Cold plunge or a hot bath: Which has more benefits?…

 

This study sheds light on a fascinating debate about recovery methods for athletes. While ice baths are trendy and widely used for muscle soreness and injury management, hot soaks might be the better option for improving performance between workouts or game intervals.

Hot water increases blood flow, which can accelerate muscle recovery and enhance power output, especially when you need to perform repeatedly, like during a game with a halftime break. In contrast, icy soaks may constrict blood vessels and tighten muscles, potentially hindering recovery and performance unless you’re addressing acute inflammation or injury.

It’s interesting how recovery strategies can vary depending on the type of activity or recovery goals. Do you lean more toward cold soaks or hot soaks after a workout?