An best arctic ice bath is a popular workout recovery technique that has been shown to reduce muscle soreness and improve recovery time after a tough training session. But it’s important to remember that this technique isn’t a cure-all and that you should talk to your doctor before making any drastic changes to your routine.

Ice baths can help you cool down after a workout and can be used to help prevent heat exhaustion. One study found that soaking in cold water for just 10 minutes after a workout can lower core body temperature faster than a warm shower.

Mastering the Art of Arctic Ice Bathing: Tips and Techniques

Cold water immersion can also help you de-stress. When you submerge yourself in a tub full of icy water, your valgus nerve, which relays information from your heart and lungs to your nervous system, becomes stimulated1. This can reduce stress levels and help you better handle stressful situations over time.

Besides decreasing muscle soreness, a cold water plunge can increase the secretion of norepinephrine, a hormone that helps you concentrate and feel more awake. This is thought to be why so many people feel more energetic after a cold water plunge.

However, there are a few groups of people who won’t reap any benefits from taking an ice bath. Top bodybuilders, for example, should avoid ice baths because they’re focused on increasing muscle mass. Similarly, powerlifters following Strongman workout plans shouldn’t take an ice bath because it could slow down strength gains.