Question about a recovery article.

karky · 08-03-2006, 04:15 PM

http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do...ydra?id=551687

the contrast shower is what im asking about.
they give examples of different things, depending on what workout you did.
If its high intensity for strenght or speed or if its high volume for strenght-endurance or hypertrophy.

So i train for strenght, but i do know i get high volume, spechally on the back/upper traps. since i do oly moves, rows, face pulls, and overhead presses. The oly moves use the upper traps alot in the shrugging motion, so does overhead presses. The upper back getts worked in the oly moves too, but i have pretty high volume on it with rows and stuff also. so im not sure which catagory i fall under.

BTW: T-nation recommended a shower buddy for optimal results.. anyone?

Lost Dog · 08-03-2006, 04:43 PM

Personally, I say to forget the contrast showers. What a horrible experience!

I think it was Cosgrove (on the fitcast) that said something to the effect that something that felt that awful couldn't really help with recovery. Recovery is about relaxing and rest. Contrast showers do neither.

Paraphrasing, of course.

Inspired · 08-03-2006, 04:50 PM

I got the perfect solution to your problem..

Steriods.

Hey, JK.. That's bad advice.. Listen to LD

karky · 08-03-2006, 05:03 PM

actually LD, when i get home from the gym, i love a cold shower :P spechally now that the weather is so hot outside here.

Inspired · 08-03-2006, 05:05 PM

Alieve/Cold shower (or ice), get lots of protein.

Soreness comes with the territory.

Lost Dog · 08-03-2006, 05:13 PM

Well, if you like a cold shower, then by all means, do the contrasts!

I hate them and only do them if I have to go to work afterward, so I sweat less.

Keith Scott · 08-04-2006, 12:52 PM

I dont use contrast showers but have used forms of contrast baths both myself and with my athletes.......they do help with pain and usually people walk away feeling better.

Side note: MOST (not all) of the experience I have had using them was with injuries........

luniz · 08-04-2006, 03:37 PM

I also like contrast showers. They leave me feeling very relaxed...at least I feel like I need a nap afterwards. I also use Icey hot when I have pain (not just soreness) and it seems to help a lot sometimes.