Did you know that more than 80% of adults do not meet the guidelines for muscle-strengthening activities? Most people hate working out because of the pain they feel during it. What if there was a way to relieve all of that pain and make you ready for a workout the next day?
Ice baths are a great way to accelerate recovery and reduce muscle soreness after intense physical activity. If you’re wondering how to make an ice bath, here’s a simple guide to get started. First, fill a bathtub or large container with cold water, adding ice cubes or bags of ice until the water temperature reaches around 50°F (10°C). It’s important to monitor the temperature using a thermometer to ensure it doesn’t get too cold. Next, gradually immerse your body into the ice bath, focusing on submerging the areas that are most fatigued or in need of relief. Finally, remain in the ice bath for about 10-15 minutes, allowing your body to experience the benefits of the cold therapy. Remember, if you experience discomfort or prolonged numbness, it’s advisable to exit the ice bath immediately.
Read on to learn about five awesome benefits of ice baths after working out.
1. Eases Sore Muscles
Simply put, one of the best benefits of ice baths is that they make your body feel great. They can help ease muscles that are sore and achy.
2. Helps the Central Nervous System
Let’s be honest, working out can make you feel even more tired throughout the day. Not only will an ice bath wake you up after a workout, but it will also help your central nervous system. This means you will get a better sleep making you feel less fatigue throughout the day. The ice bath benefits for the central nervous system don’t stop there. They can also aid in your next workout by improving your reaction time.
3. Helps Inflammation
Ice baths after working out are perfect for helping inflammation. If you hate working out because of how sore and puffy your muscles get afterward, the benefits of ice baths can help you out.
Because the temperature of your body decreases in an ice bath, an inflammatory response is limited. This brings down your inflammation and helps you recover quicker so you can be ready for your next workout.
4. Decreases Body Temperature
This benefit is almost a given. However, an ice bath can decrease your body temperature while in the bath and afterward. An ice bath can help decrease the effect heat and humidity have on your body. This means taking an ice bath before and after a workout can work in your favor.
For example, if you are preparing for a race where the temperature is going to be hot or humid, take an ice bath before. The bath will lower your core body temperature so that you can perform better.
5. Trains the Vagus Nerve
The vagus nerve links to your parasympathetic nervous system. Training this nerve will leave you more able to handle stressful situations.
Some use working out as a stress decreaser, but you can go a step further with an ice bath. Training your vagus nerve is one of the main benefits of trying ice bath recovery.
Benefits of Ice Baths Explained
There are many benefits of ice baths after working out. To ensure you are getting the most out of an ice bath, make sure the temperature is right and you limit your time in the bath to a maximum of 15 minutes. The best way to take an ice bath is by immersing your entire body. So, what do ice baths do? The better question is what can’t they do? Hop in an ice bath today after your strenuous workout.
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Barry Lachey is a Professional Editor at Zobuz. Previously He has also worked for Moxly Sports and Network Resources “Joe Joe.” He is a graduate of the Kings College at the University of Thames Valley London. You can reach Barry via email or by phone.
