The best cold tub for tall athletes
As a tall person, you're probably no stranger to compromises — ducking under doorways, squeezing into airplane seats, or folding yourself into bathtubs that just weren't built for you. But when it comes to your recovery routine, you don't want to add to your list of "tall people problems" and try to make something “work” when it wasn't made for you.
After all, cold therapy is already challenging enough without adding cramped quarters to the mix. Yet, many cold tubs aren't designed to fit all bodies. Tall people might hop into an ice bath only to find that they can only get in part of the way, or they have to “get small” to fit their entire body in, or their knees are sticking out.
For tall athletes like CrossFit pro Jayson Hopper, gym owner Bobby Petras, and former D-1 athlete Jenn Wirth, a cold tub should offer a comfortable, full-body recovery experience.
Designed in collaboration with legendary swimmer Michael Phelps, who is 6-foot-4, Chilly GOAT Cold Tubs offer ample space and unique features that allow athletes of all sizes to optimize recovery and feel their greatest.
Football player turned pro CrossFitter
Ever wondered what it's like to be the "big guy" in a sport where most athletes look like compact powerhouses? Meet Jayson Hopper, who's breaking the mold of the typical CrossFit athlete.
At 6-foot-1 and 220 pounds, Hopper looks more like he could be lining up on the gridiron than competing in CrossFit. And it makes sense. The South Carolina native was a wide receiver for Clemson University, where the average player is 6-foot-2 and 232 pounds.
On the competition floor at the CrossFit Games, though, most of his peers hover around 5-foot-9 and 190 pounds.
Hopper might be built differently, but he’s showing that he’s just as competitive as pros like Jeff Adler and Justin Medeiros. Hopper placed fourth at the 2024 CrossFit Games and third at the Rogue Invitational in Aberdeen, Scotland.
Getting competition-ready, though, isn't just about going hard in the gym. As a professional athlete, recovery is critical.
His routine is simple but strategic: 10 minutes in the cold tub at 40 degrees. Especially after killer cardio sessions, he'll hop in to cool down and reset. The built-in jets? Just a bonus that makes recovery feel less like a chore and more like a treat.
"What I love most about the Chilly GOAT Cold Tub is how big it is," Hopper says. "I don't feel squeezed in. There's room to move; to actually get comfortable."
But it's not just about soothing sore muscles. An hour before bed, Hopper uses the cold tub to lower his core temperature, setting himself up for better sleep. "It's beautiful, it's easy, and I'm not cramped," he says.
A morning routine that fuels success
Bobby Petras is a lifelong athlete. He ran track in college, played professional football and, at 43, began training with a college basketball team.
And he’s not just trying to keep up. He’s staying competitive. His secret? Outwork everyone.
“Owning a Chilly GOAT helps me outwork everyone because I’m recovering better,” Petras says. When I was an athlete 20 years ago, recovery wasn’t really a big thing. Now, for me at 43, it’s everything.”
For Petras, cold plunging isn’t just a recovery tool — it’s a ritual. “I start every single morning with it, whether it’s summer or winter,” he shares. “If I don’t cold plunge… I feel worse. Being home and being able to get in the Chilly GOAT every morning is a game changer for me.”
The benefits of having a Chilly GOAT at home go beyond feeling energized and getting that adrenaline rush. It’s the size and comfort.
“I’ve been in almost every cold plunge that’s been made,” he says, “and the first time I got to go in the Chilly GOAT, I was so impressed with how big it was. I’m a little over [6-foot-2], and this is the first one I could get in, fully submerge, and feel comfortable.”
With a thoughtful design, the Chilly GOAT helps athletes of all sizes fully realize the benefits of cold therapy.
The Chilly GOAT Cold Tub features a built-in seat with a wide hip area, comfortable armrests, and nonslip flooring for safety and traction. Compared to similar models, the Chilly GOAT Alpine is deeper and wider, making it easier for tall athletes to stretch out.
Petras, who also owns a CrossFit gym, incorporates cold plunging multiple times a day depending on his training schedule.
“After I train in the morning and in the evening, I get back in the Chilly GOAT. It’s huge for my recovery. You get this adrenaline rush, and you feel so good afterwards,” he says.
Tall, fit, and fully recovered
Jenn Wirth isn't your average wellness coach. Standing 6-foot-3, this former Gonzaga Bulldog knows a thing or two about pushing physical limits and the importance of smart recovery.
During her college basketball career, Wirth was a standout forward. Her senior year, she led the Zags with 8.1 rebounds per game and ranked second on the squad with 12.7 points per game. Now, she's channeled that athletic discipline into wellness coaching — with recovery being a focus.
Sharing a home in Phoenix with her husband Corey Kispert, a professional basketball player for the Washington Wizards, Wirth has integrated the Michael Phelps Chilly GOAT Cold Tub into her wellness routine.
"I love how it looks. It's super sleek," she says. "And being taller, it's hard to find something that fits my whole body."
Advanced features for today's athlete
Athletes push their bodies to the limit, and recovery is key to maintaining performance. Whether you are a professional like Jayson Hopper, staying competitive like Bobby Petras, or inspiring others like Jenn Wirth, cold water can help you bounce back from tough workouts and long days.
Beyond size and comfort, the Chilly GOAT offers features that make cold plunging effortless and enjoyable.
Temperature control at your fingertips: Chilly GOAT Cold Tubs feature a smart chiller, which has a temperature range of 40 degrees to 104 degrees. You can go cold for a quick recovery session. Or, if you prefer, you can turn up the temp to a relaxing hot tub temperature.
And with built-in Wi-Fi, you can check on the temperature and make any adjustments from the convenience of your phone.
LED lighting for a premium experience: Jayson Hopper jokes that he goes in the Chilly GOAT at night just for the lights. His color of choice? Blue.
Chilly GOAT Cold Tubs feature LED lighting that can elevate the experience. And, at night, it can make it a seriously cool environment for hydrotherapy and winding down.
Tips for optimizing your cold plunge routine
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to recovery. Cold therapy is a powerful tool, but like any high-performance technique, it requires strategy. You can transform your cold plunge sessions into a recovery routine that helps you feel your greatest.
Timing matters: Wait several hours after an intense workout before cold therapy. Immediate cold exposure can prematurely constrict blood vessels. Give your body time to begin its natural recovery process first.
Consistency is key: Make cold therapy a daily ritual. Whether you use it to kickstart your morning or wind down at night, regular practice amplifies the benefits.
Explore contrast therapy: If possible, alternate between hot and cold treatments. This technique can boost circulation, reduce inflammation, and leave you feeling refreshed and revitalized.
Listen to your body: Start with shorter sessions and gradually increase duration. Everyone's tolerance is different, so pay attention to how you feel and adjust accordingly.
Choosing the best path to wellness
Ready to upgrade your wellness routine with cold tubs and saunas? Michael Phelps Chilly GOAT Cold Tubs by Master Spas makes it easy to enjoy the benefits of cold water therapy. Pair it with a Sweaty GOAT Sauna to create the ultimate recovery experience at home.
