We have recently started cold water therapy ourselves using one of our hot tubs that has an air source heat pump attached and it got the water down to a chilly 7 degrees! It feels so good once you became at peace with the cold and let it work it’s magic! You can also couple it with one of our sauna’s to give you the absolute maximum health benefits from the two different therapies.
However we now have the purpose built Chill Tub which goes down to a staggering 3 degrees! That really is cold yet so beneficial for your health as laid out in our blog below.
Ice baths, also known as cold water immersion, have long been used by athletes and fitness enthusiasts as a post-workout recovery method. While the idea of plunging into freezing cold water may not sound appealing at first, the benefits of ice baths are hard to ignore. In this blog post, we will explore some of the key advantages of incorporating ice baths into your wellness routine.
1. Reduced Inflammation and Muscle Soreness
One of the primary benefits of ice baths is their ability to reduce inflammation and alleviate muscle soreness. When you expose your body to cold water, it causes blood vessels to constrict, which helps to reduce swelling and inflammation in your muscles. Additionally, the cold temperature helps to numb the area, providing temporary relief from pain and discomfort.
2. Enhanced Recovery
Ice baths are widely used in the world of sports and fitness due to their ability to enhance recovery. The cold water immersion helps to flush out metabolic waste products generated during intense physical activity, such as lactic acid. This process speeds up the recovery process, allowing you to bounce back more quickly and perform better in subsequent workouts.
3. Improved Circulation
When you immerse your body in cold water, your blood vessels constrict. Once you leave the ice bath, your blood vessels then dilate, resulting in improved circulation. This enhanced blood flow carries vital nutrients and oxygen to your muscles and organs, promoting overall health and well-being.
4. Mental Wellness
In addition to the physical benefits, ice baths can have a positive impact on your mental health. The shocking cold water triggers a release of endorphins, which are known as “feel-good” hormones. This can help to boost your mood, reduce stress, and increase feelings of well-being. Many people also find that the intense focus required to withstand the cold allows them to clear their mind and practice mindfulness.
5. Increased Immunity
Regular exposure to cold water has been shown to stimulate the immune system. The body adapts to the stress of the cold and becomes more resilient over time. The immune system is bolstered as a result, making you less susceptible to illness and infections. However, it is important to note that gradual exposure
But I can just use a bin filled with ice cubes can’t I?
Indeed you can and that’s entirely your privilege to do so, however with a bin, an old chest freezer or even one of the popular inflatable models that you can buy they all need ice cubes adding to get the water temperature down. Also as soon as you 37 degree body gets in then it starts warming the water and melting the ice. Couple that with a hot day and it won’t stick around under 10 degrees for very long. They also don’t have a pump, filter and ozone system built in like the Chill Tub to keep the water clean and safe so you need to empty them quite often.
Our Chill Tub has a refrigeration unit built in to keep the water at the temperature you set it to no matter what the weather is doing that day.
We have one on display at our Lydney showroom if you’d like to come and see it or to try it out.
