Cold Plunge - Mark Bender

It's fascinating how the trend of cold plunging, ice bathing, immersing in cold water, cryotherapy, wild swimming, and even participating in the Boxing Day dip in Cornwall has gained popularity among various groups of people. What started as a niche activity has now become a widespread phenomenon, with social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok showcasing the experiences of thousands of individuals indulging in these activities.

Instagram has 258k posts for #coldplunge

TikTok has 97.7M views for cold plunge

In London, even city dwellers find ways to incorporate cold dips into their routines, whether it's at the Serpentine or Hampstead Ponds. The practice of immersing oneself in cold water for health and wellness benefits is not a new concept, in fact, it has historical roots that trace back to the Romans, who enjoyed visiting health spas before their leisurely evenings, and Eastern European spa towns that have long offered hot and cold pools It’s nothing new.

But this ancient practice has found new life in the modern world, where people of all backgrounds are discovering the invigorating and revitalizing effects of cold water immersion. Whether it's for physical recovery, mental clarity, or simply the thrill of the experience, the allure of cold plunging continues to captivate individuals around the globe.

Athletes and sportsmen got amazing results from post competition cold plunges to aid recovery.

They found that the icy water helped reduce inflammation and muscle soreness, allowing them to bounce back quicker for their next training session or competition. The cold plunge also constricted blood vessels, flushing out waste products and toxins from their muscles, promoting faster healing and recovery. Some even claimed that the cold plunge helped improve their mental focus and overall well-being, making it a vital part of their post-competition routine. As more athletes embraced this age-old recovery method, cold plunges became a staple in the world of sports, proving to be a refreshing and effective way to rejuvenate the body and mind after a grueling athletic performance.

There is academic evidence for all sorts of effects on the body. But I think you should have a reason and a process to this trending performance enhancing wellness and longevity drug.

1. Post competition - straight after competition. Reduces muscle soreness. Reduced peripheral blood flow and stops lactic acid build up

2. Enhance muscle growth due to liver enzyme flush. The morning of strength training.

3. Aid mental / emotional state. Done anytime. It’s unpleasant an ice bath. Builds mental resilience. Discipline. Promotes a can do attitude and demands the body fights stressors

4. Longevity. Anytime. Enhances the immune system. Aids skin nutrition.

5. 10 minutes and 10 deg C is a good level. But you might find it’s ok to start out at a minute or two or three.

6. Breath work helps. Stay calm focus on a slow diaphragm controlled breathe.

7. Can be enjoyed with a sauna / hammam. I suggest the cold plunge first. Wellness retreats specialise in this ritual, but people are setting up a plunge pool and sauna pod in their gardens

8. If you think you might have a medical condition that wouldn’t suit cold plunge, do chat with your GP before having a go

Contact Studio Zest if you would like a dip in their Cold Ice Bath.....