Benefits of ice bath: What are the benefits of an ice bath? Do regeneration in an ice bath has advantages? Is it healthy or unhealthy? Let’s check it out here!
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Regeneration In A Ice Bath Has No Benefits!
An ice-cold ice bath after training is one of the most popular regeneration methods. On a scientific level, there is still an intense debate.
A study from Australia, published in “The Journal of Physiology,” does not consider ice bath regeneration during weight training beneficial. For endurance training, scientific evaluation is balanced.
The research team, led by Dr. Llion Roberts, a professor at the University of Queensland, subjected a group of 21 volunteer athletes to a 12-week training program that included strength training twice a week.
One group of volunteers took a ten-minute ice bath after each session, while the control group did ten-minute light cycling on an ergometer instead.
When Analyzing the results, the athletes in the control group built up more muscle mass and power during the period under study than those who regenerated in the ice bath.
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Ice Bath Freezes Muscles!
The Australian scientists subjected nine volunteers to another strength training program in further research, including the same two regeneration variants. They carried out muscle biopsies 24 and 48 hours after the generations.
They proved that the cold of the ice bath limits the transmission of signals that carry out an adaptation process of the muscles after the training.
The coolness of the ice bath also prevents the flow of blood into the muscles and thus slows down the regeneration process compared to active regeneration. Interestingly, the ice bath could not fight the various inflammations in the strained muscles better than functional recovery.
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Ice Bath: Neutral Result For Endurance Training.
It is crucial to emphasize that the data of the Australian study originates from strength training and is therefore not automatically transferable to endurance athletes. The regenerative method of ice bathing does not do so poorly in endurance sports.
According to a recent American study, regeneration in 10°C cold water promotes the formation of new mitochondria, which play a vital role in the training effect.
A much more extensive study from Australia found that cold water regeneration does not benefit cyclists who simulated a three-week tour in a very intensive training program.
Still, it does not harm the training either. However, this study compared ice bath regeneration with passive regeneration.
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How Good Is Ice Bathing?
Regular ice bathing can also stimulate the immune system and help it fight off cold viruses. Doctors have found that ice bathing increases the number of leukocytes in the blood. The white blood cells are our immune system’s protectors; they protect against infections and inhibit inflammation.
Testosterone levels rise in men and women, and creatine kinase levels fall simultaneously. It increases performance. Since the cold stimulates the metabolism, it positively influences fat burning. So if you want to lose weight, you can take a dip in the cold water.
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Conclusion
Ice bathing is also recommended on a psychotherapeutic level, reducing anxiety and preventing panic attacks.
Besides, the ice-cold bath can positively influence sleep, and scientists have also discovered a positive effect on the mood of the bathers.
The temperature shock releases happiness hormones over several hours – and they certainly compensate for everything.
Last Updated on 06/04/2022 by Buzz This Viral
