The viral 2023 trend of ice baths – Here are the pros and cons

Brits thinking of testing out the viral ice baths trend are being advised to weigh up the pros and cons before taking the freezing plunge.

Experts at SteamShowerStore.co.uk have revealed the benefits and drawbacks of using ice baths for anyone thinking of trying it out in the new year.

Having a freezing ice bath took the nation by storm in 2023 with celebrities like Holly Willoughby, Joe Wicks and Rita Ora dunking themselves into a bath of ice-cold water.

It’s said to ease muscle soreness and stimulate the release of endorphins.

But the experts warn those wanting to take part in the viral trend need to consider the constricted blood flow it can cause and an increased chance of frostbite in winter.

Andy Ellis, expert at SteamShowerStore.co.uk, said: “Ice baths took social media by storm in 2023 with the traction even gaining popularity among some of Britain’s biggest household names.

“Having an ice bath was typically only used by gym-goers, but now its popularity has expanded so wide even those who haven’t even stepped on a treadmill are taking part in the trend.

“This is because they are known to improve wellbeing and act as a pain relief for those with aching muscles.

“But before people take the plunge into cold waters, we want to caution that being irresponsible with how long you spend in the water can cause hypothermia and even cases of frostbite for those braving it in winter.

“Make sure to consider all the benefits and drawbacks before taking the trend into 2024.”

Here are the pros and cons of ice baths:

Pros:

1. Reduces muscle soreness

The constricting of blood vessels can help deal with inflammation and reduce muscle soreness which can be especially useful post-workout.

2. Act as a mental refreshment

Having an ice bath is said to work as a mental refreshment as it stimulates endorphins. Some may even enjoy the thrill of the cold as a way to break mental barriers by participating in activities like having an ice bath, which they never would’ve thought of doing before.

3. Adrenaline rush

The sharp coldness of an ice bath causes the body to release adrenaline. The rush can help motivate you to do other activities such as finishing a workout.

4. Better sleep 

An ice bath can help your body to relax and get you rested before jumping into bed. It’s also a great way to help sweaty sleepers by instantly cooling them down.

5. Improve wellbeing

Research has shown cold swimming and ice baths can help to improve well-being. It can help you to relax and calm down even after you’re out of the cold water.

Cons:

1. Winter frostbite

Of course, having ice touching your body for too long increases the risk of frostbite, but having an ice bath during winter weather can make the problem much worse. Skin can turn red and start to blister once the tissue has been thawed out.

2. Constrict blood flow

While it’s great for constricting blood vessels to reduce muscle soreness, the constriction of blood flow can result in issues such as numbness and skin discolouration.

3. Hypothermia

In rare cases, extreme coldness can result in hypothermia by spending too long in the water.  Ice baths should be at an optimum temperature of around 10 to 13 degrees, any colder can have nasty consequences.

4. Irritated skin

The brutal cold can make skin red and irritated once you come out of the water especially if you’ve been in the water for too long.

5. Nerve damage

 Spending a prolonged amount of time in the icy water can reduce the blood flow enough to permanently damage nerves. Monitor how much time you’re spending in the ice bath and don’t go overboard on how frequently it’s used.