At the moment, cold plunges are all the trend.
On TikTok, the hashtag #coldplunge has had over 1.1 billion views, and
thousands of videos of people trembling and gasping while submerged in icy
water are available.
Celebrities, sportspeople, influencers, and
everyone in between support the toe-numbing technique.
Many claim that taking a cold plunge has
health benefits like easing tight muscles, speeding up recovery after exercise,
lowering inflammation, and improving immunity. Some claim that taking a frigid
plunge might help with mental health issues like boosting clarity and reducing
anxiety or sadness.
But what does science have to say about the
advantages of taking a cold plunge? Here is the comprehensive list of opinions
by specialists who have taken cold plunges on what people should know before
diving in.
This comprehensive guide aims to dive deep
into the numerous benefits of Cold Plunge by the Plunge, exploring how it can
transform your life and wellness journey.
What is Cold Plunge?
Before we plunge into the benefits, let`s
understand what Cold Plunge is. Cold Plunge is a hydrotherapy device that provides a refreshing and invigorating
experience. It involves immersing your body in cold water for a short period,
typically between 1 to 3 minutes. While it may seem simple, the effects are
nothing short of remarkable.
Fully submerging the body in cold water,
whether in a bathtub, tank, pool, or a natural body of water like a lake or the
ocean, is known as a cold plunge. It is also referred to as hard water swimming
or immersion. An ice bath is a sort of cold Plunge that is normally on the
cooler end of the temperature scale.
Although the tradition of taking a frigid
plunge has become increasingly popular recently, Mike Tipton, a professor of
human and applied physiology at the University of Portsmouth, says that it
has been around for almost as long as people have been around water.
How to take a cold plunge?
Taking a frigid plunge entail submerging
yourself in cold water for an extended period. During a cold plunge, the water
temperature is between 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit or roughly 10 to 20 degrees
Celsius.
The duration of a cold plunge can change
based on how comfortable you are with the water`s temperature. The experts
point out that the submersion should be shorter in cooler water. A typical cold
plunge lasts five to ten minutes.
The water shouldn`t be any cooler than
roughly 53 degrees Fahrenheit or 12 degrees Celsius because, below that
temperature, there is a higher chance of tissue and skin damage and other unfavourable
outcomes. Swimming in cold water at a slightly warmer temperature, between 65
and 75 degrees is best.
How long should a cold plunge last?
A fast dip in and out counts as a cold
plunge in all literality, but how long does a cold plunge take to work?
According to Colbenson, it takes the hard three to five minutes to get past the
skin before it begins to impact the neuromuscular system.
Tipton warns that cold plunges longer than
10 minutes may raise the risk of experiencing physical injury from the cold.
She adds that cold plunges often last five to ten minutes.
According to Tipton, people have long
extolled the virtues of cold water while also cautioning against its dangers. It
has been seen as both a panacea and a health risk throughout history. What,
then, do we know?
Benefits of Cold Plunge
1. Enhanced Recovery
One of the primary benefits of Cold Plunge is its ability to
accelerate post-workout recovery. Athletes and fitness enthusiasts swear by its
capacity to reduce muscle soreness and inflammation. The cold water constricts
blood vessels, flushing out waste products and decreasing inflammation, leaving
you feeling refreshed and ready for your next workout.
2. Improved Circulation
Cold Plunge stimulates blood circulation,
which can lead to various health benefits. It helps improve the flow of oxygen
and nutrients to your muscles and organs, aiding in faster healing and overall
well-being.
3. Boosted Mood
The shock of cold water triggers the
release of endorphins, your body`s natural feel-good hormones. This can result
in an instant mood boost, reducing symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression.
Many users report feeling more alert and focused after a Cold Plunge session.
4. Enhanced Immune Function
Regular Cold Plunge sessions can help
strengthen your immune system. Exposure to cold water activates white blood
cells, crucial in defending your body against infections and diseases.
5. Better Sleep
Struggling with sleep issues? Cold Plunge
can be a game-changer. After experiencing the initial shock of cold water, your
body`s core temperature rises, and as you exit the Plunge, it begins to drop.
This drop in body temperature mimics the natural decrease in temperature that
occurs before sleep, making it easier to fall asleep and enjoy a more restful
night.
6. Increased Energy
Cold Plunge can leave you feeling energized
and rejuvenated. The combination of improved circulation, increased oxygen
flow, and the release of endorphins can provide a natural energy boost that
lasts throughout the day.
7. Stress Reduction
In our fast-paced lives, stress is a
constant companion. Cold Plunge can help you manage stress more effectively.
The cold-water immersion triggers your body`s "fight or flight"
response, which, when practiced regularly, can make you more resilient to
stressors.
How to Get Started
Incorporating Cold Plunge into your routine
is easier than you might think. Here are some steps to get started:
1.
Choose the Right Equipment: The Cold Plunge options
are available, and select the one that suits your needs.
2. Start Slowly: If you`re new to cold therapy, begin
with shorter sessions, gradually increasing the duration as your body adapts.
3. Stay Consistent: Consistency is key to experiencing
full benefits. Aim for regular Cold Plunge sessions, ideally a few times a
week.
4. Consult a Professional: If you have any underlying
health conditions, consult a healthcare professional before starting a Cold
Plunge regimen.
The power of Cold Plunge to improve physical
and mental well-being is undeniable. The benefits of this innovative therapy
are vast, from enhanced recovery to increased energy and improved mood. If you`re
looking for a holistic approach to wellness that can transform your life,
consider incorporating Cold Plunge into your routine. It`s a refreshing and
invigorating journey to a healthier, happier you.