While cold plunge has taken off as the latest trend in the wellness and celebrity-fitness industry here in the US, ice baths have been a tradition in parts of the world for centuries—along with practice of sauna. Having already cornered the market for the former, California-based Plunge has released a new, standalone Plunge Sauna Kit for home use. When paired with the premium Plunge All-In tub, the tech-driven brand offers a vision of a dream wellness routine.
Together, the sauna and ice bath complete what the company describes as "contrast therapy." A quick dip in cold water followed by heat immersion in the sauna is reportedly proven to improve blood circulation and reduce inflammation among other health benefits. The Plunge Sauna, which we recently had the opportunity to test here in NYC, is designed to elevate a wellness experience, both as a place to relax and for the more hardcore among us, an additional place to work out.
The Plunge Sauna comes in two sizes: The Standard, at 40 square feet, and the XL, at 56 square feet. Each size is delivered in a modular kit-of-parts, which two people can assemble in 1-2 hours, according to the company. Once completed, the sauna plugs into a standard 220V 30 amp' outlet, so sauna-ers can plug and play inside or outside their home, while settings can be adjusted in advance or real-time with the Plunge mobile app.
The exterior and interior benches are made in the US of sustainable knotted cedar or clear cedar cladding, while the interior features pine and hemlock paneling. Unlike the popular barrel sauna interior, the Plunge Sauna features a slightly reclined rear wall angle that naturally offers an ergonomic backrest for upper level loungers. Personally, I found this to be much more comfortable than hunching over against a curved wall. Both interior benches can also be folded up to make room for hot yoga or other fitness routines. Fully customizable lighting and generous floor-to-ceiling windows complete the sleek set-up.
Of course, the Plunge Sauna can be purchased and enjoyed on its own (we suggest elevating the experience with these sauna accessories), but if you're looking for the ultimate Nordic-style health routine, consider pairing it with the company's orginal Plunge tub. Or you can always go old school and roll in the snow (if it still snows where you live).
The Plunge Sauna is now available for pre-order and retails for $8,990-$11,990, depending on size and customizations.
Published 05-04-2023
Updated 10-01-2023
