Cold shower
I bet you are shaking your head wondering why would anyone take cold showers, and shivering by the mere thought of taking one of those so dreaded cold showers. I personally do not like them either. What I enjoy however, are the benefits one can receive from taking these cold showers. Before listing those benefits, let me tell you a little bit about how did I become interested in cold showers?
JUMPING ON THE WIM HOF WAGON
I've always been fascinated by all of the things the human mind and body can accomplish. This took me on this quest to become the best version of myself. But in order to do so, I must break down my comfort zone. This is where Wim Hof comes in.
I found out about Wim Hof a few years back because of his teachings about accessing a deeper level of awareness and control of the human body and mind through a breathing method and taking cold showers. Wim has done many crazy and unbelievable feats involving swimming in icy lakes, running shirtless in the winter cold, or simply taking cold showers. The benefits of cold showers go further than just the physiological aspects as Wim explains that "the cold is an absolute doorway to the soul". But let's just focus on the physiological benefits of taking cold showers for now.
Benefits of cold showers
1. COLD SHOWERS CAN HELP YOU LOSE WEIGHT
In case you are not aware yet, the human body stores 2 types of Fat: White and Brown fat. Brown fat is referred to as the "good" fat because it generates heat to keep the body warm when in a cold environment. Therefore cold showers help you get rid of some fat by stimulating the burning of brown fat in your body.
2. IMPROVE BLOOD CIRCULATION
More blood is being sent to your organs to keep them warm when taking cold showers. The circulatory system is being stimulated on a larger scale, helping with the health of your cardiovascular system as well.
3. IMPROVEMENT IN MUSCLE SORENESS AND RECOVERY
It is well known that the professional athletes take icy bath or cold showers for proper muscle recovery. Couple of studies have been done over the years explaining the benefits of putting your body in such a cold environment after working out. The increase blood flow in muscles and the decrease development on inflammation (due to muscle tissue break down which happens during resistance and weight training) are the some of the amazing benefits athletes can receive from taking cold showers.
AND SO MUCH MORE...
There are many more benefits from taking cold showers, but I decided to only focus on the most important ones relating to physical activity.
This youtube video gives you more insights on the hidden benefits of cold showers: click here.
As well as this article form Performance Insiders: The #7 Weird Facts Showing The Amazing Benefits of Cold Showers.
Evidence based studies
Start taking cold showers today and build up your comfort zone with it through time by increasing your time in the cold. You will start feeling the difference in your physical and mental state within a week.
I personally try to take cold showers at the end of my regular warm showers for 30sec to 3min at most.
Give it a shot today and start strengthening your immune system.