If the idea of taking an ice bath sounds terrifying, don’t freak out just yet. Ice baths are incredibly beneficial for a number of reasons, and are especially great for athletes and people who maintain a regular workout routine. An ice bath is a practice that involves submerging a substantial part of your body in a tub of ice or ice water for a certain amount of time to achieve a number of benefits. If this doesn’t already make you want to look for an ice bath for sale, here are five ways ice baths can help you post-workout.
It Aids in Muscle Recovery
One of the reasons ice baths are so popular with athletes and people who exercise regularly is because they can help the muscles recover after an intense workout. This is due to the fact that when you are exposed to cold water, the blood vessels in your body constrict and become smaller. When you get out of the water, the sudden change in temperature causes your blood vessels to quickly re-open, which helps to release the metabolic waste products from your body.
It Can Improve Your Mental Health
Regular exercise has been proven to have a positive effect on mental health, which is why taking an ice bath after a workout can be all the more beneficial. Taking ice baths has been proven to increase relaxation and focus, even if the ice cold temperatures can be a bit shocking at first. After your first ice bath, you will probably find the experience to be relaxing and refreshing. If that isn’t “cool” enough (get it?), studies have shown that taking two cold showers a day can decrease depressive symptoms.
It Can Help Improve Your Quality of Sleep
Taking ice baths has been shown to improve quality of sleep, which is great news for anyone struggling with insomnia or any other sleep disorders or issues. This is because sleep and mental health often go hand-in-hand, and because ice baths can be great for your mental health, your quality of sleep will likely improve as well. Spending just 15 minutes in an ice bath can have a positive impact on your central nervous system, which not only helps you fall asleep but helps you feel great overall.
It Can Boost Your Immunity
Studies have shown that taking ice baths can help boost your immunity, which many people will find especially helpful during the current times we’re living in. According to research, those who take cold showers as opposed to hot showers are almost 30 percent less likely to take a sick day from work or school. If you’re someone who gets sick often or simply wants to avoid getting sick, try incorporating ice baths into your daily routine. A better immune system means more productive days at the gym and a better post workout feeling.
It Activates the Nervous System
Taking ice baths triggers a nervous system response that activates the immune, cardiovascular, and endocrine systems, which can help improve hormone production, as well as sleep, metabolism, circulation, AND can help keep your stress levels low. Pretty cool, right?
