I thought some people might find this useful. I’ve been looking for a way to make ice bathing quick and easy for the summer. I was using my pool all winter. However, it’s now Summer and I live in Las Vegas.
Costco is selling 165QT Marine Coolers for $79. They usually are around $150-$300. It’s supposed to keep ice for 7 days. If you’re small enough you can fit inside one. I’m 5’11" and 155lbs. I find it snug at the hips but I can get in no problem. Now all I have to do is buy ice once or twice a week and I can ice bath whenever I want.
For the record my knees are fully covered when it’s full.
I wish I had pictures, but my cross-country coach bought two sizes of trash cans. He put a couple of bricks on the bottom of the larger one, and then filled the rest of the space with aluminum foil and styrofoam, and then the smaller one on the inside.
Ice would keep for 4-5 days. Reallly, really cold, and he said he paid $30 for each of the two coolers.
I wish I had pictures, but my cross-country coach bought two sizes of trash cans. He put a couple of bricks on the bottom of the larger one, and then filled the rest of the space with aluminum foil and styrofoam, and then the smaller one on the inside.
Ice would keep for 4-5 days. Reallly, really cold, and he said he paid $30 for each of the two coolers.
I was thinking of just a $20 50 gallon plastic tote @ Wal Mart. I sat in one at the store to see how it fits and got some funny looks. But I can see how a cooler would be nice to keep ice longer. I also read (and been told by someone who interned at the Olympic training center) that 52 degrees is the perfect temp for ice baths.
I did the same thing. Ice keeps a week in mine on my lanai in the shade. Damn cold ice water and you don’t have to keep buying ice. Makes the ice bath post a shorter worker a little more feasible.
I’ve heard different things. I think the water temperature can change the recommended length of time. If the water is below 50 deg. I stay in for 6-8 mins. If it’s closer to 55 deg. I stay in up to 15 mins.
As I was sitting in my ice bath today, I thought of a great new idea… neoprene jock strap. I mean, I totally wouldn’t buy it, cause I can handle it, but I’m sure if theres a market for compression socks…
That’s certainly a cheap and effective way to take an ice bath.
Can I ask, though, does anyone know of any evidence (scientific studies, not n=1 “I took ice baths and did a PB!” anecdotes) that ice baths have the claimed effects/benefits?
I’m aware of one study from the University of Melbourne, Oz that found no benefit, and possibly some minor harm. I couldn’t find the original study, but Google showed up this BBC comment on the study: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/6287210.stm
I couldn’t locate any study supporting a link between ice baths and faster recovery. I have a personal hunch that this kind of interference with the body’s natural response to training stress is more likely to hinder than assist recovery (that’s not science, either, I just find it reasonable. I understand, for example, that recent studies have found that taking NSAIDS actually slows recovery. Same difference, I’m thinking.)
Not trying to pour cold water on anyone’s beloved ice baths. Just interested if anyone has evidence-based support vs ‘it just feels good’ (nothing wrong with that, although I think it feels lousy) vs blindly copying what the rock stars are supposedly doing.
If there is no scientific evidence for the benefits of ice baths as a recovery aid, and if the studies that went looking for that evidence found that in fact ice baths might retard recovery, who is going to keep using them (for “recovery” or anything else) and why??
As I was sitting in my ice bath today, I thought of a great new idea… neoprene jock strap. I mean, I totally wouldn’t buy it, cause I can handle it, but I’m sure if theres a market for compression socks…
Great idea. Until they develop that, I just take a wash cloth, run it under hot water for a couple seconds, then tuck it down the jammers and around the boys. What is incredible is that it normally stays warm (comparatively speaking) for nearly 15 min.
I’d suggest the lack of replies is not because they are unwilling to debate your question, but because you just hijacked what was a pretty fun thread.
Mmmm perhaps… Sorry for that, then.
I’m not looking for a debate, just asking questions. I do find that posters here are usually pretty keen to show off their knowledge, so I was wondering if they have any to share.
If there is no scientific evidence for the benefits of ice baths as a recovery aid, and if the studies that went looking for that evidence found that in fact ice baths might retard recovery, who is going to keep using them (for “recovery” or anything else) and why??
I can’t answer you with a scientific study that says “X” number of atheltes recovered “y” percent better and performed “z” percent better because of ice baths…
However, I can tell you that after a 3 hour ride when my legs are aching an ice bath sure helps calm them down. Also, if I have an injury it helps to calm the pain. I know saying “it feels good” isn’t scientific but I personally like ice baths.
In fact I’m going to hop in my cooler right now! Say a prayer for the boys
Well, I did say there was nothing wrong with “it just feels good”. And pain reduction makes sense - that’s why most people would take NSAIDS even if they retarded recovery.
Anyway, you’re in the hole for $79 now. If you stopped, you’d have nothing to show for that fortune sunk, except somewhere to keep the beer cold.
Do you mind if I don’t pray for your boys? I’m not religious (not that there’s anything wrong with that), nor gay (not that there’s anything wrong with that), so it would feel kinda wrong. They’ll have to survive on their own, with whatever remains of each other for company.
