5 Ice Bath Benefits That May Convince You to Take the Plunge

If you have never heard of ice baths yet, it is time to get familiar with them, since they have so many positive effects that it would be a shame to miss out them, especially if hasty recovery is important to you. Here are 5 reasons that will presumably convince you of the important role that a decent ice bath system can play in the lives of both hobbyists and pro athletes alike.

In a world choc-full of miracle creams and dietary supplements that promise magical health and eternal life, it’s hard to find things that actually help regenerate and increase performance. That’s why we are not intent on labeling iCool ice baths with puffed-up slogans, but rather just list five simple facts that speak for themselves.

All who play sports regularly know how significant proper regeneration is, because without it, not only can pain occur, but subsequent results can also be unsatisfactory. It is fairly obvious that anyone struggling with acute muscle fever is more likely to produce worse results than usual. But let’s also look at the facts that make Cristiano Ronaldo, for example, more than happy to take the ice plunge.

1. Limits the body’s inflammatory response, reduces pain

Both recreational and competitive athletes can suffer from muscle soreness after a strenuous workout. Muscle fever is essentially mechanical damage to muscle fibers that leads to inflammation and pain. However, taking a dip in an ice bath can help alleviate the problem, as it can reduce muscle pain by up to 20%.

If you’re wondering how this is possible, the answer is logical: cold slows down the speed at which the nervous system sends messages, which diminishes the sensation of pain.

2. Facilitates regeneration, reduces the risk of injuries

Another advantage of this particular form of cryotherapy is that cold water immersion reduces tissue swelling, and alleviates micro-injuries in the muscles, which means that the rate of recovery is significantly increased compared to those whom do not use such cold-water therapy can expect significantly faster regeneration than those who choose not to do this for their muscle health.

Fast recovery is not only desirable by athletes in the strict sense. It is often a much needed necessity of performers who are exposed to serious physical strain, for example during a music and dance tour. For example, Lady Gaga likes to preserve her health and beauty with the help of an ice bath.

3. It has a positive effect on mood and mental state

Every athlete knows that excellent results are only partially dependent on physical strength and technique, because if the mind is not in perfect harmony, then victory is almost always beyond reach. The good news is that cold water therapy not only plays a major role in reducing inflammation, pain and speeding up regeneration, but also in preserving mental balance.

Immersion in cold water stimulates the chemicals in our brains that determine our potential to focus and concentrate, as well as our current mood. Ice diving naturally (and effectively) creates mental balance by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters (such as noradrenaline and serotonin – of which the latter is responsible for our general emotional well-being).

Ice baths can also provide effective help in overcoming stress, as cold water therapy awakens the natural fight or flight emergency response and thus naturally trains the brain to cope with everyday stress more easily.

Ice bathing reduces the production of inflammatory cytokines that are responsible for anxiety and depression, effectively helping us fight off stress and bad mood in general, which is undoubtedly a crucial factor during tournament season, and helps get by our everyday lives too.

4. Supports weight loss and proper metabolism

The icy experience contributes to the contraction of blood vessel walls, thus slowing down metabolism. When the body is no longer immersed in water, the blood vessels dilate again, resulting in accelerated flow of fresh blood, which is particularly effective in evacuating harmful by-products from the system. This can play a big role in losing weight – aside from proper exercise and diet.

If that didn’t convince you, it is worth noting that the Queen of Pop, who turns 64 this summer, regularly takes ice baths to maintain her famous figure. Yes, you guessed it – we are talking about Madonna. If she can keep herself in such great shape with ice bathing, why would you do otherwise?

5. Fortifies the immune system

Submersing oneself into an ice-bath, together with the use of appropriate breathing techniques has been proven to facilitate the adaptive capability of the immune system. This is called controlled hypoxia, which effectively activates the stress hormones.

Cold water diving forces the body to work outside of its comfort zone, thereby directly impacting the immune system. In the meantime, the body initiates a response to the nervous system, thereby affecting oxygen uptake and increasing energy.

The worldwide epidemic reminds us how important it really is to have a strong immune system and a healthy lifestyle. Do your part in taking care of your health – contact us today, so that we may help you find just the right ice bath, tailored to your needs!

Fun fact

ICOOL® is used in all world competitions, Olympics, Paralympics, and in Tour de France.

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