The Benefits of Cold Plunging + Why We Love Our Nordic Wave

More energy. A clearer mind. Better recovery. And the confidence to do HARD things.

Have you ever felt like you're just going through the motions? Waking up tired, reaching for another cup of caffeine, feeling mentally foggy, overwhelmed, or just plain STUCK?

I think we can all relate to that feeling from time to time. Between raising three kids, running our businesses, staying active, and juggling all of life's responsibilities, Dusty and I know how easy it is to get caught up in the daily grind.

And sometimes, the last thing you feel like doing is something HARD.

But what if that hard thing was exactly what you needed?

Enter: COLD PLUNGING!

Cold therapy has become one of our favorite additions to our wellness routine, and after having our Nordic Wave Viking cold plunge for the past couple of years, I can confidently say it's one of those investments we're genuinely happy we made.

Yes, there are some pretty incredible potential physical benefits to cold exposure. But for us, the biggest benefits have been mental and emotional.

The energy. The clarity. The sense of accomplishment.

And most of all, the CONFIDENCE that comes from reminding ourselves, over and over again, that WE CAN DO HARD THINGS.

So, What's All the Hype About Cold Plunging?

Cold water therapy is nothing new. Cultures around the world have been using cold water immersion for centuries, and today, science is beginning to shed more light on why this age-old practice has become such a popular wellness ritual.

When you immerse your body in cold water, your body immediately responds. Your nervous system kicks into gear, your blood vessels constrict, and your body works to maintain its core temperature.

It's a pretty incredible reminder of just how adaptable the human body is!

And while research is still evolving, there are several exciting potential benefits worth exploring.

1. Boost Your Energy & Mental Clarity

You know that feeling when you're dragging through the afternoon, struggling to focus, and reaching for another cup of coffee?

Cold plunging can feel like hitting the RESET button.

Cold exposure stimulates your sympathetic nervous system and increases alertness, in part through the release of norepinephrine.

It's an invigorating experience that can leave you feeling awake, refreshed, and ready to take on the day.

And personally, there's something about stepping out of that cold water that makes me feel like I can conquer just about anything!

2. Activate Brown Fat & Support Your Metabolism

Okay, this one is FASCINATING!

Did you know that not all body fat is created equal?

Most of us are familiar with white fat, which stores energy. But our bodies also contain something called brown fat, or brown adipose tissue.

Unlike white fat, brown fat actually BURNS energy to produce heat!

When your body is exposed to cold temperatures, it activates a process called thermogenesis, which helps keep your core temperature stable.

This can stimulate brown fat activity and increase energy expenditure as your body works to stay warm.

Researchers are also exploring how cold exposure may influence insulin sensitivity and metabolic health.

Now, does this mean you can hop into an ice bath and magically melt away stubborn belly fat? Unfortunately, no! Cold plunging hasn't been shown to be a reliable fat-loss solution, and activating brown fat doesn't necessarily translate to meaningful weight loss.

But I love learning about the body's natural ability to adapt, and this is one more reason cold exposure is such an interesting wellness practice.

3. Build Mental & Emotional Resilience

If I had to choose just ONE reason we love cold plunging, this would be it.

Because here's the thing...

Your mind is probably going to come up with a hundred reasons NOT to get into that freezing cold water.

It's uncomfortable. It's challenging. And it would be a whole lot easier to stay warm and cozy.

But you make the decision to step in anyway.

You focus on your breathing. You stay present. You work through the initial discomfort.

And then you step out feeling like a million bucks!

Every time we willingly do something difficult, we're giving ourselves another opportunity to build confidence and self-trust.

I think about how this translates into every other area of life.

Showing up for your workout when you don't feel motivated.

Having that difficult conversation you've been putting off.

Starting the business you've been dreaming about.

Making a change you've been afraid to make.

Cold plunging has become a simple, tangible way for us to practice doing hard things.

And while the science on long-term emotional resilience from cold exposure is still developing, the personal sense of accomplishment is very real for us.

It's not about proving how much discomfort you can tolerate. It's about learning that you can meet a challenge, stay grounded, and come out the other side feeling stronger.

4. Support Muscle Recovery & Reduce Soreness

If you've been following along with my Move With Erin workouts, you know I'm a BIG believer in strength training!

But working hard is only half the equation. Recovery matters, too.

Research suggests that cold water immersion may help reduce muscle soreness following strenuous exercise.

That's one reason ice baths have become popular among athletes and fitness enthusiasts.

One important thing to keep in mind: regularly plunging immediately after heavy resistance training may actually interfere with some of the muscle-building adaptations we're working so hard to achieve.

