The (Becoming) Popular Ice Bath/Cold Shower Trend

[Sig]

I can tell you this.....
When I fall in one of our spring fed ponds trying to pull out a calf, I believe I have made up new cuss words. Even in the end of August the water is numbingly cold.
I can't tell you how many of our friends and family have jumped in thinking it would be refreshing, but just out immediately threatening a law suit!
Even just putting my hand in for a few seconds numbs my hand.
These are great ponds to water cattle, but horrible for swimming.
But, I jump in every so often just for the thrill.
Ive almost had to rescue people due to the initial shock.
Then I have a few odd friends who LIKE it and swim around for a few minutes.

 

[FLDRD]

I can tell you this.....
When I fall in one of our spring fed ponds trying to pull out a calf, I believe I have made up new cuss words. Even in the end of August the water is numbingly cold.
I can't tell you how many of our friends and family have jumped in thinking it would be refreshing, but just out immediately threatening a law suit!
Even just putting my hand in for a few seconds numbs my hand.
These are great ponds to water cattle, but horrible for swimming.
But, I jump in every so often just for the thrill.
Ive almost had to rescue people due to the initial shock.
Then I have a few odd friends who LIKE it and swim around for a few minutes.

I'd love to have a property with spring-fed ponds. That's awesome.

 

[alaskanpiper]

But it's about conquering that fear! It'll make you feel alive like you've never experienced. Only after you've done it, could one understand, lol. Everyone on God's green earth would PREFER the sauna for comfort, but this is about being uncomfortable, and adapting so that you're OK with the discomfort. I'm telling you, it's pretty unreal.

Where is that Alaskan boy at? @alaskanpiper You've fell out of your chair into the icy waters once or twice, eh?? Tell me it didn't make you feel ALIVE!!

Hahaha, it is an exercise in exhilaration to be sure

 

[krizzose]

Got curious so I did some reading on it and found an article about it at at Johns Hopkins that suggested the ice baths offer some mild therapeutic benefits within limits. So it’s not self suggestion and popular bullshit.

I’m a science/medical layman, so I wouldn’t know one way or the other. That being said, presumably there is some anti-inflammatory effect that would be beneficial, even if it’s only transitory.

 

[sablebrush52]

I’m a science/medical layman, so I wouldn’t know one way or the other. That being said, presumably there is some anti-inflammatory effect that would be beneficial, even if it’s only transitory.

Actually, I had the source wrong. It was the Mayo Clinic, and I posted a link to it.

 

[huntertrw]

When women jump into the ice-bath do you suppose they feel a nip in the air?

 

[Jon C.P.G.]

Many cultures have used saunas and cold plunges for health for a very long time, it definitely isn't a trend, people are just starting to research it.

The biggest benefit is it helps promote the growth of brown fat in the body.

They're also best to do a minimum of 24 hours after exercise if your goals are strength and muscle building because the inflammation response to any kind of resistance training is required for hypertrophy.

I do them, they're awesome.

 

[buckaroo]

I’ve been doing this for the last 5 years or so. It turns down the noise on all the other problems of the day. If I can get through my cold shower every other day, I can get through all the other shit. I just get more things done. Ironically, I find it easier and more invigorating in the dead of winter in an unheated space. I don’t get cold as easily and I don’t heat my place and it can get down to the high 40Fs inside. Granted, I live in Los Angeles but it can get quite cool here in the winter. Plus, I’m not breathing in the heated tap chlorine. Just my 2 cents.