Cold Plunge: The Consensus and Bottom Line on Ice Baths

Believe it or not, some folks willingly submerge their bodies into big buckets of ice. A chilling thought, right? But what’s the real consensus on taking the cold plunge into ice baths?

Despite the fact this idea may send shivers down your spine, the general theory behind ice baths is that, for athletes, they do the body good. It’s believed that the cold sensation mends the tears in muscle fibers and helps alleviate soreness brought on by repeated exercises.

There’s a handful of professional athletes known to engage in this cryotherapy. From explorer Fiann Paul to champion weightlifter Karyn Marshall, those in the spotlight have captured the attention of many wishing to quickly heal their sport-related aches. Alternatively, some people simply enjoy the thrill of an ice bath and the mindful challenge it evokes.

While we are by no means doctors, we are qualified to do the research and share with you what we found, should one of these frigid soaks look appealing to you.

Ultimately, the research and arguments about ice baths is inconclusive. Some health experts will tell you it’s beneficial to your healing, others will tell you it’s detrimental to muscle growth.