For many, an ice bath sounds like quite an overcoming at first - and it is! But the benefits of this cold therapy should not be underestimated, especially after intensive rowing sessions. Whether reducing muscle soreness or speeding up regeneration - ice baths have found their place in the world of sport.
Ice baths: ice-cold refreshment for the muscles
After an intensive workout on the rowing machine, an ice bath can work wonders. The cold helps to reduce inflammation and speed up recovery. The blood vessels contract, which reduces swelling in the muscles and supports the removal of metabolic products. As soon as you get out of the ice bath and the blood vessels dilate again, fresh blood is pumped into the muscles, which also stimulates regeneration.
A systematic review of the Wim Hof Method (WHM) shows that exposure to cold has an anti-inflammatory effect by stimulating the production of interleukin-10 and reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines. Especially after intensive training sessions that put a lot of strain on the muscles, this can help you get fit again more quickly. More about the study: ,,Does the Wim Hof Method have a beneficial impact on physiological and psychological outcomes in healthy and non-healthy participants?„.
Cold showers: The easier way to get started
Cold showers: The easier way to get started
If an ice bath (still) seems too extreme for you, a cold shower is an excellent alternative. Even a short cold shower can stimulate blood circulation and provide a freshness kick that will get you going in the morning or help your muscles regenerate more quickly after training.
- Alternating showersAlternating showers with warm and cold water is ideal for slowly acclimatising the body to the cold. This method can help to stabilise the circulation after training and prepare the body for future exposure to cold.
- Study on cold showersA Dutch study shows that regular cold showers can reduce sick days by up to 29 %. Many participants also felt more energised by the cold. Read more: ,,The Effect of Cold Showering on Health and Work: A Randomised Controlled Trial.„
How to integrate ice baths and cold showers into rowing training
How to integrate ice baths and cold showers into rowing training
Whether you opt for an ice bath or a cold shower, both methods can be perfectly integrated into your rowing routine:
- After intensive sessionsEspecially after interval training on the rowing machine, ice baths are ideal for soothing sore muscles and getting you back up to speed more quickly. For more moderate units, a cold shower is often enough to achieve the same effect in a less intense form.
- Promote regenerationAn ice bath should last no longer than 10 minutes and have a water temperature of 10-15°C. It helps to wind down the body after training and relax the muscles in a targeted manner.
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Conclusion: Better recovery with cold
Conclusion: Better recovery with cold
Ice baths and cold showers are more than just a cold shock for the body. They offer you a way to support your recovery after rowing training and get your muscles fit again more quickly. Whether you take the plunge into an ice bath or start with a cold shower - both methods can help you on your way to greater performance.