Ice bath, or cold water immersion, changes how blood and other fluids move through your body. It reduces body temperature, which could help reduce swelling in the extremities and lower temporary inflammation.
That’s not all.
Ice baths also cause vasoconstriction and, subsequently, vasodilation which could help transport essential nutrients and oxygen to your muscles and flush out metabolic waste products like lactic acid from your body, leading to faster recovery.
The OG 101 to making the most out of your cold exposure therapy
• Make sure you don’t stay in for longer than 15 minutes, as it could make you susceptible to hypothermia and frostbite.
• If you’re new to this therapy, consider listening to music as you immerse one body part at a time; it’ll distract you, which will set you up for success.
Ice baths burn off excess glucose in the body to produce heat, prevent muscle soreness by decreasing inflammation, and boost immunity, making them an effective recovery tool. However, be sure to follow the recommended guidelines to get the most out of this experience.