Since building and maintaining lean muscle is a priority for me, I prefer to be intentional about when I incorporate cold exposure.

It's all about finding a balance that supports your goals.

5. Support Circulation & Healthy Aging

Another fascinating aspect of cold exposure is how it affects circulation.

When you enter cold water, blood vessels near the skin constrict to help conserve heat. As your body warms back up, circulation adjusts again.

Researchers are studying how repeated cold exposure may influence vascular function, metabolic health, and temperature adaptation.

And while we can't claim that cold plunging will make us live longer, I think it's exciting to explore practices that may complement an overall longevity-focused lifestyle.

For us, that foundation will always be whole plant foods, daily movement, strength training, quality sleep, time outdoors, and meaningful rest.

Cold therapy is simply another tool in our wellness toolbox!

6. Disconnect, Breathe & Be PRESENT

Let's face it. We live in a world of constant stimulation.

Phones. Notifications. Work. Kids. To-do lists. A million thoughts running through our heads.

Sometimes we don't even realize how much mental noise we're carrying around.

But when you step into cold water, there's really only ONE thing you can focus on.

The present moment.

Your breath. Your body. Your response.

I love how cold plunging encourages us to be intentional with our breathing and practice staying calm in a challenging situation.

For those few moments, everything else fades into the background.

And in a world that constantly demands more of our attention, I think that's pretty powerful.

Why We Chose the Nordic Wave Viking Cold Plunge

When Dusty and I started creating our backyard wellness space, we wanted it to feel like an extension of our home.

Beautiful. Functional. Simple. Inviting.

A place that would encourage us to move our bodies, get outside, recover, and make our health a priority.

And our Nordic Wave Viking Premier fits that vision perfectly.

Here's what makes it stand out from other cold plunges we've seen.

The Vertical Design Is a GAME CHANGER

One of my absolute favorite things about the Nordic Wave Viking is its upright, vertical design.

Unlike traditional horizontal cold plunges that take up a ton of space, the Viking has a much smaller footprint.

At approximately 36 inches wide by 30 inches deep, it doesn't require a massive backyard, patio, or home gym.

You can enjoy an immersive cold plunge experience without dedicating an entire room to it!

And I actually LOVE sitting upright in the water.

It feels natural, allows me to focus on my posture and breathing, and makes the whole experience feel more intentional.

It's Beautiful Enough to Be Part of Your Home

I'm a big believer that our environment influences our habits.

When we create spaces that inspire us, we're much more likely to use them.

And let's be real, some cold plunges look like giant plastic storage bins sitting in the backyard. Ha!

The Nordic Wave is the complete opposite.

It's sleek, minimal, modern, and genuinely BEAUTIFUL.

It looks like a thoughtfully designed piece of wellness equipment rather than something you want to hide behind the garage.

I love that it complements our outdoor space instead of distracting from it.

American Manufacturing & Quality Construction

Another reason we were drawn to Nordic Wave was what their team shared with us about their American manufacturing.

We were told that the Viking is made in the USA, which was an added selling point for us.

When you're investing in something you hope to enjoy for years to come, quality and craftsmanship matter.

The Viking features insulated construction to help maintain water temperature, a fitted lid, and a convenient drainage system.

It's designed for indoor or outdoor use, making it versatile for different homes and lifestyles.

Nordic Wave also offers a five-year limited residential warranty on the Viking vessel, with separate warranty coverage for the chiller.

To us, it's important to choose products that feel like long-term investments rather than short-lived trends.

Our Upgraded Nordic Wave Gen 2 Chiller

Now, let's talk about something that makes the whole experience SO much easier.

The CHILLER!

We recently upgraded to Nordic Wave's Gen 2 Chiller, and I have to say, convenience makes a huge difference when it comes to maintaining any healthy habit.

Because while you can absolutely fill a tub with ice and cold water, who wants to be hauling bags of ice around every time they want to plunge?

Not us!

Cold Water on Demand

The Nordic Wave system is designed to cool water down to approximately 35°F, with heating capabilities up to 104°F.

That means you can choose a temperature that works for you and your comfort level without having to constantly add ice.

And living in sunny Florida, having a dedicated chiller is especially appealing!

You don't have to go straight for the coldest setting, either. In fact, we always encourage starting gradually and building comfort with the experience.

Built-In Filtration & UV Sanitation

One of the things I appreciate most is that the system incorporates water filtration and UV sanitation to help keep the water clean.

Of course, it still requires regular maintenance, cleaning, and filter changes, but it's much more convenient than constantly emptying and refilling a makeshift ice bath.

