Every Monday through Thursday at 4 o’clock in the afternoon, Slash Fitness holds our ‘Fire & Ice’ class. The class combines outdoor functional style training with a therapeutic ice plunge. We begin with a 45-minute outdoor functional style workout underneath the South Florida sun and end with a therapeutic soak in a 300-gallon tank filled with 100lbs of ice water. The ice plunge lasts 3-5 minutes and includes benefits similar to that of cryotherapy, but in a natural, invigorating atmosphere outside under the Florida sun.
And while the idea of immersing yourself in freezing cold ice water may seem daunting, the benefits are undeniable – and many of our members now swear by them. So, let’s break down the benefits of a post-workout ice plunge:
- Reduced muscle soreness: One of the most significant benefits of ice baths is that they may help reduce muscle soreness after a workout. When we exercise, our muscles undergo stress and damage, which can lead to inflammation and soreness. Cold water immersion may help reduce inflammation and muscle soreness by constricting blood vessels and reducing blood flow to the affected muscles. This can help decrease the amount of inflammation and swelling in the muscles, leading to a faster recovery.
- Improved circulation: While ice baths may initially constrict blood vessels, they can also promote improved circulation once the body adjusts to the cold water. As the body works to warm itself up, blood flow increases, which can help improve circulation and promote healing.
- Faster recovery: By reducing muscle soreness and improving circulation, ice baths may also aid in a faster recovery after a workout. This means that athletes and fitness enthusiasts can get back to their training routines more quickly, without having to wait for their muscles to fully recover.
- Reduced inflammation: In addition to reducing inflammation in the muscles, ice baths may also help reduce inflammation throughout the body. Chronic inflammation has been linked to a number of health issues, including heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease. By reducing inflammation, ice baths may help improve overall health and wellness.
- Increased mental toughness: Taking an ice bath after a workout requires a great deal of mental toughness and discipline. By regularly incorporating ice baths into their post-workout routines, athletes and fitness enthusiasts can develop greater mental fortitude and resilience, which can translate to improved performance in their training and in other areas of their lives.
Members of Slash Fitness have also reported better sleep, clearer skin and stronger hair. And while ice baths may not be for everyone, the proven benefits are worth giving it a shot. You may discover that the cold is actually pretty cool.
