Getting ready to jump into the weekend? How about going for a cold plunge? DCE (deliberate cold exposure) seems to be all the rage these days, but is it really beneficial? Or is Big Ice just trying to push their agenda? We decided to look into it.
🧘♂️ Potential Advantages:
-Pain relief.
-Stress reduction.
-Boosted immune system.
🚨Potential Risks:
-Cold shock.
-Physical incapacitation.
-Hypothermia.
Some studies suggest that there may be advantages of CWI (cold water immersion), especially when regularly repeated. Unfortunately, those findings are largely anecdotal, and there is yet to be any definitive scientific data to verify the claims. However, there are some very real cons that, especially when combined with water, can create potentially dangerous situations.
🌟 A few best practices:
-Never cold plunge alone.
-Clear it with a doctor if you have existing medical conditions.
-Studies say 50-59°F is the optimal temperature.
-Beginners should aim for no more than 15 mins.
-Maybe don't do it at all?