A cold plunge set into the deck at the end of the lap pool, used daily as part of the water circuit.
The plunge sits in the deck at the end of the lap pool, open to the valley. It is used most often straight after the sauna as the cold half of a contrast cycle.
Short. Under three minutes for most people, and far less when you are starting. Your physician sets the pattern and the build-up; the aim is a controlled exposure you can repeat daily, not an endurance test.
Breathe out slowly as you enter. The gasp reflex is the part that catches people, and it settles within about thirty seconds if you let it.
Cold water is a significant cardiovascular stress. Cardiac conditions, arrhythmia, uncontrolled hypertension, Raynaud's, cold urticaria and pregnancy are all reasons a physician here will restrict or exclude it.
Never alone, and never after alcohol. Both of those are rules rather than suggestions.
Mountains of Hope holds a Colombian IPS medical facility licence, and the water circuit sits inside a protocol set by our medical team.
Book a consultation if you would like to discuss whether any of this is appropriate for you.