If you’ve been scrolling on social media and wondering why everyone’s suddenly jumping into tubs of icy water — you’re not alone. “Cold plunge curious” is officially a thing. But experts say this chilly ritual isn’t just an Instagram stunt. There’s real science (and plenty of buzz) behind this fast-growing wellness trend.
the chill factor: why cold plunging works
“Adding a cold plunge session to your recovery routine can help reduce pain and inflammation after an injury, enhance mood, and improve circulation,” says Dr. Ali Brunson, Physical Therapist and Founder of Alison Marks Brunson Physical Therapy in Scarsdale. “It can also help reduce muscle soreness and fatigue.”
That’s a lot of benefit from just a few minutes in water that’s — brace yourself — between 39 and 44 degrees. And if you’re ready to dip your toe (literally) into the cold, there’s no better place to start than thebodybar in Scarsdale.
meet thebodybar: scarsdale’s coolest destination
In the heart of the village, co-founders Kate McKenzie and Tom Beck have built a sanctuary where wellness meets modern recovery. They tailor treatments for everyone — not just hardcore athletes.
“Social media makes it seem like cold plunges are only for athletes,” Beck says. “But we’ve had people of all ages and lifestyles come through our doors. Most are just looking to feel better.”
He adds with a laugh, “Women often say, ‘cold plunging isn’t for me,’ but when couples come in, the women always outlast the men. Then they come back for more!”
McKenzie agrees: “The cold plunge is like a rebirth. You come out energized and clear-headed — even if you walked in stressed or anxious. It’s a total nervous system reset.”
And there are almost instant perks, too. Beck explains, “You get a boost of dopamine and serotonin — the feel-good chemicals — and for men, there’s often a temporary increase in testosterone. You can literally feel your mood shift.”
hot and cold: the perfect pair
But thebodybar isn’t just about the chill. McKenzie’s passion for wellness came from her own health journey. After battling Lyme Disease with little success from traditional medicine, she turned to heat therapy — and it changed everything.
“The infrared sauna helps detox your body on a cellular level,” she says. “After a year of regular sauna use, I felt like a new person. That’s when I knew we had to offer it here.”
For the ultimate reset, Beck recommends pairing both: “Start with 20 minutes in the sauna, then plunge for 90 seconds to three minutes, and repeat. The full cycle takes about 45 minutes, and the results are incredible.”
Infrared saunas differ from the traditional kind — instead of heating the air, they warm your body from the inside out. “You’ll sweat more gradually, but you’re getting a deeper detox,” Beck explains. “It’s great for inflammation, cell renewal, even weight loss.”
light it up: the red light revolution
There’s another glowing treatment catching on fast — red light therapy. Beck describes it as “how plants absorb sunlight for energy — only for your cells.”
Here’s how it works: you lie on a comfortable table wearing protective goggles while panels of red and near-infrared light hover above you (no UV rays, don’t worry). For 20 to 40 minutes, you can listen to music, meditate, or just relax while your body soaks up the benefits — from reducing inflammation to stimulating collagen production and promoting anti-aging effects.
“It’s like a power nap for your cells,” Beck says. “You leave feeling refreshed, inside and out.”
bring the spa home
For anyone dreaming of having these wellness rituals on demand, Justin and Taylor Norris, co-founders of LIT Method, are making it possible. Their company designs sleek, at-home cold plunges and infrared saunas that look as good as they feel.
“People think they need a $15,000 plumbing setup,” Justin says. “But our plunge only requires a water hose and a regular 110-volt outlet — like the one you charge your phone with.”
Their design is compact (just 32.5 inches wide) and whisper-quiet. It cools to 37 degrees or heats up to 107 degrees, so you can customize your experience. “It’s great for both recovery and relaxation,” Justin explains.
And yes — temperature matters. “Women should plunge slightly warmer, around 50–60 degrees,” he notes. “Men do best between 40–50 degrees. It’s all about what your body needs.”
The price tag ranges from $6,200 to $9,400, which includes white-glove delivery and installation — you just point where you want it. For those craving heat therapy, Taylor designed the BeautyBox Infrared Sauna, a chic, full-spectrum sauna that fits in spaces as small as 6×8 feet and assembles in about 30 minutes.
“It’s the first sauna that blends infrared heat with medical-grade red and near-infrared light,” Taylor says. “It supports collagen, circulation, detox, and cellular rejuvenation — all while looking gorgeous in your home.”
stay consistent, stay cool
Whether you go for the spa experience or invest in a home setup, the key is consistency. “Cold plunging is a great tool to have in your wellness toolbox,” Dr. Brunson says. “But anyone with heart, blood pressure, or circulation issues should check with their doctor first.”
Otherwise, there’s nothing stopping you from taking the plunge — literally. Because while the first few seconds might take your breath away, that post-plunge high, the energy, and the mental clarity are addictive in the best possible way.
So if you’ve been flirting with the idea of an icy dip, consider this your sign: grab your swimsuit, summon your courage, and dive in. The water’s freezing — but the benefits are fire.