Ice baths

goofygirl

Anybody take them after their long runs? Or are they are a bit of codology?

How Strange

never tried them myself. i use compression tights (skins) and elevate my legs for an hour or two.

rigal

I usually take a cold bath after any run over an hour and find it beneficial. But I'm also aware that many people (on here) think they're a waste of time.. Give them a try and see for yourself

jinka

perhaps if you are running at a high level,but seems a bit ott for the rest of us.:o

louthandproud

goofygirl wrote: »

Anybody take them after their long runs? Or are they are a bit of codology?

Have taken them after rugby training in a previous existence, they worked well for that in terms of quicker recovery from bruises, bumps etc.. I would imagine they would also work well after a long run, but probably not so much that it would be worth the time and effort for individuals, as it was one for all and all for one in my rugby days.

goofygirl

Hmm. Much as I suspected so. I met someone recently who swears by them but I think she's in a different league when it comes to type of mileage she puts in!

RJC

I tried them when I first stared long runs. I gave them up because I thought that freezing in 4 inches of ice cold water was as likely to give me a cold as anything else.

I ended up getting a very good ice pack with a neoprene and velcro strap - targeted cold treatment.

Also, they freeze the undercarriage off you (as a man).

size5

There has been no proven research that Ice baths help you recover post training. HOWEVER, my own personel belief is that if you do take one it and you feel good, that its all to do with the head & it is refreshing

Mickeybags

Just spent 20 mins standing in my wheelie bin which I have filled with water and ice after a 2hr LSR. I also enjoyed a large bowl of porridge and honey while in the bin.

It's great to be alive :P:D and possibly mad

Krusty_Clown

They also have additional benefits. After taking ice/cold baths for a while, I find it very easy to get into the Irish sea. Psychological torture training.

kingQuez

Make sure you have a hot drink + some goodies with you the first time you try it... it was the only thing that stopped me from calling it a day when I gave them a go! I found them, er, refreshing, but gave them up as im too much of a wimp

gerard65

Mickeybags wrote: »

Just spent 20 mins standing in my wheelie bin which I have filled with water and ice after a 2hr LSR. I also enjoyed a large bowl of porridge and honey while in the bin.

It's great to be alive :P:D and possibly mad

Do you take out the rubbish first or just stand there with it floating around you:eek:

Birdsong

I have tried baths with cold water, a friend gave me the tip of getting into the bath empty, then turning on the cold water, its not as much of a shock to the system - not the real thing but I find it good.

some of my running club colleagues use epsom salts in a warm bath, has anyone any experiance of that

Willy Mckenna

In my opinion, Ice baths are very benificial for athletes of all levels,although there is no scientific evedince to suggest they work, there is plenty of evedence that shows that muscles when exposed to ice cold temperatures, reduce inflammation,swelling and delayed onset of muscle soreness.Which allows you to have better R.O.M on the following days training or run,which i suppose is a pretty good thing.

It is basically like using an ice pack that can cover your hole lower body.

Vinny Mulvey

Have to agree with Willy McKenna. I find ice baths to be nothing but helpful to my training. After I have an ice bath, I always feel great when running the next day and feel that my legs recover really quickly, especially after a session or a long run.

BeepBeep67

Birdsong wrote: »

some of my running club colleagues use epsom salts in a warm bath, has anyone any experiance of that

The OH swears by them, she's trained in a few massage disciplines, she says the salts draw the toxins to the surface particularly after massage.

How Strange

BeepBeep67 wrote: »

The OH swears by them, she's trained in a few massage disciplines, she says the salts draw the toxins to the surface particularly after massage.

Yep I agree with that. A cheap and effective way to help tired legs recover.

plodder

Birdsong wrote: »

I have tried baths with cold water, a friend gave me the tip of getting into the bath empty, then turning on the cold water, its not as much of a shock to the system - not the real thing but I find it good.

That's what I did on the few times I tried it (after marathons). Again no hard evidence that it works, but it definitely felt beneficial.

messed_up

I usually have an ice bath (well a cold bath with a couple of ice packs thrown in) after long or hard sessions. Usually put on a pair of compression or running tights afterwards too and find that it definitely helps the get the blood circulating quicker.

Will usually take an Epsom salt bath one a forthnight or so in the evening just to help me unwind - usually on the evening before a rest day. I always take a large bottle of water in to the bathroom too as it feels as if the salt is drawing all the fluid out of me! i usually sleep like a log after one though zzzzzzzzzzz

dario28

IRFU recommends showering your legs with as cold as possible water after every training session , focusing on anywhere thats sore - I normally do it for about 5/10 mins and then have a normal hot shower

I'd swear by it and deffo if ya have time 1 epsom salt bath a week and get a foam roller , have a roll on that before hand loosen up while the baths filling -all 3 make a good home combo recovery pack for under 20 euros !

In total fatness gym malahide the plunge pool and jacuzzi/theraphy bath combo are really good as well

colblimp

Willy Mckenna wrote: »

It is basically like using an ice pack that can cover your hole.

:eek::eek::eek::eek::eek::eek:

Squors

Given the absence of scientific evidence to support ice treatments despite their widespread use, perhaps the benefits are pyschological rather than physical. I haven't used them in a few years but always 'felt' that they helped when I did.

Great to see Vinny Mulvey giving the benefit of his experience on this forum. Thanks.