A man and woman laugh, chest-deep in steamy outdoor water, with resort buildings and a distant bridge in the snowy background.

Contrast bathing: Why You Should Be Doing It

Harry Styles lies in a black ice bath, feet up and fists clenched, inside a tiled bathroom with a plain gray wall.

Harry Style’s Cold Bathing Ritual

Lady Gaga, with pink hair and a grimacing expression, is submerged in a brown tub filled with ice and water, against a white curtain and colorful artwork.

Lady Gaga’s Post-show Contrast Bathing

If you’ve been keeping up with health and wellness trends in recent years, chances are you’ve noticed more and more people talking about the benefits of taking cold plunges in conjunction with warm or hot baths. The “ice man” Wim Hof, podcast personality Joe Rogan, the Canadian Olympic Team, health and wellness influencers like Eric Inman, and even celebrities like Harry Styles and Lady Gaga have been vocal about their practices of contrast bathing and cold plunge therapy.

Let’s explore the buzz around this wellness practice and uncover why it has so many therapeutic benefits.

The History of Water-based Therapies

Water is a naturally therapeutic element that has long been used to promote global wellness. From Roman baths to Japanese bathing rituals, water-based therapeutic practices, including contrast bathing, have existed for centuries, but only in the 18th and 19th centuries did their potential benefits become widely recognized and incorporated into Western practice.

Pictured Here: The Roman Baths in Bath, Somerset, England

Three people relax chest-deep in a natural river hot spring, surrounded by rocks and a small man-made waterfall, under bright daylight.

Benefits from Soaking Temperatures

Very Hot Soaking (105°F to 112°F):
Best for anti-inflammatory effects.

Hot Soaking (101°F to 104°F):
Best for detoxification, relaxing sore muscles, and relieving pains associated with strains and sprains.

Warm Soaking (Up to 100°F):
Best for longer soaking and burnout recovery while providing your body with a nervous system reset.

Cold Soaking (64°F and below):
Activates and wakes the body up.

Benefits from Water Minerality

Soaking in mineral-rich geothermal water can provide its own unique benefits. The Springs’ soaking pools contain 13 unfiltered, natural minerals, including Sodium (790 mg/L), Chloride (180 mg/L), Lithium (2.9 mg/L), Potassium (90 mg/L), Fluoride (4.3 mg/L), Manganese (.23 mg/L), Magnesium (25 mg/L), Arsenic (.12 mg/L), Sulfate (1400 mg/L), Silica (54 mg/L), Boron (1.8 mg/L), Zinc (.01 mg/L), Iron (.08 mg/L).

Each of these minerals promotes its own therapeutic benefits from positive effects on mental balance, relaxation, and pain relief. To learn about each mineral and its benefits, visit Our Healing Waters page.

Benefits from Contrast Bathing Circuits

And finally, applying different temperatures of water to the body in contrast bathing circuits can produce its therapeutic benefits, such as:

• Improved circulation

• Stimulation of the immune system

• Improved detoxification

• Increased metabolism

• Reduced stress and anxiety

• Enhanced muscle recovery

• Boosted energy levels

How to Contrast Bathe

Now that you have an understanding of water-based therapies and their wellness benefits, here’s our step-by-step guide on how to perform a contrast bathing circuit at The Springs Resort.

A woman in a dark bikini top stands waist-deep in dark water, hands pressed together, looking down. She is surrounded by rustic stone walls and steps. Her left wrist has a green band with faint, illegible white text.

Step 1: Start with a Warm Soak up to 100°F ( 5 – 10 min. )
Suggested Pools: Aspen (Average Temp. 100°F)

The goal is to acclimate your body to the ambient temperature.

Step 2: Shift over to a Hot Soak 101°F – 104°F ( 5 – 10 min. )
Suggested Pools: Waterfall (Average Temp. 104°F), Venetian (Average Temp. 105°F)

During this soak, you will begin to notice the hot water helping to relax your muscles and soothe any soreness.

Step 3: Conclude the circuit with a quite Cold Soak 64°F and Below ( 1 min. )
Suggested Pools: Warrior Plunge access to the San Juan River

Do not be discouraged by the initial shock of the cold water and remember that you only need to stay in for a minute. This cold water therapy enhances the wellness effects of the contrast circuit on the body.

Repeat the entire circuit up to three times for optimum benefits.

A white-gold mineral formation drips clear water droplets from its textured surface, hanging above a blurred, yellow-gold background.

Enhance Your Well-being with Contrast Bathing at The Springs Resort

Contrast bathing is a simple, yet powerful water therapy that can leave you feeling rejuvenated and refreshed. The next time you’re at The Springs, try a contrast bathing circuit, you’re sure to feel the benefits. You may find it’s the perfect way to experience enhanced well-being at The Springs Resort.

Name
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
First Name*
Last Name*
Email*
Cellphone Number
State
Agreement*
- I agree to receive emails and/or texts from The Springs Resort & Spa.