You have probably heard of cryotherapy, the trend where people stand in a freezing chamber of air for three minutes, but have you ever thought of trying it before your workout?
Cryotherapy is quickly becoming a popular routine among athletes and gym-goers and for a good reason.
Cold chambers and cryotherapy can help you prepare for your workout and improve your performance.
If you are skeptical, don't worry. We have compiled a list of five reasons why you should try cryotherapy before your workouts.
1)) Reduce Inflammation
After a hard workout, your muscles will go through a process known as inflammation, which is a natural response of the body to any tissue injury.
Although inflammation is necessary to repair your muscles, it can lead to soreness and stiffness, making it harder for you to work out the next day.
Cryotherapy can help reduce inflammation by numbing the pain receptors and reducing the flow of blood to the injured area.
2)) Increase Energy Levels
One of the reasons why most people struggle with working out is a lack of energy.
Cryotherapy can help increase your energy flow by making you more alert and awake before your workout.
A cold session will also help trigger the release of endorphins, which are natural pain and stress-fighting hormones that will help you power through your workouts.
3)) Improve Muscle Recovery
Cryotherapy can help improve the recovery of your muscles after a workout by increasing blood circulation.
The cold chamber sends blood away from the extremities to the core of the body, where it's oxygenated.
Once it's pumped back to the arms and legs, it's rich in nutrients, which speeds up muscle recovery.
4)) Improve Mental Clarity
Cryotherapy might help you improve mental clarity.
Extreme cold exposure forces your body to divert energy and blood flow from non-essential areas, including your brain.
Once you exit the chamber, your body will rush the blood back to the brain, and you'll experience a mental high.
You will feel more alert, and focused, and have a better mood.
5)) Manage Stress
Studies have shown that cold exposure can help manage stress levels by releasing endorphins that counter the effects of stress hormones.
A cold session can also help trigger the production of norepinephrine, a hormone that regulates the prefrontal cortex, the region of the brain responsible for mood and executive function.
By controlling norepinephrine levels, you can reduce anxiety and stress levels before your workouts.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a way to up your workout routine, cryotherapy might be the solution.
The above benefits of cryotherapy before a workout are just a few of the reasons why gym-goers and athletes are incorporating cold chambers into their routines.
If you live near a cryotherapy center, it's worth a try.
Remember, though, that you should always consult with your doctor and other specialists before trying anything new.
Download Our Free E-book!
