Ice Baths

Nathan Stanley · 03-09-2008, 05:45 PM

Can anyone suggest a resource for the use of ice baths in training? I've recently started to play rugby, and between my weight workouts (3-4 a week), practice (Tues and Thurs) and games on Sat, I believe that I could be benefiting from their use.

Any Ice Bath 101s available or any advice?

Steve Liberati · 03-09-2008, 06:32 PM

Hydrotherapy is great for recovery and circulation. I believe Robb Wolf wrote a nice article on the topic some time back in the PM Journal.

Nathan Stanley · 03-10-2008, 10:50 AM

I did a search of the back issues of the PM and didn't find anything (doesn't mean its not there). Robb did write an interesting bit on hydrotherapy on his blog.

Mike ODonnell · 03-10-2008, 11:06 AM

It's good recovery alright, although I prefer more of a contrast shower (hot/cold) to simulate blood flow and lymphatic system. But then again I am not doing the high volume of training/sport that you are doing.

Ben Moskowitz · 03-11-2008, 02:32 PM

MOD I agree with you on the blood circulation bit. It feels good to get all tingly!

I also like to sleep "cold" while warming up under a comforter. A contrast shower session ending on cold really helps get that sleep in.

I like to think of the cold as shutting my body down after that initial pang of "what did I just do!?"

Leslie Poole · 04-16-2008, 08:12 PM

I don't have a good resource but I will give a recommendation for the use of ice baths. I believe they have really helped me stave off soreness and speed recovery.

Aimee Anaya Everett · 04-17-2008, 08:47 AM

I don't have any resources other than personal experience, but ice baths are fantastic!
During the winter we skip the ice bath and spend some time in the (freezing) cold pool. We also do contrast from the cold pool to the jacuzzi.
When the pool isn't cold enough, we stop at the local liquor store and pick up a couple bags of ice and add it to our cold bath.

When I was at the OTC, I used the cold plunge everyday after every training session. They have a huge cold whirlpool there, which is great.

These types of cold plunge do wonders for your recovery. It is like putting giant ice packs all over your body... cuts down on inflammation, muscle soreness, cramping, and nagging injuries.

I say get cold whenever possible.

Greg Everett · 04-17-2008, 11:49 AM

If you can, get a horse trough where you train. Keep it filled - when necessary add ice, but it'll stay pretty cold, especially in the winter. Perfect size to sit it, relatively cheap, and pretty storable.

Nick Tirkalas · 04-17-2008, 04:21 PM

I did a contrasting shower today and F'ing love it. The cold felt so much better than the hot.

I finished with a hot. Is cold better?

Chris Forbis · 04-17-2008, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick Papapetrou

I did a contrasting shower today and F'ing love it. The cold felt so much better than the hot.

I finished with a hot. Is cold better?

General recommendation seems to be to end with cold.