does anyone know the theory behind using hot/cold interval showers to promote recovery? ive seen it mentioned numerous times in articles and ive heard guys talking about it. anyone?
We used to do that when I ran track after hard workout days. I think it definitely helps to get the blood flowing and speed up recovery. You just have to make sure to end on cold to keep down any muscle inflammations.
I was first introduced to that theory by Strength & Health magazine in the late sixties. The idea is that you start warm and slow lower the water temperature to drive out the blood and waste products. Then you increase the water temperature to bring in more blood and repeat the process. It was though that several cycle of this would greatly reduced waste produces in the muscle (& soreness)and decrease recovery time. I don’t know if it has be studied in detail. Anyone else heard anything?
Try a search using the keywords “contrast baths”.