Ice Baths

FutureMrsEssman
FutureMrsEssman Posts: 81 Member
edited October 6 in Fitness and Exercise
After a workout do you do them? And if so for how long? I did my first today after running (suggestion of Runners Magazine) and I feel great, but no telling how long you should do it for or how often. Ideas?

Replies

  • Rachiepie6
    Rachiepie6 Posts: 423 Member
    I would love to do that especially after a massive day of netball, but I have no bath at this house. How did you do it?
  • FutureMrsEssman
    FutureMrsEssman Posts: 81 Member
    I just put my tub on the coldest water temp available and filled it up. IT IS SUPER COLD. Took me a min just to settle in. I layed in there for about 15 minutes. I don't know if there is a certain you should do it or not but it felt well.
  • Kasya007
    Kasya007 Posts: 165 Member
    I tried it once after running the distance of a half marathon & will never go there again. It was so uncomfortable, even after the initial minute or two of painful burning. I must be a wuss! LOL.

    You've got it right though, they should last about 10-15 minutes in length, less if you start to feel numb. Most people add a bucket of ice to the bath as well, as it warms to room temperature fast in those 10-15 minutes.
  • donnam40
    donnam40 Posts: 246 Member
    When I was training for my last marathon I did ice baths after my long run (even though it was winter) on advice from a 50+ marathon veteran. I ran a cold bath, got in and added ice. I mad sure I had a thermal on my top and a hot drink at the same time. It looked pretty funny. I stayed in for 10 minutes tops and then hopped into a warm shower. My legs recovered really well from the long runs and if I do another marathon I will do the same thing.

    Donna
  • FutureMrsEssman
    FutureMrsEssman Posts: 81 Member
    Yeah its been a couple hours now and my legs feel awesome.
  • valeriebpdx
    valeriebpdx Posts: 497 Member
    I would not go through the agony for any regular workout, but I try to take a short ice bath (legs only, just as Donna described) after a run of 15+ miles. It is hideous in the moment but it improves the way I feel the next day so much and really aids recovery of the leg muscles.
  • Kasya007
    Kasya007 Posts: 165 Member
    Donna, your words are swaying me. I may have to rethink my stance on ice baths after long runs. *insert whining here* Ohhhh, it's just so...COLD. :D

    A hot drink and a thermal though, that may be the ticket! :D
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