Are Ice Baths and Saunas Good for CrossFit?

By: Alex Tyson

Looking for effective ways to take your CrossFit training to the next level? Ice baths and saunas are used widely in the fitness industry because of their many mental and physical benefits – but are ice baths good for CrossFit? And what are the benefits of saunas for CrossFit?

Found—Space is a hormetic tech company that specialises in equipment designed specifically to induce a hormetic stress response (known as hormesis). Hormetic stress refers to the process by which exposure to low levels of stressors, such as heat, cold, exercise or fasting can improve resilience and health.

Hormetic technology (like ice baths and saunas) are designed to induce these beneficial stressors in a controlled and safe manner and we now offer both of these very powerful forms of hormetic technology across Australia and New Zealand. If you’re wondering whether ice baths or saunas are beneficial and if you can use both in your recovery, here is why incorporating hot/cold therapy into your CrossFit training is a great move:

Ice Baths & Saunas For CrossFit And Hormetic Stress

Hormesis is the biological process where the right amount of certain types of stress can result in beneficial effects on our bodies. Our bodies are incredibly resilient and adaptable, and by exposing the body to controlled stressors regularly, we can activate a range of beneficial physiological cascades that improve our health and performance. Saunas have been used for thousands of years and are one of the most popular hormetic devices.

Benefits of saunas for CrossFit athletes include:

  • The activation of heat shock proteins
  • Improved heart health and cardio fitness
  • Quicker recovery time and reduced muscle soreness
  • More supple skin
  • Improved circulation
  • Positive impact on inflammatory markers
  • Improved brain function

Using ice baths for CrossFit can have similar benefits however they do differ slightly. One difference is improved cognitive ability through enhanced mental resilience, clarity, focus and mood along with stress relief. Ice baths help you to build up your tolerance to stressors so you can push through challenges better and more importantly, using ice baths for CrossFit is also an effective way to aid recovery.

If you use both ice baths and saunas for CrossFit, alternating between hot & cold can boost these benefits of both whilst adding even more positive health outcomes. Hot/cold therapy (as this is often referred to) has been shown to trigger your body to release endorphins & adrenaline as well as increase lymphatic circulation and drainage.

Boost Your CrossFit Training With Ice Baths And Saunas For CrossFit

So you can start enjoying the sauna and ice bath benefits for CrossFit, get in touch with us today to find out more and discuss the best ice bath and sauna regime for you & your goals.

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