From distance runners to cyclists, improving endurance is essential for maintaining performance and reaching your athletic potential. While there are many training strategies that can be used to improve endurance, exposure to cold water may offer a unique and effective approach.
From reducing muscle soreness and inflammation to boosting the immune system and improving mental health, ice baths have become an essential tool in the athlete's toolbox. In this blog post, we'll explore 10 reasons why athletes should consider incorporating ice baths into their post-workout routine and how this age-old practice can help them take their game to the next level.
While cold water immersion may have some benefits for reducing muscle soreness and inflammation, it may also have negative effects on muscle growth and recovery. The decrease in GH and IGF-1 levels observed in some studies may impede muscle growth and repair, potentially reducing the effects of muscular hypertrophy.
Cold water exposure or ice baths, have long been a staple in athletes’ recovery protocols and, more recently, people like Wim Hof have introduced the cold water exposure to the masses.
