Today we are discussing the age-old question: are ice baths good for your health? It is a topic that has divided fitness enthusiasts and athletes for years, with some claiming that ice baths can help reduce muscle soreness and inflammation, while others argue that they can be harmful to the body.
First, let us define what an ice bath is. An ice bath is a recovery method in which a person immerses their body in a tub of cold water and ice for a brief period, usually 10-15 minutes. The water temperature is typically around 50-59 degrees Fahrenheit.
Now, let us dive into the potential benefits of ice baths. Some proponents of ice baths argue that the cold water can help reduce inflammation and muscle soreness after a workout. This is because cold water can constrict blood vessels, which can help reduce swelling and inflammation. In addition, cold water can numb nerve endings, which can provide temporary pain relief.
However, it is important to note that the research on the effectiveness of ice baths is mixed.
We decided to find out what the research has to say. Alex Hutchinson has written about the research multiple times and he joins The Nation to review the research and give us his opinion.
Alex mentioned the book The Sweet Spot: The Pleasures of Suffering and the Search for Meaning
Here are some of his articles:
Follow Alex on Twitter
Check out Sweat Science
Alex'e MUST READ Book, Endure: Mind, Body and the Curiously Elastic Limits of Human Performance
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EP 657: From Start to Finish: Laying out Your Running Calendar
EP 656: Year-End Audio Magazine
EP 655: Redefining Pain and Performance
EP 654: Risk, Run, Renew: The Ultrarunning Philosophy
EP 653: Surgeon by Day, Runner by Night
EP 652: Maintaining Balance in Your Life
EP 651: Train Smarter Not Harder
EP 650:Horse Sense for Runners: Endurance Insights from the Stable
EP 649: Sleep is a Weapon
EP 648: The Fast Track: Excelling in Shorter Races
EP 647: Mitochondria - the Powerhouse of our Bodies
EP 646: 3 Strategies to Manage the Mental Side of Running
EP 645: Defying Limits: 45 Days and 2,200 Miles
EP 644: Ask The Coaches- Answering YOUR Questions
EP 643: Endurance off the Trail: Nordic Skiing with Liz Stephen
EP 642: From Pavement to Path: Mastering Running on All Surfaces
EP 641: The Evolution of a Bigfoot 200 Champion
EP 640: The Pain Cave
EP 639: Endurance off the Trail- Downhill Racing with Steven Nyman
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