You may see manufacturers and other sources describe potential health or wellness benefits associated with saunas. Ridgecrest provides research-based information to help you understand the topic, but we don’t make health or wellness benefit claims about the products we sell. What we can tell you is how a sauna heats you, what a session is actually like, and what to consider before buying one. For anything health-related, you should speak with your physician. If you have a cardiovascular condition, reduced heat sensitivity (including from alcohol or certain medications), or are pregnant, check with your doctor before using a sauna, and always follow the manufacturer's safety instructions for your specific model.

You may see manufacturers and other sources describe potential health or wellness benefits associated with cold plunges. Ridgecrest provides research-based information to help you understand the topic, but we don’t make health or wellness benefit claims about the products we sell. What we can tell you is what actually happens when you get in, what to expect the first few times, and why the first minute is the part to pay attention to. For anything health-related, you should speak with your physician. Never get in alone, and if you have a heart or breathing condition or are pregnant, check with your doctor first.

You may see marketing describe alternating hot and cold as more effective than either one alone. Ridgecrest provides research-based information to help you understand the topic, but we don’t make health or wellness benefit claims about the products we sell. On the other hand, many people enjoy alternating hot and cold, and enjoying an activity is a legitimate reason to continue with it. For anything health-related, you should speak with your physician. Alternating heat and cold can cause real blood-pressure swings, so never enter the cold plunge alone, and check with your doctor first if you have a heart or lung condition or are pregnant.

There’s no universally accepted definition of wellness. However, the most commonly referenced definition describes it as a pursuit rather than a state that you arrive at. When it's applied to heat and cold, wellness relates to the deliberate use of them in someone's daily life.

Think of it this way: wellness is about the act, not about the tools. Both saunas and cold plunges carry real safety considerations that vary by model — read the manufacturer's instructions before first use, and talk to a physician about any health-related questions.

Cold plunges are not considered safe for children. Cold plunging can pose significant risks for children, including cold shock, breathing difficulties, hypothermia, and drowning. Current research does not establish a universally safe age, water temperature, or immersion duration for children. Children should never have unsupervised access to a filled cold plunge tub — drowning can occur quickly and silently, even in a relatively small volume of water — so keep the tub secured with the manufacturer's locking cover whenever it is not in use. Before considering cold water immersion for a child, consult a qualified pediatric healthcare provider and follow the cold plunge tub manufacturer's age restrictions, safety instructions, and contraindications.

There is no universally safe or optimal amount of time to stay in a cold plunge. Duration depends on water temperature, immersion depth, individual health, experience, and other circumstances. Follow the manufacturer’s warnings and instructions, avoid prolonged exposure, and exit the water right away if you notice dizziness, faintness, confusion, uncontrolled breathing, or unusual weakness — chest pain, collapse, loss of consciousness, severe breathing difficulty, or suspected hypothermia require immediate emergency assistance.

Health & Safety: Cold water immersion places significant stress on the body and may not be appropriate for everyone. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before use if you have a medical condition, take medications that may affect your response to cold, or are pregnant. Never immerse alone, and always follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions and warnings.