So tonight I decided to do my first ice bath in an attempt to help my recovery after a pretty brutal (and amazing) lower body workout today. I use to do these in high school during football, but clearly I forgot what that feeling was like. After dumping 44 lbs of ice in to the tub and filling it half way with freezing cold water I dove in (figuratively), I immediately started to hyperventilate. It took me about 30 seconds to relax my mind and focus on my breath. At that same moment I was able to remove the pain from my mind. I’ve recently started practicing meditation, so I put those ideas to work immediately.
For those of you who think ice baths are only good for one thing, you are wrong. While most people know that ice baths help you recover faster and help you with inflammation, sore muscles, and prevent injuries….it does have another benefit.
You have to be open minded to the concept, but in my eyes, it just simply makes sense. When your body is exposed to an extreme temperature drop, your core body temperature plunges. When this happens, your body goes in to defense mode and releases brown fats in an attempt to burn fat while bringing your body temperature back to normal. Only a few ounces of brown fat have the ability to burn between 400 and 500 calories. This will also result in your metabolism to spike, also helping to bring your core temperature back to normal.
So while this isn’t for everyone, there are some very interesting studies based around the idea of colder conditions that will actually boost your metabolism which can result in higher weight loss. Our metabolism actually works 20% higher in 60 degree weather, so don’t be mad if the weather is a little chillier than normal. Take advantage of it and go for a brisk walk.
Give it a try….I feel fabulous right now, especially now that I can feel my legs. I also feel like I’m going to sleep very well tonight…..
