Ice baths are an increasingly popular post-workout recovery tool for athletes and hardcore exercisers alike. The practice involves plunging a single limb or the whole body into water that’s cold enough to cause the blood vessels in the submerged areas to narrow (known as vasoconstriction) and direct more blood toward major organs. This link: arcticdry.co.uk
In addition to reducing muscle soreness and increasing flexibility, research suggests that a short plunge can also help reduce the risk of injury and improve the quality of life for those with chronic health conditions such as gout. A small study found that soaking in frigid water for 20 minutes four times a week improved symptoms of gout and even reduced anxiety and depression, and participants experienced more joint mobility.
Arctic Ice Baths for Athletes: Enhancing Performance and Recovery
As a result of ice baths, the parasympathetic nervous system is activated, which encourages the body to slow down and conserve oxygen. But experts caution that it’s important to enter the bath slowly and not stay in the chilly water for too long because overexposure can lead to dangerous heart irregularities.
While there are a number of arctic ice baths on the market that provide users with multiple features such as temperature regulation and filtration, many of them are pricey and require a significant investment to purchase. To help those looking to take the plunge without breaking the bank, we’ve rounded up the best options available for the price.
