The Merage Jewish Community Center (JCC) is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its new Polar Plunge Tub. Nestled within the heart of our state-of-the-art facility, this exhilarating addition promises to take your health and wellness to new heights and provide an unforgettable experience for members and guests alike.

Designed to offer a unique and invigorating escape, the Polar Plunge offers a refreshing departure from the ordinary. As an organization, the J is committed to promoting health, wellness, and community engagement. Our vibrant community has become a shining example of how individuals of all ages can come together and inspire each other to make positive changes in their lives and our new Polar Plunge is just another way for us to do that!

“We are so grateful to 530 Nation, with a special shout-out to Brian Stern and John Drachman for supporting our new Polar Plunge,” said Scott Braswell, CEO of the Merage JCC. “One of the biggest trends in the fitness and wellness world (outside of Pickleball) is cold water therapy. Our Merage JCC always strives to be on the cutting edge of the latest trends we can provide to our membership. I’ll be using it for recovery after my workouts, and I know it will be a popular addition to our pool deck.”

In recent years, there has been a growing focus on wellness and self-care practices. Cryotherapy fits into this broader trend, offering a unique and beneficial experience. Some of the benefits that our Polar Plunge will provide our members are:

Pain relief, reduction of swelling and inflammation, and injury management. Cold therapy can help alleviate acute pain by numbing the affected area. It can reduce inflammation, swelling, and muscle spasms, making it particularly useful for managing sports injuries or chronic conditions like arthritis. It can also help reduce muscle soreness and speed up the recovery process.

Brian Stern, member of 530 Nation, shared, “I’m proud to call the JCC the ‘training facility’ of 530 Nation.  We’ve been training at the J for close to 20 years; it’s where we’ve trained for Ironman’s, marathons, 6-mile ocean swims, and 46-mile runs across the Grand Canyon.  The JCC is a world-class training facility and we’re excited to add a cold plunge.”

As an integral part of the community, the Merage JCC continues to innovate and expand its offerings, ensuring that members and guests have access to state-of-the-art facilities and programs. The addition of the Polar Plunge exemplifies the JCC's ongoing commitment to fostering a vibrant and engaging environment for individuals and families to thrive.

“Most people know that cold therapy helps with inflammation, recovery, energy, and sleep” said Stern. “For me, getting in the cold water isn’t fun or easy, but doing hard things is what makes me feel alive!  I freeze when I’m in the cold water and then I feel alive again when I get out. It boosts my energy for the whole day!”

For more information about the Merage JCC's Polar Plunge, including membership details, please visit jccoc.org or contact Eddie Priesand at [email protected]