Ice baths are one of the biggest wellness trends right now, and if you’ve ever tried one, that will come as no surprise. Improving recovery and mental resilience, ice baths can provide the benefits of cold-water immersion – and honestly, they give you some serious bragging rights!
We’ll explore what makes ice baths so beneficial, how long to stay in there, and what happens during the process. If you’re searching for an ice bath in Phuket, we’ve also got you covered, with an overview of where to find an ice bath and sauna in Phuket. Let’s get into it.
What is an Ice Bath?
An ice bath does what it says on the tin – it’s a bath filled with cold water, typically between 5°C and 15°C, and you immerse yourself in it for short periods. The sudden exposure to low temperatures has physical effects that lower inflammation and help to reduce muscle soreness, which is why it’s so popular for post-exercise recovery.
Ice baths are popular with athletes and gym enthusiasts and have genuine benefits for the body, as well as simply being a fun chance to do something different from the norm. Many places combine cold and hot experience, such as an ice bath and sauna in Phuket, to aid with recovery.
How Long Should You Stay in an Ice Bath?
An ice bath is meant to be temporary – you wouldn’t sit in one the same way you would a warm bath (and you’d seriously struggle to anyway!). If you’re a beginner, start with only a couple of minutes to begin with. The first 30 seconds will be the hardest, but if you power through, you’ll likely find you feel a strange sense of calm after a couple of minutes.
Once you’re more experienced, you can stay in an ice bath for up to 8 minutes, while some advanced users can immerse themselves in an ice bath in Phuket for up to 15 minutes. Anything beyond that goes beyond the safe limit, and isn’t recommended. 15 minutes is more than plenty to reap the benefits an ice bath has to offer.
What is an Ice Bath Like?
The first 30 seconds of an ice bath are a shock to the system – you might step foot in there and want to step right back out.
Your heart rate can increase, you might break rapidly, and you’ll likely experience intense cold or tingling sensations. It can take a minute or two to get used to, so ride those first 10 seconds out for the best experience.
Part of the joy of spending time in an ice bath is about building resilience – for some people, the discomfort is part of the attraction.
What’s the Average Ice Bath Price Phuket?
The average price of an ice bath Phuket experience ranges from around £4 to £15, which often includes access to similar facilities, such as a sauna.
For those passionate about fitness and wellness, a more cost-effective approach could be to combine this with a Thailand wellness retreat. Action Point Phuket, for example, offers wellbeing retreats including access to an ice bath and sauna in Phuket as part of their recovery spa.
What Are the Benefits of Ice Baths?
Improved recovery times
Cold exposure can help sore muscles. Quicker recovery times means you can better meet your goals without taking a few days off in between workouts for sore muscles.
Build resilience
Sitting in cold water isn’t for the faint of heart. You can build discipline, determination, and resilience by enjoying regular ice baths.
Increased alertness
The shock you get from entering cold water can leave you feeling energised and refreshed, as it stimulates your nervous system.
Better mood
Many users of ice baths report better mood post-bath.
Can You Combine an Ice Bath and a Sauna in Phuket?
You can absolutely combine an ice bath Phuket with a sauna to speed up recovery. Alternating between hot and cold temperatures can leave you feeling invigorated and energised.
Potential benefits of moving between ice baths and saunas include improved circulation, better mood, reduced inflammation, and a speedier recovery time. If you’re new to using ice baths and saunas, make sure not to stay for more than a couple of minutes in the ice bath before moving to the sauna.
Where to Try Ice Baths in Phuket
Due to Phuket’s reputation for being a hub of fitness and wellness, there are plenty of places to try ice baths and saunas. Action Point Phuket is home to a wellness spa that can aid in your recovery and provide a place for rest and relaxation after a busy day of workouts.
Speak to your healthcare professional if you’re unsure whether ice baths are right for you.