University-Backed Research on the Ice Pod & Sauna Pod

To move beyond anecdotal claims, we partnered with researchers at the University of North Alabama to put the Ice Pod and Sauna Pod through independent clinical testing. Rather than relying on general cold-therapy research, the study was designed and run specifically on our pods — measuring real physiological outcomes like reaction time, fat oxidation, and heart rate under lab conditions. The result is a body of data that's specific to the products you're actually using, not just the category they belong to.

Cognitive Performance

Your brain gets faster before your body does.

Cold immersion isn't just a recovery tool. Researchers found it works as a genuine pre-activity primer for the mind, sharpening reaction speed within minutes.

  • ~10% Faster reaction time

    Cold-water immersion produced a measurable acute arousal effect, improving reaction time by roughly 10% immediately after exposure.

  • Faster processing speed

    Continuous cold-water immersion significantly increased cognitive processing speed right after treatment ended.

  • Best for reactive sports

    For combat sports, team sports, and anything demanding split-second reactions, cold immersion outperformed contrast therapy as a pre-activity tool.

Metabolic & Fat Oxidation

The burn doesn't stop when the session does.

Both protocols shifted the body toward burning fat for fuel. Contrast therapy extended that window well past the plunge itself.

  • Fat burning that lasts

    Contrast therapy sustained significantly elevated fat oxidation for 20 minutes and beyond after exposure ended.

  • Immediate metabolic boost

    Cold-water immersion triggered a rapid, acute increase in fat oxidation within just 5 minutes of exposure.

  • more fat burned

    Using contrast therapy before low-intensity exercise increased fat oxidation rates by an average of 0.15 g per minute versus a neutral control.

Less strain on your heart, more output from your body.

The push-pull between the Ice Pod and the Sauna Pod does more than feel good. It changes how hard your cardiovascular system has to work during exercise.

Contrast therapy lowered heart rate during submaximal cycling by an average of 10 beats per minute — a meaningful drop in cardiovascular strain during exercise.

CLINICALLY APPROVED

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FROM The exact pods used in the study.
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About the study: Findings referenced on this page are drawn from a clinical study on cold-water immersion, heat therapy and contrast therapy conducted by researchers at the University of North Alabama, using the Ice Pod and Sauna Pod.

These statements describe outcomes observed in a research setting and are provided for informational purposes. Individual results may vary. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, and is not a substitute for medical advice. Consult a physician before beginning any cold plunge, sauna, or contrast therapy protocol, particularly if you have a cardiovascular condition or other health concerns.