A new study questions the benefits of ice baths, popular among elite athletes and wellness influencers. Contrary to beliefs that cold plunges reduce muscle soreness and inflammation, findings show they might actually hinder muscle growth post-weightlifting. Undertaking experiments with young male athletes, researchers found that while ice baths can help aerobic athletes recover, they may not be beneficial for strength training. The study challenges long-held notions about cold exposure in athletic recovery.
It looks like it's not a great idea to soak in freezing water after lifting weights, lead author Milan Betz, a researcher at Maastricht University in the Netherlands.
The biggest upside that research has shown so far is that an icy dip can help with muscle soreness by reducing post-exercise inflammation and flushing out lactates.
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