Ice baths have been proclaimed as incredible tools of recovery for time immemorial, meaning, at least 10 years. Paula Radcliffe would often espouse their wonderful capacity to enhance recovery from the micro tears that occur within the muscle during exercise, while also replenishing blood supply to remove harmful waste products caused by exercise.
But is there science supporting the claim? Physiological journals, such as the Australian study reported in the British Journal of Sports Medicine in 2007, found little benefit and often a greater perception of pain among the group that used ice baths as compared to those that didn't. Many athletes will tell you, however, that despite a lack of quantifiable evidence, they just simply feel better following a dip in the shrinkage inducing ice cold water.
The jury may still be out, but I'm siding with the athletes on this one. I have personally used alternating hot and ice cold water treatment to recover following long runs and highly recommend a dip in the ocean, lake, or river following a race. Some recent studies have even indicated that more moderate cold temperatures, such as in the 40s F rather than the 30s, do indeed benefit the athlete's recovery.
Cooling off after an Olympic-distance race in July
At the very least, ice baths, unlike compression socks, won't destroy your chances with the ladies (or gents) and will give you the appearance of being hard core. As long as you can hold back the tears during that first minute.
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