Why do athletes take ice baths? Understanding the benefits of ice baths to athletes

A common picture for sports teams after games or intense training sessions is the sight of their players relaxing inside tubs full of ice. This practice is said to provide instant muscular relief for professional athletes and speeds up their recovery process. Today, we answer the question of why athletes take ice baths while outlining the benefits.

In this article, we will explore the benefits of ice baths for athletes, including faster recovery, reduced inflammation, and improved performance. We will also investigate some dos and don'ts to consider when dealing with them.

Why do pro athletes take ice baths?

The reason why some athletes take ice baths is because it is widely believed to boost recovery after strenuous physical exertion. Former Women's Marathon World record holder Paula Radcliffe once attributed her success to the baths. British tennis star Andy Murray spends eight minutes after every match in a cold immersion bath to help reduce muscle inflammation and possible swelling.

A list of athletes who used steroids and got caught: Find out who is on the list

Athletics

Benefits of ice baths to athletes

1. Improves mental wellbeing

Cold immersion in water provides athletes with a cooling sensation after a strenuous workout. This helps relieve any possible nerves or tension the athlete may have built up during their physical activity.

2. Reduces swelling and inflammation

Another reason why athletes take ice-cold baths after activities is their role in limiting further muscle damage. After over-exerting oneself during exercise, an ice bath can help loosen any possible tightness and prevent overstrained muscles from further affecting the athlete's performance.

3. Relieves muscle soreness

Muscles that have been strained frequently tend to leave athletes with lasting pain even long after the physical activity. Ice baths play a crucial role in preventing this from happening.

4. Boosts immunity

Studies done on a small sample of ice bath users illustrated that the method can prove effective in deterrence of bacterial infections. The subjects examined exhibited higher levels of immunity in comparison to those who had not practised cold immersion.

5. Regulates core body temperature

Immersion in ice baths after intense workouts helps lower body temperature. This aids the athlete in regulating body temperatures to avoid heat exhaustion or further muscle damage.

6. Helps in exercise recovery

Studies done suggest that ice baths after exercises help remove metabolic waste generated by the body during physical activity. This boosts the circulation of blood after exercising.

7. Improves performance

Combining muscle relief and mental relaxation ultimately leads to a more enhanced performance by the professional athlete. The advantages of cold immersion allow athletes to perform at their optimum.

How long do athletes stay in ice baths?

The average period most athletes take in ice baths is 5-12 minutes. Staying too long in an ice bath may lead to cardiac arrest due to extremely low temperatures. Another thing to note is avoiding wearing socks, as evidenced by the sad tale of former NBA player B.J Tyler who suffered lasting damage to the nerves in his feet after falling asleep in an ice bath with wet socks on.

Do you shower after an ice bath?

Doctors advise that you should never attempt to shower after taking an ice bath. The main reason for this is that the sudden variation in temperature can lead your body into shock and have fatal consequences.

The reasons why athletes take ice baths vary depending on individual preferences and the intensity of the workout. The advantages of using ice baths are clear, as well as the potential risks of using them improperly.

Sports Brief recently detailed the rules of golf. Golf is governed by strict regulations in terms of scoring and foul play. Click on the link above to find out more!