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Experience faster recovery, fewer muscle aches, and even a better night's sleep.

If you were ever a student athlete, chances are that you have had your experiences with the benefits of ice baths. But once most of us are done with collegiate athletics, ice baths—and proper recovery—are quick to go out the door. If you are looking to up your recovery game, ice bathing is a super beneficial way to do so—and it can be quite affordable. While there are quite a few options out there, we have gathered up some of our favorites. Look below for buying advice, and in depth reviews on those products.

Taking an ice bath after a hard workout is known to help recover faster. But while this is generally accepted knowledge, most of us don't truly know why. An ice bath works to decrease inflammation and increase circulation, which gets the blood flowing and essentially helps to flush out metabolic waste post-workout. Ice baths are also said to have a positive impact on the central nervous system, which can help to improve sleep. The great thing about an ice bath is that it is accessible even for newbies, and as long as you don't stay in too long—and don't have any cardiovascular issues—it can only stand to improve your performance and general health.

There are lots of options when it comes to an ice bath tub. On the more affordable side, you have inflatable tubs. These are great for travel or use at home and are generally pretty comfortable to sit in, but they tend not to last as long as a solid tub, and they will pretty much have to be refilled for every use. The second tier are solid tubs. These are a bit more expensive, but they can pretty much last a lifetime. They are generally made from heavy-duty plastic that can withstand the elements, and even though you will have to change the water from time to time, they easily drain from the bottom,

Finally are the spa models. These will be very expensive, sometimes ranging over $10K. These are much more permanent features and are great if you are an avid ice bather. They most often have filters, which means that you will not have to change the water once it is filled, and most provide an iced or hot bath option.

To find the best options among the many ice bath tubs out there, we researched the most popular models available. We then took into account price, materials, durability, and size. Finally, we consulted more than 3,300 reviews, written by people who’ve bought these models on sites like Amazon, to settle on these seven.

While it's true that this ice barrel is on the pricier side, it is deceptively large (holding up to 80 gallons) and incredibly durable. It comes with a cover, lid, stand, and steps that help you get in, and has extra thick walls that ensure that it stays cold. It is super easy to maintain: Simply drain and replace water about every four weeks, and add ice to cool it down.

It won't pop or break, and it is made from nontoxic polyurethane that can hold up against the elements all year long. 

No, this is not technically an ice tub, but if you are looking for something affordable, durable, and large, it will do the job. This stock tank comes in sizes up to 300 gallons, but the 100-gallon size should be large enough for most. It is seamless, easy to clean, and easy to drain. 

It is not insulated like some other options, but it is super durable and will hold up for years outside, as it is constructed for daily livestock use. 

If you are looking for a more portable option, this inflatable Peakn might be more your speed. It inflates and deflates within minutes, and is made from a super strong PVC material that is resistant to punctures and tears. 

Since it is blow-up, it is also padded and comfortable instead of most tubs, which are generally made from hard plastic. 

The one downside that customers noted was that it deflates into a puddle and doesn't make for easy cleanup, but if you have a space to use it where this doesn't matter, it is a great product for the cost. 

If you are a Wim Hof disciple, or an amateur endurance athlete, you may want to invest in something a bit more permanent. While this ice tub is certainly on the pricey end of the spectrum, it is beautifully and durably made, and won't be an eyesore on a back porch. It is safe for both indoor and outdoor use, and has a temperature-control system that allows you to get the bath just right with the touch of a button. 

It also has aesthetic options allowing you to choose the type of woods, and the base color. You also have the option of adding a light—for an additional $300—if you plan to use it at night. 

Another pricey pick, the Cold Plunge gives the feeling of taking a luxury bath outside. The sleek design fits in with any aesthetic, and it is safe for use indoors and out. It was designed with ease of use in mind, so it is truly a “plug-and-plunge” experience. 

Once you fill the tub with water, simply turn it on, set the temperature—with the lowest being 39 degrees—and it is ready to use. Unlike a fill-and-dump tub, you won’t have to change the water since it goes through a filtration cycle with every use.

If you are going for a budget, portable option, this could be the right choice for you. It collapses into flat disk when not in use, and will cost you under $60. The package includes the bathtub, frame pipes, inflatable cover, drain pipe, pump, and an inflatable pillow. While this is not the sturdiest tub on the list, it is great for travel, and unlike some inflatable options, it does drain from the bottom.

This tub may be large when all blown-up, but when it comes time to put it away, it deflates to fit easily in a drawer, shelf, or under the bed. The PVC plastic ensures that it is long-lasting, and resistant to punctures and tears. The design allows for a comfortable lounging position, and because it is a blow-up design, it is super comfortable and padded. It also has a cup holder, which is great for staying hydrated after a hard workout.