I Took The Plunge!
Cold Plunge That Is…
Cold Plunge therapy, also called (Ice bath) has gained much more attention in mainstream media. You find various Shorts on YouTube of social media influencers posting about their latest plunge. While cold plunge therapy has often piqued my interest what ultimately led me to take the plunge was a friend who cold plunges weekly. He can attest to the many positive health benefits his body has experienced. With his recommendation, I figured what do I have to lose?
What Is A Cold Plunge?
A cold plunge tub, like the one pictured above, is filled with water that is filtered and set to various temperatures. I took my plunge in 50° F water. Some cold plunges are cooler and range from 50° F to 38° F. Considering it was my first time, I entered the cold plunge tub at a recommended temperature by the coach/owner of Fire & Ice Wellness Recovery Studio.
You don’t have to plunge in a tub. You can cold plunge anywhere!
So…How Was It?
Pardon me when I say this BUT it was insert the F-word FREEZING!
I had a guided plunge with a certified coach/owner of Fire & Ice Wellness Recovery Studio in San Dimas, California. Thanks, Jennifer Walters for the amazing experience! Jennifer went over the process and coached me through breathing techniques that should be applied when plunging. She was by my side every step of the way. She explained to me that the entire process is mental. You have to mentally prepare yourself for entering, submerging, and exiting the tub.
So there I went one foot into the tub at a time. I entered the water and sat inside the tub. I immediately began panting and gasping for air. The temperature of the water was shocking to my body. (Totally normal). Jennifer coached me through my breath. Inhaling for 7 seconds, exhaling for 7 seconds. Before I realized what was happening, my body had already acclimated to the water. There I was in 50° temperature water, carrying on a full conversation with Jennifer, unphased by the cold. But what followed was amazing!
The whole plunge process from start to finish was under 10 minutes. My total time in the tub was 6 minutes and 15 seconds. My body and mind were completely relaxed. Something magical happens when you trust your body to take the reins and do what it does best. ADAPT!
Jennifer proceeded to ask me if my body was numb, to which I replied my legs and feet felt numb. She advised me once the body goes numb, I was not gaining any benefits at that point and should exit the tub. I slowly exited the tub and glanced down at my lower body. The level of blood circulation in my legs and feet was why the pigment of my skin appeared red.
Jennifer then advised me to allow my body to naturally rewarm. I expected to be shivering but surprisingly I was not. I slowly bounced on a rebounder in the corner of the studio to get my blood pumping and rev up my lymphatic system. The dopamine release that followed was comparable to being in a high-like state. What a rush! I felt resilient!
The Benefits Of Cold Plunge Therapy
Research suggests that there are many benefits to cold plunge therapy.
Improved recovery and physical performance (I experienced).
Improved athletic performance (I experienced).
Accelerated metabolism (I experienced).
Muscle repair
Improved sleep (I experienced).
Immune support
Pain relief (I experienced).
Decrease in chronic inflammation
Enhanced Mood & Focus (I experienced).
Enhanced mental health (I experienced).
Increases self-esteem and resilience (I experienced).
Potential Risks
Heart attack
Stroke
Increased blood pressure
Impaired cognitive function
Hypothermia
Water For Thought…
Always consult with a medical professional before you take the plunge. But when in doubt, just plunge!
