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Boy Mom Melissa Joan Hart & Her Two Sons Took ‘Cold Plunging to the Next Level' in Rare Family Photo
Boy Mom Melissa Joan Hart & Her Two Sons Took ‘Cold Plunging to the Next Level' in Rare Family Photo

Yahoo

time3 days ago

  • Entertainment
  • Yahoo

Boy Mom Melissa Joan Hart & Her Two Sons Took ‘Cold Plunging to the Next Level' in Rare Family Photo

When Melissa Joan Hart and her kids go on vacation, they do some pretty cosmic things together. While it wasn't a full family trip, it was one we're sure they won't forget: especially since they decided to do something rather daring together. On May 30, the Sabrina the Teenage Witch star shared a sweet vacay photo on her Instagram with the caption reading, 'Taking cold plunging to the next level! #Laketahoe.' More from SheKnows Wayne Gretzky's Daughter Paulina Solidifies Style Icon Status With a Springtime Version of an LBD In the photo, we see Hart in a one-piece with two of her sons, all of whom are in Lake Tahoe. Fun fact: Lake Tahoe has famously cold waters, making it a go-to for cold plunge therapy. Per Mayo Clinic, cold plunge therapy is when you submerge yourself in cold water for a few minutes to help reduce inflammation, boost mood, and improve circulation. The family that cold plunges together, stays together. That's how that goes, right? For those who don't know, Hart and musician Mark Wilkerson married in 2003 after one year of dating. They later welcomed three sons named: Mason, born in Jan 2006, Braydon, born in March 2008, and Tucker, born in Sept 2012. In a previous chat with SheKnows at the Variety Power of Women in 2024, she spoke about being a mom to three boys. 'Three boys can be a little overwhelming…There are some tough moments, but I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world because it's the greatest job I've ever had,' she said to of SheKnows 19 Celebrity Parents With Trans & Nonbinary Kids 20 of Serena Williams' Most Adorable Motherhood Moments 30+ Baby Names With Ivy League Vibes — No Degree Required

Are ice baths good for you? The benefits and risks of a cold plunge.
Are ice baths good for you? The benefits and risks of a cold plunge.

Yahoo

time5 days ago

  • Health
  • Yahoo

Are ice baths good for you? The benefits and risks of a cold plunge.

