Just three minutes a day for two weeks made a world of difference to my chronic aches and pains.
Read my full review here.
Want To Transform Your Outdoor Space into a Calming, Boho-Chic Escape (Um, Yes)?
But I rarely voluntarilylookto put myself in freezing situations.
I recently tore my ACL and MCL on ski trip and have struggled withinflammation and muscle sorenesssince January.
Did it sound absolutely torturous?
certified Wim Hof instructor and guide with Flash Pack
Yes, 100 percent.But could it help soothe my aches and pains?I wanted to find out.
All you have to do is fill er up and chill out.
Ice is hotheres why
While cold baths are the hot new trend, theyre not exactly new.
Whats become mainstream recently is theWim Hof Method.
There are many mental and physical benefits of cold exposure Einarsson explains.
For example, cold reduces inflammation, swelling, and sore muscles.
Participants have reported health benefits that range from higher energy levels to relief of symptoms due to autoimmune diseases.
Another Google search confirms Einarssons statementsmany people swear by cold exposure therapy in their recovery routines.
But cold therapybe it in an Ice Barrel or a regular bathtubisnt foolproof.
Both Einarrson and Lansing recommended easing yourself into ice baths using cold showers and ice-free baths.
If not, keep with cold showers until you manage to go into the barrel in total relaxation.
And, of course, consistency.
Progressively make the water a little colder each day.
Be consistent by doing it every day so you can build the tolerance to colder temperatures faster.
A few weeks (and cold showers) later, and a ginormous cardboard box arrive on my doorstep.
My first observation was how simple the tub was to set up.
All in all, setup took a breezy five minutes.
Tip: see to it you have your barrelexactlywhere you want it to be when you fill it.
Once its full, its not moving until you drain it.
But I had been prepping and wanted the full experience.
Once it was filled a bit higher, I grabbed my beach towel and climbed in.
Full transparency: The first time I got in this thing I almost threw up.
No amounts of cold showers can prepare for you climbing and submerging yourself in 30 degree water, itssojarring.
It was… miserable.
I think I lasted 45 seconds?
Thats what the footage says at least, because Im pretty sure I blacked out from the plunge.
Looking back, the snow was probably too much for me.
Benefits begin when the water temperature is 50 to 60 degree Fahrenheit…
The recommended time in cold water is 11-15 minutes.
I could have warmed it up a bit, but11-15 minutes?!
I could barely stand 30seconds.I decided my goal for the two week span was a reasonable five minutes.
Turns out, it was easier than expected to achieve.
Heres my log of the first week:
Einarsson and Lansing were rightbreath work is half the battle.
Concentrating on a deep, steady breathing pattern helps distract you from the cold.
Once I was able to get in the zone, it almost feltdare I say itrelaxing.
And Ididfeel better, at least physically.
While I didnt notice a difference in my anxiety or depression levels, my muscles felt great.
The hefty price tag aside, its incredibly convenient.
And once its set up, its set upthe insulated (and recycled plastic!)
One downside is its size: Its large and takes up a decent amount of space.
Luckily, I had a deck where I could pop it up and drain it, no problem.
That $1,200 goes alooongway in terms of simplicity and convenience.
And, ya know, maybe dont fill it with snow the first time you get in.
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