I love apartment living in Dublin, but I definitely miss out when it comes to having a back garden! I know what you’re thinking, for my vegetable garden, right? Nope! Me and my not-so-green thumb are quite happy to have an excuse not to grow (or kill) any greenery. But why I would really LOVE to have a back garden, is so that I could put in a year round ice bath tub - along with my infrared sauna, of course!
Recovery is just as big a part of Lift Training Studios as lifting is - but Recovery Training Studios just didn’t have the same ring to it! Sundays are my recovery days and I love nothing more than having an hour long sauna while watching random Youtube videos about training, nutrition, or other people having infrared saunas. Really living life in the fast lane, I know!
After the sauna, it’s time for an 8-10 minute, ice-cold bath!
But why do I spend a lovely warm hour sweating all my toxins out, only to jump right in to the shockingly cold depths of an ice bath? Because it’s one of the best recovery techniques to keep our bodies healthy and strong in order to keep up our high levels of training throughout the week.
Ice Bath Benefits:
Increased Alertness
Reduced Stress Levels
Raised Immune System due to Increased Metabolic Rate
Reduced Inflammation
Stimulation of Brown Fat (which helps with weight loss)
Increased Feeling of Deadly Awesomeness
After my ice baths, I feel bulletproof and my body feels upgraded. I know it takes a bit of time, but it’s worth it for the amazing benefits. And I don’t just limit it to cold baths on Sunday, I try to incorporate cold thermogenesis into my routine by taking cold showers every day.
I'm sure you’re all dying to jump in and get started with your own daily cold showers. If it seems too daunting to dive in to 0 degree temps right away, start with a hot shower and gradually turn the temperature down, take note of how cold you can go on the first shower and gradually make it colder day by day. You’ll be reaping the health benefits of daily recovery before long and then soon, you’ll be wishing for your very own back garden ice bath tub!