The cold plunge pool is starting to become more mainstream now that running, cycling and triathlons are on the rise. Also known as an ice bath, the plunge pool is a great aid in athletes recovery. “The general theory is that the exposure to cold helps to combat the microtrauma (small tears) in muscle fibers and resultant soreness caused by intense or repetitive exercise. The ice bath is thought to constrict blood vessels, flush waste products and reduce swelling and tissue breakdown. Subsequently, as the tissue warms and the increased blood flow speeds circulation, the healing process is jump-started. The advantage of an ice bath submersion is that a large area of intertwined musculature can be treated, rather than limiting the cold therapy to a concentrated area with a localized ice pack” says Andy Schmitz of USA Triathlon. National Professional Organizations such as the NFL, NBA, and MLB are a few of the organizations that have their own cold plunge pools in their locker rooms for immediate recovery.
https://youtu.be/N2Ol-OPRUVQ
