Sydney Wells: Pushing Limits, Finding Strength, and Embracing the Cold with Modtub

Sydney Wells is no stranger to pushing her body to the limit. A lifelong athlete, she started with gymnastics and track before running at the collegiate level for the University of Missouri. After stepping away from competition to work in sales, she quickly realized she missed the challenge—both physically and mentally. That’s when CrossFit entered the picture. What started as a test of strength and endurance quickly turned into a passion, and within just two years of serious training, Sydney found herself competing at the CrossFit Games.

With such an intense training regimen, recovery isn’t optional—it’s essential. And for Sydney, cold water therapy has become one of the most powerful tools in her routine.

The Power of Cold Plunging

Sydney’s journey with cold plunging began back in college, where she regularly used contrast therapy—alternating between hot and cold water—to aid in recovery after grueling track practices. After a break from the ice, she rediscovered cold water immersion a few years ago when it started gaining traction in the fitness world.

For Sydney, the benefits of cold plunging are undeniable:

✅ Faster Recovery – Cold exposure helps reduce inflammation, flush out metabolic waste, and speed up muscle repair. She strategically plunges on her rest days (Thursdays and Sundays) and after particularly taxing workouts to minimize soreness.

✅ Mental Toughness – “Your mind stops before your body does,” she says. Plunging regularly has trained her to push through discomfort, whether in an ice bath or in competition. The discipline and resilience built in those few minutes carry over into every aspect of her training.

✅ Increased Energy & Focus – Sydney prefers plunging in the morning, noting how it gives her an immediate energy boost. The rush of dopamine and endorphins helps her start the day clear-headed, focused, and ready to take on whatever training throws her way.

During competition, cold plunging becomes even more critical. Sydney plunges multiple times a day between events—sometimes up to three times—to keep her muscles fresh and primed for peak performance.

Why Modtub?

With cold plunging now a non-negotiable part of her lifestyle, Sydney needed a setup that was efficient, reliable, and easy to integrate into her routine. That’s exactly why she chose Modtub.

🔥 Built-In Chiller – “I used to have a setup where I had to buy ice every time, and it got so expensive—like $40 per plunge.” With Modtub, she no longer has to deal with the hassle or cost of constantly replenishing ice.

🛠️ Easy Setup & Maintenance – “I’m not great at putting things together, but Modtub was so simple to set up.” With no plumbing or power tools required, she was able to get it up and running in no time.

🛁 Superior Design – Unlike vertical-style plunges, Modtub’s horizontal layout allows for full-body immersion comfortably. For someone serious about maximizing the benefits of cold water therapy, the design makes a huge difference.

💪 Convenience & Consistency – With just three minutes in the plunge, Sydney reaps massive recovery and mental resilience benefits. “With something like a sauna, you have to be in there for 20 minutes. Cold plunging is so quick and so easy, there’s really no excuse not to do it.

Looking Ahead

Sydney has big goals for 2025, including competing in the World Fitness Project and securing another spot at the CrossFit Games. With a packed season ahead, staying healthy and injury-free is a top priority. And for her, that means keeping recovery dialed in—cold plunging with Modtub included.

Her advice to anyone hesitant about starting cold plunging? “Just try it. You don’t know how it could change your life until you do.”