Ever heard of a podcast episode changing your life? That’s exactly what happened to Yi Yang (Yang), a former civil engineer who was battling anxiety.
After listening to an episode by Joe Rogan, an American podcaster, Yang stumbled upon the world of cold plunge therapy and decided to take a dip, literally.
Now, his first attempt wasn’t exactly glamorous.
We’re talking a plastic tub filled with ice cubes from 7-Eleven—not exactly the epitome of relaxation. The struggle got Yang thinking: why not create a proper cold plunge setup specifically for Malaysia’s tropical climate?
In March last year, Polar Plunge was born. Co-founded with his friend Steven, a former timber flooring specialist, the duo embarked on a mission to revolutionise the cold therapy market in Malaysia.
What’s a cold plunge?
Cold plunge therapy, also known as cold water immersion, offers numerous physical health benefits, according to Yang.
A recent study by the National Institutes of Health revealed that cold plunges effectively reduce inflammation and delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), the muscle pain experienced one to two days after intense exercise.
When exposed to cold temperatures, blood vessels constrict and then dilate, enhancing blood flow and circulation, said Yang. This process helps reduce muscle inflammation, making ice baths popular among athletes for alleviating soreness and speeding up recovery after intense workouts.
Yang also pointed out that studies have shown that cold exposure boosts immune function by increasing the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines, contributing to a stronger and more resilient immune system.
Beyond the physical perks, cold plunge therapy significantly benefits mental health, revealed another study by the National Institutes of Health. The shock of cold water stimulates the release of endorphins, which improve mood and alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Cold plunges also activate the sympathetic nervous system, leading to better mental focus, alertness, and concentration.
By incorporating cold plunge therapy into your routine, it’s said that one can enjoy both enhanced physical recovery and a positive impact on mental well-being.
However, according to Forbes Health, the cold plunge below 21°C and prolonged exposure can lead to hypothermia and physical incapacitation.
So, be sure to have proper guidance if you are just getting started with cold plunge therapy.
Innovations that set them apart
Polar Plunge collaborates with original equipment manufacturers (OEM) but introduces tweaks to ensure their products stand out. In particular, safety is their top priority.
“Our cold plunge water chillers have an add-on feature of double-layer electrical surge protection for extra safety when cold-plunging,” said Yang and Steven.
Their units also come with advanced filtration and sanitation features, like ozone and 20-micron filtration systems, keeping the water pristine and safe for daily use.
Not only that, their tech-savvy approach includes a mobile app that lets you adjust the temperature, monitor performance, and schedule sessions with ease.
These units are built to withstand tropical climates, making them rainproof and perfect for outdoor use, the founders said.
Yang added that setup is a breeze with a single plug operation, and the large LCD screen ensures an intuitive user experience. The high-performance pump and robust cooling capacity mean your water gets icy cold, fast.
“Our tubs are sourced from a supplier with over 20 years of experience in manufacturing water sporting equipment.”
“Each tub is handmade with meticulous attention to detail, using the best materials available on the market,” they said, adding that it’s leak-free and offers insulation for a top-notch cold plunge experience.
Though Polar Plunge claims to be the first ice bath company in Malaysia, there are other brands we came across such as Warrior Plunge, The Icebath Company and OVER offering similar solutions nowadays.
Spreading awareness
Polar Plunge targets individual users, gyms, sports centres, athlete training facilities, biohackers, and wellness enthusiasts inspired by figures like extreme athlete Wim Hof and neuroscientist Dr Andrew Huberman.
The company focuses on digital marketing, partnerships with fitness influencers, and collaborations with sports facilities to educate potential customers about the benefits of cold plunge therapy.
Their lifestyle marketing approach aims to reach a broader audience and integrate their products into the health and wellness routines of Malaysians.
“Our goal is to educate potential customers about the benefits of cold plunge therapy and demonstrate how our products can enhance their health and wellness routines,” they shared.
As awareness of cold plunge therapy grows in Malaysia, so does the demand for effective ice bath solutions. Polar Plunge aims to innovate more products that are affordable and space-conscious, especially for apartment dwellers.
Their flagship product, the sub-zero V2, is designed to cater to both professional athletes and casual users. It’s priced at RM9,699.
They also have two other products which are the sub-zero and polar pod which are priced at RM9,399 and RM599 respectively. However, for the latter, you have to fill in the ice cubes manually.
Overcoming challenges and embracing growth
The early days of Polar Plunge were marked by challenges. With no prior ecommerce experience and scepticism from others, Yang and Steven struggled with sales.
However, their perseverance paid off. Advice and encouragement from fellow entrepreneurs, such as the founders of Joey Mattress, Nate Skin, and Alterseat, helped them to grow their business.
Looking ahead, Polar Plunge plans to introduce a mini version of their cold plunge for condo residents or city dwellers with limited space.
They are also planning to expand to neighbouring Southeast Asian countries, particularly Singapore. “We will also focus on releasing more health-tech-related products in the future,” they added.
As Yang and Steven continue to innovate and expand, they remain committed to providing quality cold plunge experiences to their customers, making wellness accessible and enjoyable.
- Learn more about Polar Plunge here.
- Read other articles we’ve written about Malaysian startups here.
Featured Image Credit: Polar Plunge