Some love it, others hate it. There are many myths surrounding the increasingly popular trend of ice bathing. But what is really behind it? What health benefits and risks does ice bathing bring with it? What do you have to pay particular attention to? You will find out all about it in this article.
What is ice bathing?
Ice bathing is bathing in water temperatures between 15 degrees and the freezing point. As a rule of thumb, you should only stay in the water for as long as the temperature is (e.g. 2 minutes at 2 degrees). Ice bathing has become trendy in recent years, not least because of social media, but it is not a new phenomenon. The Scythians, a nomadic folk, are said to have practiced ice bathing over 2500 years ago. Even further down the course of history, there are repeated indications that ice bathing has long fascinated a certain group of people and is considered a special ritual.
Today's image of ice bathing is shaped in part by extreme athlete Wim Hof, who has highlighted the health benefits of ice bathing in several books. In addition, more and more influencers are venturing into the adventure and are largely positive about the effects. But what are the actual benefits of ice bathing?
Health Benefits
Ice bathing not only strengthens the immune system and protects against infections, but also promotes blood circulation and metabolism . The cold causes endorphins and adrenaline to be released in the body, which triggers positive stress and can make you more resilient. Some studies also suggest that ice bathing could have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system and inhibit inflammation.
In addition to going into the cold chamber, ice bathing has become a popular regeneration option for competitive athletes. The increased blood flow helps to relax the muscles and, with regular use, increases physical energy. At the same time, there are some groups of people for whom ice bathing is not suitable and various points that should generally be considered when jumping into the cold water.
What do I need to pay particular attention to?
An important rule when ice bathing is that the head must not be submerged and that it is best to keep warm by wearing a hat. This can be done with our cool NAKED beanie, for example. Ice bathing is also not a challenge if you can last longer. If your body doesn't want to take it anymore, give it a break. The best thing to do is to start by getting used to the new temperatures by taking cold showers and work your way up to them step by step. It is also important to breathe evenly and deeply, which makes the ice bath more bearable. In addition, you should never go ice bathing alone so that you have someone next to you in an emergency.
However, some groups of people should avoid ice bathing altogether. This includes people with various cardiovascular diseases or consistently low blood pressure. In case of doubt, pregnant women are also advised against it. It is best to ask your doctor beforehand whether ice bathing could potentially be dangerous for you.
The coolest ice bathing spots worldwide
Finally, there is the question: Where is the best place to go ice bathing? That depends on where you live, of course. For example, if you live near the NAKED headquarters in Salzburg, the Almkanal is a good option, where you can meet some like-minded people. Ice bathing is particularly popular in Scandinavia. Many bodies of water in the far north are equipped with cold bathhouses, which give you the opportunity to go back to the sauna or whirlpool very quickly after your ice bath.
Particularly beautiful and popular places for ice bathing in Scandinavia include the Ribersborgs Kallbadhus in Sweden, the Lofoten Islands in Norway or the Allas Sea Pool in Finland. And if you don't live near these places, you can actually use any freely accessible and calm body of water near you to try out the ice bathing experience.
Conclusion: Why not give it a try?
All in all, you do have to pay attention to a few things when ice bathing, but – assuming you have a healthy body – it can definitely be worth a try. And who knows, maybe ice bathing is the piece of the puzzle that you've been missing for your personal physical regeneration after exercise. Have fun trying it out!
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