelphia Eagles selected him fourth overall in the NFL Draft.

More than a decade later, Johnson has become one of the most respected and accomplished players in the league. He’s a six-time Pro Bowl selection and five-time Associated Press All-Pro honoree. He’s helped lead the Eagles to three NFC titles. And he’s one of only three players in franchise history to win multiple Super Bowls with the team — the only offensive lineman to do so.

Staying sharp after more than a decade in the game

For Lane Johnson, staying ready after more than a decade in the NFL takes more than lifting weights and running sprints.

“My routine has allowed me to stay in the game for so long,” he explains. “A lot of it is about being strong in certain positions and then also maintaining flexibility and mobility.”

A typical off-season week starts heavy and tapers toward speed and recovery.

“We’ll have a really heavy upper and lower body day in the beginning,” he says. “Then Thursday and Friday, we’ll have a lighter weight day, more focused on speed and power.”

But Johnson’s day doesn’t begin in the weight room. It starts in the cold.

“Usually before I work out every day, I get in the cold tub for around three to four minutes up to my neck,” he says. “For me, I just feel like it energizes my body.”

 The benefits of a cold tub for recovery

Johnson is one of many athletes using cold therapy to gain an edge. Cold water immersion has become a go-to for reducing inflammation, aiding recovery, and sharpening mental focus.

“You may not feel good for the first minute or two,” Johnson admits. “But eventually you get used to it, and the results are profound.”

And there’s research to back that up. Lowering your core body temperature before training — known as pre-cooling — can help boost stamina and improve endurance by reducing how quickly fatigue sets in.

“I think the science behind it is about pre-cooling the core body temperature,” Johnson says. “When you do that, it allows you to have better endurance and more stamina throughout your workouts.”

The Chilly GOAT Valaris: Built for elite recovery

Cold therapy has become key to Johnson’s recovery — so essential, he brought it home. While he still trains at a facility in Oklahoma City, having easy, anytime access to recovery tools was a must.

“Thanks to Chilly GOAT, now I have a good setup at home,” Johnson says.

With the Chilly GOAT Valaris, he can go cold (or hot) when it’s best for his schedule. The Valaris is a contrast therapy tub that’s part hot tub, part cold tub. 

Offering recovery and relaxation, Johnson can jump into the cold side, which cools to 40 degrees. After a long day, the hot tub side can help him unwind. And when he wants the best of both worlds, he can alternate between the two for contrast therapy.

With a robust 2.1-horsepower chiller, quiet operation, and hydromassage jets, the Valaris supports the kind of recovery that helps Johnson keep showing up strong.

But for Johnson, showing up isn’t just about staying game-ready or chasing another Super Bowl ring.

“After a long career, accolades piled up for me, fortunately,” Johnson says. “But I think success for me as I transition into a different stage in my life is to be a great father, be a great husband, and pass on my knowledge of the game down to younger generations.”

These days, Johnson is finding joy in giving back. “We have a lot of local college kids that come and train here, high school kids,” he says. “Success will be watching these guys grow up and dominate — on and off the field. That’s what I’m looking forward to.”

The tools to keep going

Johnson knows firsthand what it takes to compete at the highest level, and cold therapy is part of what keeps him in the game.

“For me, it’s part of my routine,” he says. “It’s something that I’ve used for years now.”

“You don’t have to feel great getting in,” Johnson says. “But you feel better when you get out. And over time, you notice the change.”

Inspired to create your own routine?

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