ice bath? benificial?

Package

hey guys.

joined back the gym the other day, and i know its normal to be a bit sore. 3 days later and im not too bad, but is it benificial to have an ice bath at this stage, or should you only have one straight after the gym?

podge57

i dont think there is really any conclusive evidence either way on it

it depends what you are doing in the gym - ice baths will reduce soreness and swelling, but will also reduce circulation, and as far as i know, the most recent study showed that they have no effect and may heaven leave you with more soreness after a weights session

if the soreness is in a particular area, you could just ice that area

also, if you are just getting back to the gym, your body will adapt after a while

Package

doin an hours cardio followed by about an hours weight work.

i know it will adapt, just thought the ice baths help the muscles repair quicker, as ya see the big bastards do it on the work out videos and stuff?

--amadeus--

You see Rocky punching slabs of bacon in videos as well, doesn't mean it's the right way to train.

Most elite athletes do it but they're usually working out at a more intensive level and teh scientific evidence is pretty patchy. If you really want to put yourself through it then go for it but it won't do miracles for you.

PeakOutput

i find contrast showers work for me havnt used them in a while though and only straight after workouts

go into a cold shower for a minute then change to hot then back to cold repeat 4/5 times

Package

thats great, ill try that with the showers thanks

Dan@IPG

the ice bath may still be beneficial. it (and most recovery methods) will have more impact when done closer to the training event.