Over recent years, there has been an explosion in the popularity of cold water immersion and ice baths.
Having become more widespread, a lot of attention is turning to how effective the practice is. Many are wondering whether it’s a passing fad, or whether there’s something beneficial in regular cold water immersions.
Here are 5 evidence-based benefits of ice baths…
1. IMPROVED RECOVERY: ICE BATHS CAN HELP REDUCE INFLAMMATION AND MUSCLE SORENESS AFTER A WORKOUT, ALLOWING FOR FASTER RECOVERY.
This is the foundation principle on which the ice bath for recovery argument is built. The theory is that reducing inflammation prevents swelling of the muscles and connective tissues post-exercise, speeding your recovery.
Research published in 2022 concluded that…
‘Cold water immersion was an effective recovery tool after high-intensity exercise, with positive outcomes occurring for muscular power, muscle soreness, CK, and perceived recovery 24 h after exercise.’
This solution to accumulated fatigue is cheap, easy to administer, and effective, making it an ideal option for athletes.
2. IMPROVED CIRCULATION: COLD WATER IMMERSION CAN HELP IMPROVE CIRCULATION, WHICH CAN HELP REDUCE The Risk Of Injury.
Interesting research completed in 2016 highlighted the post-exercise. The researchers concluded that…
‘The results show that cold water immersion reduces heart rate and skin temperature and attenuates the decrease in tissue oxygenation during subsequent exercise. The perceptual rating of muscle soreness in subjects treated with cold water immersion was also lower 24 h post fatigue.’
By improving circulation you’ll automatically help to reduce injury risk. Tissue repair, elasticity, and health are all boosted by enhanced blood flow.
3. IMPROVED PERFORMANCE: ICE BATHS CAN HELP IMPROVE PERFORMANCE BY REDUCING FATIGUE AND INCREASING ENERGY LEVELS.
Cold water exposure can increase energy levels by stimulating the body's natural response to cold temperatures. Cold water immersion can increase alertness, reduce fatigue, and improve overall energy levels. It can also help to reduce stress and improve mood.
These claims have been proven in research from 2008. The study was designed to test the impact of cold-water therapy on depression, but during the research, the following effects were recorded…
‘Exposure to cold is known to activate the sympathetic nervous system and increase the blood level of beta-endorphin and noradrenaline and to increase synaptic release of noradrenaline in the brain as well.’
All of these are known to ‘wake’ the brain and bring us into a more alert, energetic state. It also helps us to fight depression by the way!
4. REDUCED STRESS: COLD WATER IMMERSION CAN HELP REDUCE STRESS LEVELS AND HELP IMPROVE MENTAL CLARITY.
Studies have shown that cold water immersion can reduce cortisol levels, which is a hormone associated with stress. In one such study, cold water immersion saw a significant improvement in mood state among participants…
‘Cold-water immersion is a well-tolerated therapy that is capable of significantly improving mood in young, fit, and healthy individuals. Consequently, the hypothesis that cold in and of itself can improve mood is supported.’
A simple cold-water immersion in an IceTub for 2-3 minutes every morning could help ease stress levels significantly.
5. IMPROVED IMMUNITY: COLD
We must be careful when we make claims over immunity because it’s a difficult thing to measure. However, there is certainly something in the suggestion that one of the ice baths benefits lies in immunity boosting.
In a study from 1996, researchers concluded that…
…‘the stress-inducing non-infectious stimuli, such as repeated cold-water immersions, which increased metabolic rate due to shivering the elevated blood concentrations of catecholamines, activated the immune system to a slight extent.’
We can’t claim it’s all the immunity boost you’ll ever need, but it certainly helps!
ICETUBS – JOIN THE COLD IN 3-DEGREE WATER. 24/7.
Ice baths from IceTubs help you experience the cold every day. You will find an automated luxury bath where you can completely immerse yourself in water as cold as 3 degrees. The IceTubs engines keep the water consistently clean for up to 3 months. It is a cost-effective therapy as no recurring ice cubes are needed. Temperature controls can be tailored at anytime, anywhere with the user-friendly app.
COLD WATER THERAPY – IS HERE TO STAY!
The range of benefits from cold water therapy is significantly wide enough and supported in the research for us to believe this isn’t a passing fad. It’s a cost-effective, practical, and effective solution to many health and wellness issues.
Speak to the team at RP-X to learn more about IceTubs and how it could be of benefit to you.
Reach us at info@rp-x.com or 01234 862 762.
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