More Proof That Ice Can Help You Get Fit
Get-Fit Guy presents the findings of two more studies that show the positive effects of icing and cold thermogenesis on muscles.
Ben Greenfield
You may already know that I’m a huge fan of using fluctuations in temperature to help burn fat faster.
For example, I keep my home at about 60-65o, take 2 cold showers a day, use a fat burning ice vest, and implement lots of other body cooling strategies that I explain in my Cold Thermogenesis How-To article (including rarely wearing a shirt – which you probably already know if you watch my YouTube videos!)
But there’s more good news on the cold front (no pun intended).
Two more studies came out this week that show the effectiveness of cold thermogenesis, icing, and cold water immersion – this time for alleviating muscle soreness, exercise-induced muscle damage, and inflammation.
In the first study “The Effects of Multiple Daily Applications of Ice to the Hamstrings on Biochemical Measures, Signs, and Symptoms Associated With Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage,” it was demonstrated that icing 3 times per day for 20 minutes at a time can significantly assist with soreness. This was good news to me as I have recently started a weight training protocol that includes squats – and I’m now literally been sitting on a couple of ice packs while working on my computer!
In the second study, “Acute Response to Hydrotherapy After a Simulated Game of Rugby,” it was shown that rugby players who used two 5-minute cold water immersion sessions (aka, ice baths) were able to significantly reduce soreness and lessen the effects of muscle damage.
So whether it’s cold showers, ice baths, or cold packs – break out that ice if you want to alleviate sore muscles. It really works!
What about you? Do you use ice, cold thermogenesis, cryotherapy, or any other form of cold therapy? If so, why, or why not? Let the community know over at Facebook GetFitGuy!
Ice hand image courtesy of Shutterstock.
About the Author
Ben Greenfield received bachelor’s and master’s degrees from University of Idaho in sports science and exercise physiology; personal training and strength and conditioning certifications from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA); a sports nutrition certification from the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN), an advanced bicycle fitting certification from Serotta. He has over 11 years’ experience in coaching professional, collegiate, and recreational athletes from all sports, and as helped hundreds of clients achieve weight loss and fitness success.