The risks and rewards of cold water plunges – Men’s Fitness

Embrace the cold water trend for improved circulation and a mood boost – but proceed with caution and start slow.

In the words of Outkast, what’s cooler than cool? Ice cold! Cold-water immersion is continuing to make waves in the wellness world. From state-of-the-art recovery tubs like the Edge Tub Elite, to low-budget cold showers, it’s a trend soaking up the spotlight.

But is taking the plunge worth the pain, or is it simply a fleeting fad best avoided? Let’s break the ice with some expert insights from Sanctuary Bathrooms, in collaboration with healthy ageing specialist Dr Yassine Bendiabdallah from ZEN Healthcare.

Dive into the benefits of ice baths

As summer temperatures rise, more of us are swapping hot showers for cold, with UK searches for ‘benefits of cold showers’ taking a leap of over 5,000% in the past month. Why the buzz? A cold shower can jolt you awake, boosting oxygen intake, heart rate, and alertness. It’s more than just a caffeine alternative; those icy blasts can also soothe itchy skin, boost hydration, and improve overall skin health.

Here are some other ways cold-water immersion benefits body and mind.

1. Enhanced muscle recovery
2. Improved circulation
3. Boosted immune system
4. Elevated mood and reduced stress
5. Increased alertness
6. Better skin and hair health
7. Alleviation of pain
8. Improved sleep quality
9. Mental resilience

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