What do you think of when you hear “ice baths”? Something you wouldn’t try? Too cold?
While ice baths are very cold, the health benefits that you get from them are very much worth it. Ice baths are the best activities for your health. If you happen to be an athlete, you 100% should be investing your time in ice baths. I do warn you ice baths are not for everybody, please talk to a doctor before attempting. Participating reveals the physical benefits that come with an ice baths are unbelievably life changing. Ice baths cause inflammation and swelling reduction. The cold temperature that comes from the icy water helps to narrow the blood vessels which helps with recovery. One of the worst parts of recovery is soreness. Ice baths are gonna help you with any sore muscles that you might have after participating in physical activity. Ice baths will help you achieve a lower core body temperature.
In my original research to figure out if ice baths were worth the sacrifice, I was surprised to find that ice baths do improve your mental health. Helps people with stress, anxiety and depression. Scientists are led to believe that exposing your body to cold water triggers a stress response and activates the nervous system. These changes can improve your mood and help you adapt to stress over time. I have only recently discovered these ice baths and all aspects of my health have drastically improved. One more benefit I forgot to mention was that this helps show yourself who you are and who you can be.
They are very beneficial and have become a daily habit in my life. Although some days I truly don’t feel like taking an ice bath, I know that the fact that I am doing something that I don’t want helps me very much with my mental toughness.
You may think well I know all these facts about ice baths but how do I make one? It’s pretty simple really, first fill up a tub with moderately warm water to the point it is possible to sum up your entire body in the water. Slowly start to pour ice into the water and keep tabs on the temperature of the water using a thermometer. Once the water is 50 to 59°F, or 10 to 15°C is when you can start to prepare to go in. Wear clothes that are comfortable, maybe like a tshirt with shorts but I like to just go in with sum trunks. Once you are ready slowly start to submerge your body in the cold ice water. Me personally bI like to stay for 5-10 minutes but you can go for whatever time seems best for you. Once your time is up slowly get out of the water. Make sure to thoroughly off before you get changed into a dry pair of clothes.
I am aware this challenge requires a lot of sacrifice but I believe the health benefits are worth it. It shows if you are a mentally strong human being who will do something like they love it even when they hate it. I hope that this blog was useful to you and that I somehow persuaded you to be even considering participating in this challenge. If you do end up trying it, good luck and remember, stay hard.
Diego Mora – St. Ignatius College Prep – DMSF Class of 2027