Ice baths…what is it all about?
So, you may have noticed how a lot of people are now going wild over ice baths and cold water plunging. This may seem like a new craze but actually it has been used by many cultures for thousands of years, and in particular, athletes for muscle recovery or for holistic therapy.
I decided to take the plunge and buy my ice bath in January 2023. I had tried cold showers and not really enjoyed them but I was looking for a holistic approach to help me with 2 things- anxiety and muscle recovery. All my research lead me to ice baths/cold water therapy.
At the time, in Brigg, I didn’t know anyone who had one but I had been following a few people on Instagram and their personal journies and the curiosity set in.
I had been struggling with anxiety since 2019 and certain triggers had recently caused me to have panic attacks. I felt overwhelmed. I was about to start a new chapter in my career and by increasing my classes I knew that my body would require a better way to recover and rest. For me, as an ex dancer and now fitness instructor, looking after my body and mind was essential.
I bought my ice bath not having a clue if I would be able to even do it but I was determined to try. Even if it was January!
Getting started
It arrived within 8 days and took just a few minutes to set up. I decided that if I shared my journey and experience in getting started on social media then I couldn’t back out. Little did I know, this was about to change life for me and give me the opportunity to help more people in the process.
The water temperature was 7 degrees (in other words, very cold!) and my plan was to last for 30 seconds. For my first dip I managed just over 1 minute but only to just below my chest. I was so happy with this – remember it’s ok to take small steps when trying something new.
As soon as I got out I couldn’t believe the instant endorphins I felt. The blood circulating and warming my body up is a strange but euphoric feeling.
Progression
Over the next few weeks I continued to share my progress, building up to 10 minutes and experimenting with the time of day in which I would take my ice baths and the benefits I was feeling.
For me, I prefer to take my ice baths later in the day after my workouts, sometimes 30 minutes after, sometimes 2 hours after I return home from work. Some of my favourite times would be 8pm in the dark under the stars, embracing the peace and quiet.
My breath started to regulate much quicker when first entering the water and I would feel relaxed in the ice bath within 20 seconds. I was now able to lower myself to above my shoulders and completely relax. For me, being able to meditate and slow my mind down adds to the experience.
The benefits
Where to start? – The benefits I have felt are so much more than I anticipated.
There are instant benefits like feeling relaxed in the ice bath and feeling great as soon as you get out.
I feel so much calmer, my mind is at ease, almost like I can slow my mind down to be able to think clearer.
My muscles ease and any tightness or DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) I am feeling is dramatically reduced.
Other benefits I wasn’t expecting include being able to sleep much easier and deeper. This may be a direct reflection of my mind being more at ease, but better sleep is better for my body and mind…so this is all an added bonus!
Am I still doing them?
Quick answer- YES! I have now being doing ice baths about 5 times a week for over 10 months (January -October ’23) and sharing my journey along the way via Instagram. By sharing my personal progress and benefits I have helped more people decide to take the plunge and get their own- I have a discount code if you are thinking about one too 🙂
I have no intention of stopping- in fact, I’m quite looking forward to the colder months and colder water temperatures. I hope to keep sharing my journey and doing blog posts as well as Instagram, so keep a look out for those.
If you have thought about it and have any specific questions please feel free to get in touch here.
If you would like to use my discount code for 15% off please visit Nurecover.com and use LAURA07231
Laura xx
