An ice bath is a great way to help your muscles recover after a hard workout. Here are the steps to make an at-home ice bath:
Fill a bathtub with cold water.
The water should be between 50-60°F (10-15°C).
Add ice to the water.
You can use ice cubes or bags of ice from the store. Start with a small amount of ice and add more as needed.
Mix the ice and water together.
Use your hands or a long spoon to stir the ice into the water.
Test the temperature of the water.
It should be cold, but not painfully so. If the water is too cold, add some warm water to bring the temperature up slightly.
Get into the tub and sit down.
You can wear a swimsuit or shorts and a t-shirt if you prefer.
Stay in the water for 5-10 minutes.
You can gradually increase the time as your body gets used to the cold.
Remember to listen to your body and stop if you feel uncomfortable or experience any pain. Ice baths are not recommended for everyone, especially those with certain medical conditions, so it’s always a good idea to check with your doctor before trying one.
If cold therapy is not your thing – and that’s ok! – then try another method of recovery, Assisted Stretch.
Get connected to a Stretch specialist near you!