Less hassle = more consistency!

Smart Controls Through the Nordic Flow App

The Gen 2 system also offers Wi-Fi connectivity and smart controls through the Nordic Flow app.

You can monitor and adjust the water temperature and set schedules so your plunge is ready when you want it.

How cool is that?!

I love anything that makes our daily routines more seamless.

Because when something is easy to access and enjoyable to use, we're far more likely to stick with it.

Designed for Everyday Wellness

Between the temperature controls, filtration system, compact design, and smart features, Nordic Wave has created an experience that feels much more accessible for everyday home use.

The Gen 2 Chiller also comes in different configurations, including Pro and Elite options, depending on your cooling needs.

For us, it's not about chasing the most extreme temperature or spending as much time in the water as possible.

It's about having a reliable, convenient way to incorporate cold exposure into our lifestyle.

Want to See Our Nordic Wave in Action?

Curious what cold plunging actually looks like in our daily routine? Come along with us on YouTube! We're sharing a closer look at our Nordic Wave Viking, how we incorporate cold therapy into our wellness lifestyle, and why we've come to love this invigorating practice so much.

WATCH ON YOUTUBE →

Sometimes seeing it in action is all the inspiration you need to take the plunge yourself! ;)

Is a Cold Plunge Really Worth the Investment?

I think this is an important question to ask before purchasing ANY piece of wellness equipment.

Because let's be honest, there are a LOT of products out there promising to make us healthier, happier, younger, stronger, and everything in between.

And I'm not interested in collecting wellness gadgets just for the sake of having them.

I want things that actually add value to our lives.

Things that make healthy habits easier.

Things that encourage us to show up for ourselves.

And things that we'll genuinely use and enjoy.

For us, the Nordic Wave checks those boxes.

It's a beautiful addition to our home, it makes cold plunging convenient, and it's become a meaningful part of how we prioritize our well-being.

Do you NEED a cold plunge to be healthy? Absolutely not.

And it's certainly not a replacement for good nutrition, exercise, sleep, or the other foundations of health.

But if cold therapy is something you enjoy and want to incorporate regularly, I do think having a high-quality, dedicated setup can make it much more practical.

I look at it as an investment in our wellness environment and in the habits we want to carry with us for years to come.

Our Biggest Takeaway: You Can Do HARD Things

If there's one message I hope you take away from this post, it's this:

You are capable of so much more than you think.

And sometimes the only thing standing between where you are and where you want to be is the willingness to get a little uncomfortable.

I talk about this all the time with fitness, nutrition, motherhood, and personal growth.

We don't build strength by avoiding resistance.

We don't build confidence by waiting until we feel ready.

And we don't become more resilient by expecting everything to be easy.

We grow by showing up, taking action, and proving to ourselves that we can do the things we once thought we couldn't.

Cold plunging is one small but powerful reminder of that philosophy.

Every time I step into the water, I'm making a choice.

And every time I step out, I feel that little boost of confidence that comes from following through.

More energy. More clarity. More confidence.

Not because cold water magically fixes everything, but because I've taken a moment to challenge myself, be present, and do something intentional for my well-being.

And THAT is what keeps us coming back.

Ready to Take the Plunge?

If you've been curious about cold therapy and want to create your own at-home wellness space, we absolutely love our Nordic Wave Viking cold plunge.

From the beautiful, space-saving vertical design to the convenience of the upgraded Gen 2 Chiller, it's a setup we're grateful to have as part of our daily lives.

You can check out Nordic Wave and explore their cold plunge options below!

Tap here to SHOP OUR NORDIC WAVE VIKING COLD PLUNGE

Use Code: EATMOVEREST for our special offer!

And remember, if you're new to cold plunging, start slowly, keep your sessions short, and listen to your body. Cold water immersion can cause cold shock and place stress on the cardiovascular system. Never plunge alone, avoid holding your breath underwater, and check with your healthcare professional first if you have a heart condition, blood pressure concerns, or other relevant health issues.

Here's to feeling stronger, thinking clearer, and building the confidence to do HARD things.

Because a healthy lifestyle isn't about doing everything perfectly.

It's about consistently showing up for yourself.

One choice, one habit, and maybe one cold plunge at a time. ;)

With love & wellness,

Erin + Dusty

EatMoveRest

Eat Plants. Move Daily. Rest Easy.

Disclosure: This post is part of our partnership with Nordic Wave and contains promotional links. We may receive compensation from purchases made through our links or discount code. All opinions and experiences are our own. This content is educational and not intended as medical advice.