Tag: Ice baths

Recent research challenges the long-held belief that immediate post-workout ice baths are beneficial, indicating that regularly using cold therapy to reduce inflammation may actually impair long-term gains in muscle mass. The answer to whether ice is good for muscle growth is more complex than many fitness enthusiasts previously thought.

According to a 2016 study, athletes who soaked in cold water after intense exercise reported less muscle soreness than those who didn't receive hydrotherapy. This reflects the growing popularity of cold water therapy, which, in various forms, has become a recognized tool for boosting health and recovery. But just how effective is cold water, and what does the science truly say about its benefits and risks?

According to a 2018 meta-analysis of 99 studies, ice baths were shown to be among the most effective methods for lowering exercise-induced inflammation. For men, the application of cold therapy, whether through ice packs or full-body immersion, offers a surprising range of physical and mental benefits beyond just soothing a bruise, which we will explore in detail.