Blog | Nutrition & Recovery Chill Out: Cold Therapy Benefits with Coolmitt

Author / Matt Spaid

3 - 5 minutes read

In the pursuit of peak performance, athletes are constantly on the lookout for effective recovery tools. Train hard, recover harder. Recent studies show that enhancing recovery impacts both body and mind profoundly.

Enter CoolMitt, a palm cooling device based on Stanford research that accelerates recovery, improves physical performance, and sharpens mental clarity. By cooling the body through the palms, one of our natural “radiators,” CoolMitt speeds up muscle recovery by lowering core temperature. Using advanced cooling technology, CoolMitt could reshape recovery standards, offering a practical tool for athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and anyone aiming for a performance edge.

The Science Behind Recovery and Performance

“It’s the most rapid and non-invasive way to lower core body temperature,” explains Dr. Frederick Kauser, a Stanford researcher involved with CoolMitt’s development. I had the pleasure of speaking with him about the science behind this technology, which has personally helped improve my own performance, mental health, and sleep.

Hyperthermia disrupts metabolism, mental function, and overall health, making cooling devices particularly useful for those in high-stress professions like firefighting and other tactical roles. Physical exertion from sports, fitness, or even daily activities stresses both muscles and mind, leading to fatigue and micro-injuries. Traditional recovery methods like rest, hydration, and sleep are essential, but often require hours or days to allow full recovery.

How CoolMitt Works

Why not just use ice? CoolMitt maintains a specific, stable temperature range, whereas ice melts and loses its cooling effect, often before achieving the desired results. CoolMitt’s cooling system is calibrated to cool the bloodstream through the palm, where dense blood vessels play a key role in body temperature regulation. Within 2–3 minutes, the cooling effect reaches deep tissues and organs, promoting faster recovery. (Using CoolMitt with both hands can reduce this time by half.)

By cooling the palms, CoolMitt harnesses the body’s natural heat release mechanism, rapidly lowering core temperature. This, in turn, promotes faster muscle recovery, allowing athletes to train harder and longer with shorter recovery periods.

Physical Benefits of CoolMitt

CoolMitt’s ability to accelerate physical recovery has quickly caught the athletic community’s attention. The best athletes recover well, and performance is often limited by heat and fatigue. Conventional cooling methods, such as ice baths or vests, have limitations. By cooling the blood directly through the palms, CoolMitt enables longer and more intense physical exertion with faster recovery times.

Cognitive and Mental Benefits of CoolMitt

Mental clarity and resilience are just as essential as physical stamina, especially for those in demanding roles. For those dealing with mental health challenges, CoolMitt’s cooling effect can be valuable. As a combat veteran and former first responder, I know firsthand the importance of training both body and mind for peak performance.

When the body overheats, cognitive functions like focus and decision-making decline. Many veterans or first responders can experience a persistent “fight-or-flight” response, leaving them “stuck” in high alert. CoolMitt helps redirect blood flow to the brain, promoting nervous system recovery and restoring mental clarity.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Recovery Devices

While CoolMitt is gaining popularity among athletes, its applications extend far beyond sports. Even desk workers experience fatigue from long hours, screen time, and cognitive tasks. A quick session with CoolMitt can refresh and refocus, enabling them to return to tasks with renewed energy.

For those in high-stress environments, like first responders, healthcare professionals, and military personnel, the mental boost CoolMitt provides is a game changer. This compact device integrates easily into daily routines, delivering immediate results that support both physical and mental wellness in just a few minutes.

Ready to elevate your recovery game and take your performance to the next level? Our training programs are designed to optimize every aspect of your journey. Train smarter, recover faster, and unlock your true potential. Check out our training programs and start pushing your limits today.

Matt Spaid

Matt Spaid is a Firefighter, Strength Coach, and a Marine Corps Veteran. He began working in the fitness industry in 2012 as a CrossFit Coach. This experience led to training a wide variety of athletes while learning different aspects of health and wellness. He is a firm believer that in order to be healthy and strong, you must have a balanced approach through the body, mind, and spirit. This outlook led to embracing the Power Athlete Methodology and eventually becoming a Power Athlete Certified Coach.