Ultimate Ice Pod Guide

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ICE BATH HEALTH BENEFITS

Similar to the contemporary wellness trend of CBD, enthusiasts often praise numerous advantages of ice baths. You might be familiar with claims about benefits for skin health, alleviating depression, and relieving muscle soreness, among other things. Our research suggests that while there is validity to these claims, the foremost benefits of ice baths revolve around enhancing immunity and alleviating both mental and physical stress.

 

ICE BATHS FOR IMMUNITYㅤ

In a dutch study, participants who engaged in ice baths, along with meditation and deep breathing, demonstrated heightened resistance to bacterial infection compared to the control group. The synergistic effect of these three components prompted the participants' bodies to generate an increased amount of anti-inflammatory chemicals, enhancing their ability to combat the infection. Additionally, they exhibited a reduction in the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, resulting in a diminished impact of the infection.

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ICE BATHS FOR STRESS & MENTAL HEALTH

Regarding the positive impacts of ice baths on mental health, stress, and anxiety, the evidence is largely anecdotal but consistently promising. Numerous blogs, articles, and case studies highlight instances where cold water therapy has assisted individuals in managing stress, anxiety, and depression, and has even contributed to improved sleep and relaxation. There seems to be something invigorating about the shock to the system that benefits both the mind and body.

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WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO TAKE AN ICE BATH?

You might be curious about the optimal timing for the effectiveness of ice baths, and the answer varies based on the intended purpose. Ice baths, aside from the health benefits we'll delve into, are typically utilized for recovery after exercise, addressing chronic pain, and promoting mental well-being.

Note: Daily ice baths prove beneficial for all these purposes.

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WHEN TO DO ICE BATHS FOR RECOVERY

For those employing ice baths as a post-exercise recovery strategy, it's advisable to take the bath after concluding your intense workout. It doesn't necessarily have to be done immediately; as long as it occurs within two hours of finishing your exercise, your body should experience the benefits. Ensure to prepare the bath in advance, so it's ready for use upon your return from the workout, preventing any hesitation in the moment.

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WHEN TO DO ICE BATHS FOR CHRONIC PAIN

Chronic pain can manifest at any time based on your condition, with various ailments impacting individuals during different parts of the day. Nevertheless, certain conditions, like arthritis and chronic back pain, may be most intense in the morning. That's why incorporating an ice bath into your routine shortly after waking up can serve as an excellent approach to tackle the remainder of the day.

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WHEN TO DO ICE BATHS FOR MENTAL HEALTH

Similar to chronic pain, challenges to mental health can emerge at any moment. While an ice bath is guaranteed to invigorate and stimulate your mind whenever you choose to engage in it, its effects are likely to be most impactful when done earlier in the day.

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ARE ICE BATHS GOOD WHEN YOU’RE SICK?

There's a debate about whether you should still engage in an ice bath even when you're unwell. We would suggest that it depends on the severity of your illness. If you're dealing with a mild cold or a sore throat, an ice bath could facilitate better blood circulation, potentially hastening your recovery. However, if you're seriously unwell with a fever, an ice bath is likely to impose excessive stress on your system.

 

ICE BATH TIPS

To fully enjoy the advantages of ice baths, it's crucial to understand the optimal and safest approach to taking them. While diving into the coldest water imaginable might seem like the ideal strategy, before channelling your inner Wim Hof, take a moment to read through our comprehensive step-by-step guide.

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STEP 1: PREPARING THE AREA

Before contemplating stepping into your ice bath, it's essential to take some preparatory measures. Ensure you have a towel and clothes on standby for drying off and dressing immediately after exiting the bath. It's also advisable to set an alarm, especially for your initial sessions, which should be relatively short to allow proper acclimatisation. Starting with durations between 3-6 minutes is recommended, although even 1 minute is a good starting point!

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STEP 2: PREPARING YOUR BODY

Building a foundation through daily cold showers is a great way to familiarize yourself with the sensation of cold water immersion. For an ice bath, temperatures between 10-20 degrees Celsius are suitable, and it's advisable to start at the higher end, around 20 degrees. Attempting to enter the tub at 10 degrees immediately can risk skin burns or severe body shock.

After acclimating to 20 degrees, gradually decrease the temperature to 10 degrees, lowering it by 1 degree with each use.

Preparing your body in the moment is crucial. Engage in breathing exercises by taking deep breaths through your nose for 1-3 minutes just before entering the tub. Exhale and hold your breath upon entering, and continue deep breathing while in the water.

As you become more accustomed to ice baths, aim for around 10 minutes, as exceeding this duration could potentially lead to hypothermia.

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STEP 3: SETTING UP THE ICE BATH

Setting up an ice bath at home requires only a tub, water, ice, and a thermometer. The procedure is straightforward: fill the tub with water, add the ice, and use the thermometer to check the temperature. Keep in mind to fill the water to about 3/4 of the tub's capacity, as it will rise when you enter.

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ICE BATH MAINTENANCE

If you’ve set up or purchased an ice bath, it’s important to know how to best take care of it. This includes switching out the water, cleaning the tub, and storing it properly.

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SWITCHING OUT WATER

Disposing of your ice bath water after each use is a guaranteed method to waste water, particularly relevant amid the current cost of living crisis in the UK. You can retain the water in your ice bath for up to four weeks before replacing it. However, exceeding this timeframe poses a risk of it becoming dirty and unhygienic. Naturally, if the water appears visibly dirty, it's advisable to change it sooner.

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STORING YOUR ICE BATH

Although you can retain water in the ice bath for up to four weeks, it's crucial to practice proper storage. This involves keeping the ice bath covered to prevent it from accumulating dust and contaminants. Additionally, placing the ice bath outside during colder months is an effective method to maintain a steady temperature, contingent on the season and your location, of course.

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CLEANING YOUR ICE BATH

Avoid employing excessively harsh chemicals on the interior of your ice bath, as they may lead to damage to internal treatments or coatings, impacting the water quality. The recommended approach is to periodically clean the tub thoroughly using diluted washing up liquid and water every few months after emptying and changing the water.

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WHERE SHOULD I GET MY ICE BATH?

If you’re looking to get your very own ice bath, then look no further! We’ve got an ice bath on offer, it includes a thermal lid, all-weather cover and carry bag.