B&M is offering a budget-friendly outdoor pool that claims to reduce stress, lift spirits, and increase energy levels, with research suggesting it may also aid calorie burning. The popular retailer, known for affordable garden supplies and homeware, has reduced the price of its Outdoor Adventure Ice Bath Plunge Pool with Lid by 40%, from £25 to just £15.
Product Features and Benefits
The pool, measuring 80cm tall and 75cm wide, is designed for adults up to 6ft 1 inch (1.85m) tall. It includes an inflatable lid and a protective cover, folds down for easy storage, and is insulated for lasting chill. According to the product description, it is great for boosting energy, reducing stress, enhancing recovery, and elevating mood.
Heart.org notes that ice plunges can offer benefits such as faster muscle recovery, reduced inflammation, and a temporary mood boost. Consistent cold exposure may stimulate brown fat, which can marginally boost metabolic rate. A standard three to 10-minute cold plunge burns roughly 50 to 100 additional calories.
Scientific Evidence
A 2022 systematic review in Frontiers in Physiology found that abrupt cold exposure significantly increases human energy expenditure and activates brown adipose tissue (BAT), suggesting its potential as a non-pharmaceutical approach to combat obesity. The meta-analysis revealed that low temperatures encourage BAT to utilise glucose and fatty acids to produce heat, elevating metabolic rates.
Safety Considerations
It is important to note that ice plunges carry certain risks, including cardiovascular strain and hypothermia. Plunging into cold water abruptly triggers a powerful physiological shock, causing a rapid rise in heart rate and blood pressure that can be hazardous for people with pre-existing health conditions. It is crucial to consult a doctor before attempting a cold plunge pool.
Alternative Options
For those seeking other options, The Range offers an Ice Bath Tub for £34.99, similar in size to B&M's version. Currys also sells a Lumi Therapy Recovery Pod Max Portable Insulated Ice Bath for £59.99, reduced from £79.99.
