You know the old saying "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger" well science has shown that it's surprisingly accurate—even at the cellular level—at least in some circumstances. 

Ice baths are a way to reduce muscle soreness and speed up muscle recovery after an intense workout. The cold temperature narrows your blood vessels, which can help flush out waste products like lactic acid, thus helping you recover faster. Ice baths can also help prevent your muscle fibers from getting more damaged, which may enhance muscle recovery. Additionally, ice baths can decrease pain perception and reduce swelling.

How To Take A Ice Bath At Home

If you're new to ice baths, it's important to start slowly and gradually increase the time spent in the bath. You can start with a few minutes and work your way up to 10-15 minutes. It's also important to make sure the water temperature is between 50-59°F. If you have any medical conditions or concerns, it's best to consult with a healthcare professional before trying ice baths.

1. Aids in muscle recovery and cellular energy

Ice baths, also known as cold water immersion, are believed to aid in muscle recovery after significant workouts. The cold immersion can help reduce pain and stiffness experienced in muscles several hours to days after unaccustomed or strenuous exercise, which is known as exercise-induced delayed onset muscle soreness. This is because the cold temperature helps to reduce inflammation and swelling in the muscles, which can speed up the recovery process⁴. Additionally, ice baths can also encourage proper muscle development and improve sports performance. While recent studies have questioned the benefits of ice baths, many experts still see value in using them as a form of recovery after an athletic event or intense training session. It is important to follow recommended guidelines, especially time and temperature, when using ice baths for muscle recovery.

2. Reduces stress and increases resilience

Ice baths can help reduce stress and increase resilience. Cold therapy is beneficial for the body in many ways, including reducing inflammation, burning fat, and speeding up recovery. Cold water therapy has been used for centuries to promote health and alleviate fatigue. Some researchers believe that adapting to the shock of cold water may improve a person's ability to cope with other stresses, and that regular cold water plunges can help lower stress and reduce anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Cold water from ice bathing regulates your mood, improves brain function, and alleviates depression and anxiety

3. Improves sleep

Ice baths have been suggested to improve sleep quality, mood, and recovery. According to Dr. A. Brion Gardner, an orthopedic surgeon, an ice bath can help the central nervous system by aiding in sleep, making you feel better from having less fatigue, and improving reaction time and explosiveness in future workouts. However, the science is mixed on whether a chilly dip delivers big benefits, and more data needs to be collected on using ice baths for skin health. While one study on athletes suggests that an ice bath may improve sleep quality, another shows it had no effect at all

4. Supports mood and alertness

Ice baths have been claimed to support mood and alertness, but the science is mixed. Some older research suggests that cold showers may help ease depressive symptoms and trigger the release of endorphins, which are the body's feel-good chemicals. Endorphins might also explain why some people say they feel more focused or alert after a cold shower. However, the placebo effect may also play a role. While one study on athletes suggests that an ice bath may improve sleep quality, another shows it had no effect at all. Cold water immersion has become trendy, but more research is needed to determine whether a chilly dip delivers significant benefits

5. Improved skin appearance

Ice baths have been shown to improve skin in several ways. One of the benefits is that they can help prevent acne by reducing the amount of sebum produced by the skin. Sebum is a natural oil that the skin produces, and studies have shown that excessive sebum production can contribute to acne. Additionally, ice baths have been shown to decrease inflammation, which can help reduce redness and puffiness in the skin. While there are still some benefits of ice baths that have yet to be scientifically proven, they are generally considered safe when done properly