Trend ice swimming For many, a cold shower in the morning is a grey and every cell in the body instinctively cravings for warmth. Others, on the other hand, swear by the kick of freshness and feel like newborn afterwards. But what is behind this icy phenomenon?
Scientific research shows that the stay in cold water brings both physical and mental benefits. In our blog you will learn everything you need to know about ice-cold practice and the numerous positive effects for body and mind.
Types of cold water therapy:
- Ice ice bath
Ice swimming, aka immersion of the body in icy water is probably the most widespread form of cold water therapy. In this technique, the body is usually immersed in ice-cold water for 5–15 minutes from the neck down. Do you live in a place with cold winters? All the better! Visit your usual bathing lake and benefit from the advantages. Alternatively, you can also let in a bath with ice-cold water, add a few ice cubes and get started.
- Cold showers
put the water temperature to the lowest level and remain one to two minutes under the cold shower. Admittedly, it requires overcoming, but this quick and effective method brings numerous benefits for our body.
For those who are used to taking warm, or want to feel themselves: Start by keeping your toes under the cold water for 30 seconds. From there you can simply increase yourself if you are brave enough!
- Kneipp or alternating baths
Both methods use alternate cold and warm water. You wonder when this is especially useful? Changing baths contribute to the general recovery, which is why they are often used for sports injuries and muscle cuts.
Wim court method
The method of the Dutch extreme athlete Wim Hof combines cold, a special breathing technique and meditation to improve the cardiovascular function and, above all, to strengthen one’s own resistance.
According to Wim Hof, regular ice bathing has numerous benefits, such as physical recovery, weight loss or increasing parasympathetic activity. The stimulation of the vagus nerve, which is associated with vital organs via the parasympathetic nervous system, can have a positive effect on diseases such as anxiety, depression and intestinal problems.
The benefits of cold water
1. Promotes regeneration
Many athletes swear by it: contact with cold water when swimming ice works real wonders after training. It is not only about the invigorating endorphin kick, but above all about the regeneration of muscles. The low temperatures help to minimize muscle soreness and promote recovery. How does it work? The cold reduces the release of enzymes that are released in muscle injuries and thus actively supports the healing process.
2. Helps against muscle catenary
Ice baths are a real game changer especially after an intensive training, because the cold water brings noticeable relief for aching and burning muscles. It’s worth a try, especially if you can’t run after a strenuous session at the gym!
3. Inhibits inflammation
Ice baths are known for their anti-inflammatory effect. After exercise, cooling slows down the inflammatory reaction, which leads to less discomfort and faster recovery. A win-win situation for anyone who wants to optimize their performance and minimize the complaints after the training.
4. More energy & better mood
Although many are initially sceptical about ice swimming, the jump into the cold water can stimulate your dopamine levels. But it’s more than that – it’s a conscious decision to actively do something good for your health. Give ice swimming a chance, and more energy and good mood are pre-programmed.
If you have difficulty overcoming yourself, think about the many benefits that result from it. It’s not just about facing up to the cold – you consciously choose a scientifically found method to strengthen your well-being! all over benefits Trend ice swimming.
