Ice baths are a popular recovery method, but they also happen to be extremely polarizing. Despite the many benefits they may bring when it comes to aiding your muscle recovery, you should think twice before hopping into an ice bath and keep these three things in mind.
Health Conditions
Ice baths aren’t necessarily dangerous, but you should consult your doctor before making them a part of your regular routine. People with underlying health issues, such as a preexisting cardiovascular disease or high blood pressure, should avoid them because they can slow down blood flow.
Temperature and Time
To keep your ice bath on the safer side, it’s important to follow the recommended guidelines regarding time and temperature. You should limit your time inside an ice bath to between 10 and 15 minutes, and keep the temperature at around 50–59° Fahrenheit to avoid hypothermia.
Flawed Research
Certain experts claim that ice bath therapy comes with a long list of benefits when it comes to muscle recovery, while others believe that those benefits are minimal. The research on this subject matter is pretty flawed, with many polarizing views. You can always turn to other recovery methods if you find this one too unreliable.
