Taking a cold plunge might seem like an intimidating endeavor for most people. But for high-performance athletes, especially NASCAR drivers, submerging themselves in ice-cold water has become an essential part of maintaining their peak physical and mental health.

In the world of NASCAR, it appears that even some retired drivers continue to rely on the invigorating benefits of cold plunges. One such prominent figure is Dale Earnhardt Jr, who recently got himself accidentally into a situation involving this form of hydrotherapy.

Upon discovering Junior’s record time taking the plunge, Joe Gibbs Racing driver Denny Hamlin recently shared that he too can match Junior’s time, potentially even outlasting Earnhardt Jr by staying submerged for longer periods.

Denny Hamlin reveals the duration he can sit for a cold plunge

During the latest episode of the Actions Detrimental podcast, Hamlin mentioned, “I have a cold plunge. I’ve learned in my older age that it certainly helps with inflammation and so anytime I do something pretty active, whether it be golf or basketball, or anything that I feel like it’s pretty strenuous. I’ll get in there afterward to kind of kill all the inflammation.”

“It’s certainly between that and the dopamine that you get from it. It’s pretty legit,” He continued.

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On being asked how long can he do it for, Hamlin mentioned that he can do it for as long as he wanted to. He concluded by saying, “It’s just 30 seconds of pain for me and then I kinda go numb.”

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Dale Earnhardt Jr had taken a cold plunge along with his wife earlier

Hamlin observed Junior and his wife taking a plunge together, but he was unaware of the amusing backstory that led Junior to attempt it in the first place. According to a recent episode of the Dale Jr. Download podcast, Junior shared the entertaining tale of his wife Amy coaxing him into trying a cryotherapy session.

Meanwhile, the former NASCAR driver thought that they were going for a day of leisurely drinking. Amy’s inspiration came from Dale’s interest in ice baths, sparked by seeing numerous Instagram advertisements for them. To his surprise, she arranged an ice bath experience for him as well.

Amy’s opinion on the ice bath experience was that it was “F**king Miserable”. Dale recounted that the cryotherapy staff had told them that ice baths were more challenging than cryotherapy. Initially skeptical, Dale felt compelled to try an ice bath to compare the two experiences for himself.

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Despite his determination, Dale could only tolerate the ice bath for a brief 10 seconds. Furthermore, this also highlights the intense nature of ice baths. Considering how even seasoned athletes like Dale Earnhardt Jr. find the experience incredibly challenging.