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This Surprising Practice Can Boost Your Athletic Performance, Expert Says

It will soothe your muscles post-workout, too.

If you can't sleep and are exhausted from not catching enough solid Z's, or you'd like to boost your athletic performance, cold water therapy may be a perfect option for you. Eat This, Not That! spoke with Jono James, a cold water therapy expert and CEO of Odin Ice Baths, to learn more about this magical therapy and exactly how it works.

According to James, "Cold therapy is the practice of using cold water (typically less than 10 degrees C) to treat health conditions or gain health benefits." Saunas are relaxing and therapeutic, and people have enjoyed them forever. Interestingly, cold plunges and ice baths are just as effective.

Cold therapy is a new treatment to address sleep issues and so much more. Read on to learn more about this necessary addition to your routine, and next up, don't miss The 6 Best Exercises for Strong and Toned Arms in 2022, Trainer Says.

Taking an ice bath pre-workout can boost your athletic performance

cold water therapy ice bath outdoors
Courtesy of Odin Ice Baths

James tells us ice baths have become a prevalent method to treat many conditions, including sleep and pain disorders, anxiety and depression, weight gain, and metabolism. Cold therapy is also helpful in boosting your immune system and energy level, in addition to lifting your mood. And that's not all! Taking an ice bath pre-workout can boost your athletic performance and relieve sore muscles after working out.

Related: The Most Popular Exercises People Are Doing To Stay Fit, Survey Says

Cold water therapy can enhance your energy levels and help you sleep better, too

cold water therapy ice baths at beach
Courtesy of Odin Ice Baths

As far as when you can expect results, James tells ETNT, "Some people see benefits after just one plunge. Best results are gained at 4 degrees C for 4 minutes." Does the therapeutic goodness benefit outweigh this icy, unique experience? Absolutely, according to James. Every age group can derive benefits. James adds, "If someone suffers from mental health issues, feels they need more energy or better sleep, then ice baths are worth trying."

Related: Great Beach Workouts That Don't Feel Like Work at All, Experts Say

The Odin Ice Bath design resembles a barrel sauna and cedar hot tub in one

Odin Ice Baths can boost your athletic performance
Courtesy of Odin Ice Baths

James created the Odin Ice Bath to help treat his terminal cystic fibrosis and has "never stopped researching and trying different things to help me beat the odds." His design resembles a barrel sauna and cedar hot tub in one. He says of his ice sauna therapy, "So far it has worked, and adding the sauna and ice bath to my routine has helped me even more." The Odin Ice Bath creator adds, "It's my passion to help people live healthier, happier lives, and I'm so proud and happy that the Odin is allowing people to do that."

For more…

tying sneakers in gym
Shutterstock

For more mind and body news, be sure to check out These New COVID Habits Are Secretly Giving You "Step Debt" next to stay informed and address them ASAP.

Alexa Mellardo
Alexa is the Mind + Body Deputy Editor of Eat This, Not That!, overseeing the M+B channel and delivering compelling fitness, wellness, and self-care topics to readers. Read more about Alexa
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