Ice Bath Session | Self-guided | AVAILABLE SOON
At When Nature Calls we try our very best to offer you the most comfortable cold exposure experience you can possibly have.
Newbie or Experienced. Our ice bath sessions are suitable for both newbies and experienced people.
Privacy and Comfort. Our ice bath room is a completely private space with a toilet, and you will have this all to yourself. Towel, slippers and washing products are included.
Audio Guide. Use the audio guide from our certified instructor, who's voice will guide you through preparation, breath work, and the session itself.
Size Matters. Our ice bath is size XL and any person will be able to lean back and immerse themselves fully.
AVAILABLE SOON: this experience can't be booked yet - join our mailing list to get notified as soon as we open our doors
Embrace the Chill: Your Guide to Ice Baths
Whether you're a seasoned ice bath enthusiast or just curious to try it out, we have everything you need before diving into the world of cold exposure.
What Are Ice Baths?
Ice baths, or cold-water immersion therapy, involve submerging your body in icy water. Note that the water is not at the freezing temperature point, but typically between 3-15°C (38-59°F). Think of it as a refreshing wake-up call for your body. Historically, athletes and health enthusiasts have used this method to enhance recovery and overall wellness.
What Do Ice Baths Do?
Ice baths do much more than simply cooling down the body. When you plunge into icy water, your blood vessels constrict which reduces inflammation and helps flush out metabolic waste from your muscles. This process, called vasoconstriction, is followed by vasodilation once you get out of the bath. Your blood vessels open up, promoting blood flow and helping your muscles recover faster. It’s like an arctic spa day for your muscles.
Benefits of Ice Baths
Why would anyone willingly dunk themselves in ice water? Here's why:
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Helps Your Muscles Recover
Ice baths help reduce muscle soreness, making it easier to get back to your fitness routine.
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Benefits Related to Inflammatory Reactions
Ice baths can help reduce any kind of inflammatory reactions throughout the body. This can be particularly beneficial after intense physical activity, but also for the organs' functioning and for a glowing, healthy skin.
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Improves Recovery Time
Bounce back quicker after intense exercise. The cold immersion helps speed up the recovery process so you can train harder and more frequently.
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Boosts Mood
Believe it or not, the cold can release endorphins, lifting your spirits. This endorphin rush can leave you feeling invigorated and even helping you sleep better.
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Enhances Circulation
The cold shock followed by warm recovery improves blood flow—enhancing all the body's important functions.
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Stimulates the Immune System
Regular cold exposure can stimulate your immune system, potentially reducing the frequency of common illnesses.
Ready to Take the Plunge? Your Ice Bath Journey Starts Here
Starting with an ice bath can be an exciting and invigorating experience. As a beginner, aim for just 1-2 minutes. Advanced ice warriors can extend this to 5 minutes, but always listen to your body.
Getting Ready
We've got the ice bath all set up for you with clean water, plus:
- the water temperature is just right
- a timer
- a towel and bath slippers
- a step-by-step video guide from our certified cold exposure instructor to guide you through this experience
How To Take An Ice Bath
Ready to chill? Here’s a gentle step-by-step guide to taking your first ice bath with us:
- Before Coming to Our Center: Hydrate Drink plenty of water beforehand to stay hydrated. Cold exposure can be dehydrating, and staying hydrated will help your body cope with the temperature shock.
- Prepare Before You Take The Plunge: Warm Up Engage in a short warm-up exercise to get your blood flowing and ease the transition to the cold. A few jumping jacks or a quick jog should do the trick.
- Ease In Slowly Take it slow. Don’t just jump in. Gradually immerse yourself to let your body acclimate. Start by dipping your feet, then slowly submerge your legs, torso, and finally your shoulders.
- Breathe Deeply Focus on your breathing to help manage the cold. Deep, slow breaths can help you stay calm and control the shock response your body might have to the cold water.
- Relax Try to stay calm and remain for the duration you set earlier. Distract yourself with some light reading, music, or even meditation.
Meet Your Instructor Jurre van der Linden
Who Should Not Take Ice Baths?
While ice baths can be beneficial, they’re not suitable for everyone. Avoid them if you have:
- Cardiovascular Conditions: The cold can stress your heart, so it’s safest to avoid it if you have heart issues.
- Respiratory Issues: The cold can trigger respiratory problems.
- Open Wounds or Skin Infections: Cold water can potentially slow healing and increase the risk of infection.
- Cold Intolerance or Raynaud’s Disease: If you have conditions that make you particularly sensitive to cold, steer clear.
Always consult a healthcare provider if you're unsure if cold exposure is right for you.
