10 health benefits and why Niamh uses ice baths & cold therapy….

  1. Reduced inflammation: Ice baths help decrease inflammation in the body, which can be beneficial for post-workout recovery and injury healing.

  2. Speeding up muscle recovery: Cold therapy enhances blood circulation, which can aid in the removal of metabolic waste and toxins from muscles, leading to faster recovery.

  3. Decreased muscle soreness: Ice baths can help reduce muscle soreness by numbing nerves and reducing swelling.

  4. Improved sleep quality: Cold therapy has been shown to promote better sleep by lowering core body temperature and aiding relaxation.

  5. Enhanced immune system function: Cold exposure can activate the body's natural defense mechanisms, strengthening the immune system over time.

  6. Increased energy and alertness: Cold therapy can stimulate the release of endorphins, providing a natural energy boost and increased mental alertness.

  7. Improved mood and mental well-being: Cold exposure can promote a sense of calmness and have mood-enhancing effects by releasing feel-good neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine.

  8. Increased metabolism and fat burning: Cold therapy can activate brown fat, a type of fat that burns calories to generate heat, potentially aiding in weight loss and boosting metabolism.

  9. Improved circulation and cardiovascular health: Cold exposure can improve blood flow, which is beneficial for cardiovascular health and may lower blood pressure.

  10. Improved recovery from intense physical activity: Cold therapy has been shown to reduce exercise-induced muscle damage and promote faster recovery after intense workouts.