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Want to try thecold plungetrend but dont know where or how to start?
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Consider turning down the water temperature in your bathroom.
Eventually you’ve got the option to work up to the full amount of time.
Here’s what longevity doctors, physical therapists, and trainers think.
It certainly doesnt hurt that theyre more cost-effective and convenient overall.
Cold showers are a budget-friendly alternative to expensive cold baths.
Ready to turn down the temperature?
Read all about cold showers and their benefits ahead.
Cold shower benefits
It may reduce inflammation.
Whether you have redness, skin sensitivity, or puffiness, the cold could helpreduce inflammation.
It can relieve muscle soreness.
Much like cold plunges, cold showers may offer a similar effect of relieving soreness, says Dr. Paulvin.
This happens because the cold causes your blood vessels to constrict, reducing inflammation, Putsov explains.
Metabolic waste such as lactic acid gets washed out faster.
This process accelerates healing, getting you back in shape faster.
It might improve your mood.
It can enhance mental clarity and alertness.
The aforementionedsurge of endorphinscan also contribute to enhanced mental clarity and alertness.
It may improve circulation.
Do your hands and feet tend to go numb or feel tingly?
Cold showers could help.
Go on, get some steps in.
It might enhance physical performance.
Cold-water immersion has shown positive impacts on muscular power, says Kuhlmann.
Research also supports improvements in overall muscle power, he adds.
It could reduce stress.
The mental and physical boost you get from a cold plunge or shower might also help reduce stress.
Controlled breathing and mindfulness practices during cold exposure positively influence the autonomic nervous system.
It can boost metabolism.
Its good for your hair and skin.
Its notnotimportant!Very hot water isnt greatfor your hair or skin.
Why would you do it with your hair?
Hot water can also result in hair color fading faster and contribute to theformation of split ends.
Hot water can rough up your hair cuticle, which can lead to more split ends.
Hairstylists and trichologists think so.
If cold showers and cold plunges share so many benefits, why bother cold plunging at all?
Kuhlman agrees, noting that one of the biggest differences lies in the water temperature.
The effectiveness of cold therapy ultimately depends on individual preferences, Kuhlmann continues.
Its a matter of what an individual believes works best for them.
It all depends on your hair pop in.
As with cold plunges, youll want to start slow.
For beginners, start with a short duration.
Try 10 seconds to 1 minute at the end of a regular warm shower, advises Putsov.
This can amplify the sensation and benefits of the cold water.
Finally, a shower timer will allow you to regulate your shower duration.
This ensures you get the full benefits without overdoing it, Putsov concludes.
As a result, you will be able to incrementally increase the intensity and control the progress.
