Chilling Performances: Sprinters Take the Plunge into Ice Baths for Faster Recovery

Ice baths and cold water immersion offer several benefits to the sprinters of FAST Running. Available at the FAST Recovery Centre as well as at the track, the mobile Ice Bath helps athletes reduce inflammation and swelling, in order to speed up recovery.

FAST Running engages with its members in many ways. Through our shared goal of running excellence, recovery plays a significant role in helping us all achieve that.

The cold temperature of the water in an Ice Bath helps to decrease metabolic activity and slow down physiological processes, such as muscle soreness and fatigue, which can expedite the recovery process after intense sprinting sessions or competitions.

In combination or alternating between hot and cold water (contrast baths), athletes can stimulate blood flow and improve circulation, which can aid in the removal of metabolic waste products (lactic acid) from the muscles, promoting faster recovery.

As a group activity, FAST endures the discomfort of an ice bath to help develop mental toughness and discipline, important qualities for success in sprinting competitions.

For more information on how we use cold water immersion, please contact Canberra Sprint Coach, Steve Dodt.