A Little More Background On Ice Baths and Cold Exposure
A Brief History of Ice Baths
Ice baths have existed far beyond the modern-day hype. Athletes in ancient Greece used cold water therapy to treat injuries and enhance performance. Even Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, advocated for the use of cold water for various health benefits. Fast forward to today, and professional athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and even weekend warriors use ice baths as part of their recovery routines. The practice has evolved with advancements in sports medicine and cryo therapy, but the core concept remains the same: harnessing the power of cold to aid the body.
When’s the Best Time for an Ice Bath?
Post-workout is the optimal time for an ice bath to aid recovery. However, some people enjoy them in the morning for a brisk start to their day. Morning ice baths can also boost your mood and energy levels, setting a positive tone for the day ahead.
Should You Try an Ice Bath?
Ice baths might seem daunting, but they’re a fantastic tool for muscle recovery, promoting blood circulation and the release of toxins, and even boosting your mood. If you're looking for a new way to enhance your fitness routine or simply want to test your resilience, an ice bath could be worth a try. Start slow, listen to your body, and enjoy the refreshing benefits of cold immersion.
More Resources
Here are some reputable and trend-setting resources for learning more about ice baths and cold exposure:
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Wim Hof Method Created by Wim Hof, also known as "The Iceman," this method combines breathing techniques, cold exposure, and commitment. The website offers extensive resources, including courses, videos, and scientific research on the benefits of cold therapy.
- Website: Wim Hof Method
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Ben Greenfield Fitness Ben Greenfield is a leading fitness expert and biohacker who provides in-depth articles, podcasts, and books on various health topics, including cold exposure and ice baths. His content is based on both personal experience and scientific research.
- Website: Ben Greenfield Fitness
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Huberman Lab Podcast Hosted by Dr. Andrew Huberman, a neuroscientist and professor at Stanford University, this podcast covers various health topics, including the benefits of cold exposure. Dr. Huberman breaks down the science behind cold therapy in an accessible way.
- Website: Huberman Lab Podcast
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Rhonda Patrick (FoundMyFitness) Dr. Rhonda Patrick, a biomedical scientist, provides detailed insights into the benefits of cold exposure. Her website features podcasts, videos, and articles that delve into the science of cold therapy and its impact on health and longevity.
- Website: FoundMyFitness
COLD EXPOSURE & BREATHWORK DISCLAIMER
Our cold water therapy and dynamic breathwork sessions are guided by a qualified breath practitioner and human supervision is always present at our location.
Our cold water therapy and dynamic breathwork sessions are not a magical cure-all for any condition. Our sessions should be used as a supplement to traditional treatments, but not as a replacement.
Please remember that people taking medication for their physical and / or mental health should not stop their medication abruptly in favour of any alternative treatment.
People with long-term clinical depression or a diagnosis of bipolar or borderline personality conditions should not use cold water therapy or dynamic breathwork as a replacement for what their doctor has prescribed under any circumstances.
If you’re feeling sick, are pregnant or may be pregnant, have recently been released from the hospital, or are otherwise immune-compromised, please air on the side of caution and avoid cold water therapy.
While cold water therapy and dynamic breathwork are beneficial for most people, the practice takes some getting used to and the body may be taxed by the process of getting used to it.
All personal belongings are your own responsibility before, during and after your cold water therapy and dynamic breathwork session and no liability will be held for any loss or damage of personal belongings.
We want you to relax and enjoy your experience so If you are unsure or have any health concerns, please consult with your doctor before booking your cold water therapy and dynamic breathwork session.
Our cold water therapy and dynamic breathwork sessions are available to those aged 18 years and over.
Medical information disclaimer
1. No advice
1.1 Our website contains general medical information.
1.2 The medical information is not advice and should not be treated as such.
2. No warranties
2.1 The medical information on our website is provided without any representations or warranties, express or implied.
2.2 Without limiting the scope of Section 2.1, we do not warrant or represent that the medical information on this website:
(a) will be constantly available, or available at all; or
(b) is true, accurate, complete, current or non-misleading.
3. Medical assistance
3.1 You must not rely on the information on our website as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or other professional healthcare providers.
3.2 If you have any specific questions about any medical matter, you should consult your doctor or other professional healthcare providers.
3.3 If you think you may be suffering from any medical condition, you should seek immediate medical attention.
3.4 You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice or discontinue medical treatment because of information on our website.
4. Interactive features
4.1 Our website includes interactive features that allow users to communicate with us.
4.2 You acknowledge that, because of the limited nature of communication through our website's interactive features, any assistance you may receive using any such features is likely to be incomplete and may even be misleading.
4.3 Any assistance you may receive using any of our website's interactive features does not constitute specific advice and accordingly should not be relied upon without further independent confirmation.
5. Limits upon exclusions of liability
5.1 Nothing in this disclaimer will:
(a) limit or exclude any liability for death or personal injury resulting from negligence;
(b) limit or exclude any liability for fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation;
(c) limit any liabilities in any way that is not permitted under applicable law; or
(d) exclude any liabilities that may not be excluded under applicable law.
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