Enter the ice plunge – a bonafide, scientifically supported gateway into towering physique, splendid health and unequaled body resilience.
Contrary to instinct and agreeable reasoning, subjecting your body to cold bath could be quite the lifeline than the imagined ordeal. It sounds daunting, I bet, the idea of being engulfed in a bath of ice. Indeed, on face value, one could contend that it’s consent to bodily affliction. An alpha knows when to acknowledge the logical discomforts and embarks on the trajectory of scientific enlightenment.
The art of cold submersion owes its origin to the ancients, who reveled in the understood benefits associated to solemn “cold rituals.” The indigenous tribe of Tokyo considered it a ceremonial highlight dating back to the 17th century (Nanci, 2001). So esteemed was this ritual that a cold plunge was deemed revitalising—a cleansing dais on which participants affirmed their health supremacy. A promenade traversed by some so-called ‘giants’ of athletes nowadays is signaling that something similar isn’t entirely out of reach for us. Modern outliers and high performers ranging from Tony Robbins, Tim Ferris to Wim Hof integrate cold thermogenesis in their regimen (Robbins, Ferriss, & Hof, 2019). But it’s important to know why.
Firstly, it shoot ups our metabolism, simply because, the body tries to heat up to balance the chill, thereby inducing calorie consumption. Boosting metabolism, in translation, is enhanced nutritional utility, and eventual health improvement. Research conducted by the National Institutes of Health (Shiota et al., 2017) showcases that intermittent mild cold exposure can lead to a notable shift in our body mass index (BMI).
Secondly, regular ice plunging increases circulation in our bodies, by pushing blood through all our vessels, both major and minor (Inslicht et al., 2016). This vascular workout keeps the heart pumping and the body oxygenated—a process which flushes out toxins, supplies crucial nutrition to muscles and enhances cell regeneration.
Thirdly, it’s a natural rehabilitation and recovery technique that reduces inflammation and accelerates the healing of muscles. A study in the Physicians and Sports Medicine journal showed that cold hydrotherapy improved recovery time after weight training exercises (Vaile et al., 2008).
Fourthly, it can significantly reduce stress and defuse anxiety, contributing to increased mental clarity and wellness. A Van Wijk and Otte Review, 2018 at Amsterdam University medical school, tied cold exposure to increased neurological levels of multiple mood-deepening endorphins.
All this in mind, the idea that an icy-cold plunge can bring so much underlying warmth to our lives is undeniably appealing. Now the glow should be blindingly obvious. It’s time to pull the Alpha into you, welcome a bit of a chill, and, in return, open the door to unequaled survival, superior health, and financial productivity erupting from the wellspring of physical resilience and wellness.
Final advice to the alpha: you’ve to respect the cold. Listen to your body and don’t overdo nothing. Then ice plunging will confer you vitality and vigor– unparalleled trophies of an Alpha.
References:
– Nanci Newton (2001). The Complete History of Cold Water Therapy. Massachusets: Everbest publishing.
– Robbins A, Ferriss T, Hof W. (2019). Mastering Inner/Outer You. Montecito: Transworld Press.
– Shiota M, et al. (2017) Beige Adipogenesis Induced by Mild Cold Conditioning. NIH.
– Inslicht S, et al. (2016). Circadian rhythm of cortisol under conditions of normal routine. Chronobiology International, 33 (4), 421-431.
– Vaile J, et al. (2008). Effect of hydrotherapy on recovery from fatigue. International Journal Sports Medicine, 29 (7), 539-544.
– Van Wijk C, Otte W.(2018). Therapeutic effects of a cold-stress-induced increase in brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels on physiological and pathological pain in rats. Pain,159(2):365-375.
