The Benefits of Ice Baths for Athletes and Sport Lovers

Some people enjoy going to the gym and lifting weights. Others enjoy long hours of intensive cardio like running or cycling through the mountains. With exercise, comes an important need to recover and recuperate. There are many ways for athletes or people who work out to recover. You can easily stretch after a workout or even use a foam roller to massage the tense muscles. Taking an ice bath after a workout is a great way to promote recovery too. It has instant benefits such as cooling down the body and helps reduce muscle swelling. Here are some more reasons to incorporate an ice bath into your routine post-workout.

Improved Performance

For athletes, the training before the marathon is the most important part. Racing in harsh conditions requires a trained and prepared body and mind. A quick dunk in an ice bath can help lower the core body temperature to a few degrees which can help boost one’s performance.

Research Beforehand

Before being exposed to an ice bath, make sure to check the temperature. An ice bath needs to be at approximately 10–15° Celsius for the best benefits. Also, the time spent in an ice bath should be no longer than 15 minutes.

Boosts the Central Nervous System

The central nervous system is an important region of the body since it helps with bodily functions and movements. To help aid a restful sleep afterward, ice baths are effective in reducing fatigue.

Increases the Blood Flow

The great thing about an ice bath is that it increases blood flow but it also keeps the body calm. It isn’t much of a shock to the system as it is a remedy for sore muscles. After a workout or competition is one of the best times to try an ice bath but even before a big event, an ice bath can be beneficial.

Ice Baths Can Be Done Almost Anywhere

Another important factor to remember about an ice bath is that it can be daunting and challenging. Instead of filling a bathtub with ice, try searching for a gym that has a cold plunge. Being around an environment where people are also keen on trying an ice bath makes the task less of a hurdle. Some people have even tried dunking themselves in cold rivers or lakes. Before doing this though, make sure to check the safety of the area and the water temperature.