Warm down vs ice bath

[JoeD]

What is the current thinking on post workout recovery? Warming down was what I was always told and i try to as much as possible then I have a warm shower. How does this fit with what you hear (ice baths) and see (ice packs) the NRL players do? These actions seem kinda conflicting to me. Should I be have a cold shower post workout?

 

[Chook Herron]

I'm not certain on this but I think when the NRL players take an ice bath the day after a match it's to assist their bodies to recover from any bumps and bruises they get during a match which isn't something you would normally associate with a weights or cardio session. I've never seen NRL players taking an ice bath after a weights session. I'd say stick with the warm down and warm shower if only to relieve the sorness and allow your muscles to relax after a good workout.

 

[jc155776]

Ice Baths are to prevent bruising and swelling.

 

[JoeD]

Yeah but you see them putting ice packs directly onto muscles/joints

 

[Chook Herron]

May have a twinge or an old injury that flares up or just a plain old cork. An ice bath won't hurt you but I don't see it as something necessary or even really beneficial for someone who is just weight training or doing cardio. I'd take a good stretch and a hot shower over an ice bath any day.