I can not think of the name for this... but its after you work out you take a shower, and alternate between cold and hot? I was wondering how this is beneficial, and is there an order, and how long i should go hot, and cold for? Also if you go really cold after you just work out wouldnt that cramp your muscles?
Uh... Just take a friggin' warm shower like everyone else, and dry off and be done with it.
Unless you are at one of those fancy spas that has a hot tub next to a cold tub. If that's the case, then knock yourself out. It feels really good, but I don't know what kind of "benefit" you are looking for. I know what cold showers are good for, and if you are like most of us guys, you could probably use one every now and then! [img]tongue.gif[/img]
The only time I "cramped" when doing the hot/cold thing was when the gym I was at had some pool/spa issues. The hot tub was hotter than normal and the pool went from 84 into the 70s. I took a post workout shower, then dived into the pool. *yikes* My left calf started to knot, it hurt pretty bad. This from a guy who will surf in 52 degree water in trunks only.
After gym I take a warm shower, then end it with all cold water. Helps get the blood flowing and cools me down.
Avoid very hot showers, they can be bad for your skin. My wife likes 'em so hot that she could do a crawfish boil while she's in there. [img]tongue.gif[/img] Moving between very hot and very cold can raise your blood pressure too.
Alternate between 30 seconds of cold water and two minutes of hot water. Perform this cycle three or four times. This technique is very effective at increasing peripheral blood flow, thus facilitating recovery. Again, don’t use this method if you're suffering from an overuse injury or excessive inflammation.
Note that the warmth of the hot water segment will vary in its effect. You should be careful to select the proper temperature for your objective. For example, very hot water (104-113 Fahrenheit or 40-45 degrees Celsius) lowers muscle tension and decreases neuralgia. Warm water (95-99 Fahrenheit or 35-38 degrees Celsius) will mostly have a general relaxing effect.
According to Kurz (2001), the type of baths/showers you use should vary according to your activity. Use a warm or hot bath after a strength and speed-strength session. Use a cool bath after an endurance workout.
For best results, T-Nation recommends a shower buddy.
In the case of contrast showers and relative to strength training, I'll make the following recommendations:
1) After a high intensity workout (strength or speed-strength work), alternate between 30 seconds of cool water (but not too cold) and two minutes of hot water.
2) After a high volume workout (hypertrophy or strength-endurance work), alternate between 30 seconds of cold (as cold as you can stand) and two minutes of warm water."
__________________
Regret for the things we did can be tempered by time; it is regret for the things we did not do that is inconsolable. -- Sidney J. Harris
quote:For best results, T-Nation recommends a shower buddy.
haha... classic! [/quote]I thought I was the only one that noticed that [/quote]So... TG, you got a buddy yet? [/quote]LOL...sorry to disappoint...but I do. Thanks for the offer though
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