Soothing sore muscles. Improving mood and sleep. Accelerating weight loss. Vagus nerve stimulation. Wellness enthusiasts, athletes, and maybe even your gym buddy are regularly praising ice baths for a wide range of benefits. And today's fans of cryotherapy—the use of cold for therapeutic purposes—aren't on to anything new. Ancient Egyptians and Hippocrates all have touted the healing benefits of cold water. 'This has been around for a really long time,' says Dr. Georgine Nanos, a board-certified family physician and owner of Kind Health Group, in an interview with Popular Science. But was Hippocrates onto something? Research shows that the effectiveness of ice baths depends on their intended purpose. An ice bath or cold plunge typically involves immersing yourself in frigid water—either in a tub filled with ice or a naturally cold body of water. Even a cold shower can offer similar effects. Especially for beginners, moderation is key, Nanos says. She recommends starting with water around 55 degrees to 60 degrees Fahrenheit, staying in for just 30 seconds, and then gradually increasing the duration to one to two minutes. Over a few weeks, and depending on how you feel, you can work up to three to five minutes. Benefits tend to plateau beyond five to six minutes, she points out. Getting colder is possible, but extra caution is required. Nanos advises that anyone immersing themselves in water colder than 45 degrees should be supervised. Cold plunges, she notes, aren't for everyone, especially those with heart conditions, high blood pressure, or a history of arrhythmias or heart attacks. An ice bath 'can worsen an arrhythmia, because when you're in the cold, it can increase oxidative stress and suppress short-term immune responses, and that can cause gasping and hyperventilation and acute cardiac strain,' Nanos explains. From a scientific standpoint, cold water exposure triggers a series of internal changes in our body. It activates the sympathetic nervous system and releases a cascade of hormones called catecholamines, such as norepinephrine and dopamine, according to Nanos. 'Those are like our feel-good hormones,' she says, and their release can improve your mood and alertness. When you plunge into cold water, your blood vessels also narrow—a process called vasoconstriction—to preserve heat, she says. When you come out, your vessels widen again—vasodilation—to bring your body temperature back to normal. Those changes could improve circulation, Nanos says. What's more, cold exposure causes shivering, which is your body trying to generate heat. The theory is that shivering could temporarily raise your metabolism, which some believe could help with losing weight, she says. 'That's the scientific idea, but the evidence for that is not that great,' Nanos explains. So, how do those physiological changes actually help us? Healthcare providers and experts have mostly relied on small clinical studies or observational data to support the potential health benefits of cold-water immersion, Nanos says. But systematic reviews of the research are beginning to shed light on the popular therapy, though everybody notes more study of the impacts is required.. A 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis of cold-water immersion, for example, examined the effects of cold-water immersion across 11 studies involving 3,177 participants. The interventions used either baths or showers with water between 45 degrees to 59 degrees Fahrenheit, lasting anywhere between 30 seconds and two hours. The review found no immediate reduction in stress following cold-water immersion, but participants did report relief 12 hours later. In addition, there were improvements in sleep quality and overall quality of life, although no significant changes in mood were observed. A separate 2023 meta-analysis of 20 studies homed in on how well ice baths help athletes reduce muscle soreness, fatigue, and damage after intense exercise. Researchers found that an ice plunge can help reduce muscle soreness and fatigue immediately after exercise. But they also found that time in frigid water could reduce so-called explosive performance—such as the ability to jump high—immediately after getting out of cold water. And, cautions Nanos, timing seems to matter when it comes to a post-workout ice bath. A 2024 review of eight studies found that cold-water bathing after resistance training could actually reduce muscle growth—a big downside for those seeking to bulk up. 'If you do it too soon, you're blunting muscle protein synthesis,' Nanos says. It's recommended to wait four to six hours after strength training to do a cold plunge—or even only stepping into frigid water on rest or cardio days, she said. So, bottom line, if you enjoy an ice bath and experience benefits, go for it. 'And if it makes you miserable, stop,' Nanos advises . 'Some people just really have a strong aversion to being that cold and their bodies don't adapt, and they don't feel good or they panic. If you find that your body can't regulate, even after starting slowly, it's just not for you.' However, if the cold water calls to you, dive in. This story is part of Popular Science's Ask Us Anything series, where we answer your most outlandish, mind-burning questions, from the ordinary to the off-the-wall. Have something you've always wanted to know? Ask us.

Nicole Kidman, 57, reveals unusual activity she does with husband Keith Urban that makes her a 'good wife'
Nicole Kidman, 57, reveals unusual activity she does with husband Keith Urban that makes her a 'good wife'

Daily Mail​

time23-05-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Daily Mail​

Nicole Kidman, 57, reveals unusual activity she does with husband Keith Urban that makes her a 'good wife'

spilled the beans on one unusual activity she does with her husband Keith Urban which makes her a 'good wife'. The Eyes Wide Shut icon, 57, revealed the thing she likes to do tends to be while she is at home with her husband, also 57. Nicole - who has been happily married to Keith since 2006 - spoke candidly in a recent interview with Allure. She said: 'I watch car auctions with my husband. That's a good wife.' The Aussie actress also said her nighttime activities might change from time - and it can include a cold plunge in the ocean. 'I love the cold ocean. On Big Little Lies, Meryl thought I was nuts; she would see me in the ocean at 6:00 a.m. every day.' From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. It comes not long after the star suffered a wig mishap while making an appearance at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival earlier this month. While walking the red carpet at glitzy events, she donned a blonde hairpiece - but the wig cap was visible and in another instance, the wig itself was off center. During an appearance on Channel Seven's Sunrise this week, Nicole opened up about opting for wigs. 'As you know, I love changing my hair,' the Big Little Lies star expressed, before bringing up the short pixie cut she chose for the 2025 Met Gala in NYC this month. While some fans initially believed that the star was simply unveiling her natural hair, it was soon revealed that it had also been a wig. 'For the Met Gala, everyone was questioning if I had chopped my hair off. But no, I didn't.' During her interview with Danielle Pergament for her new cover story for Allure for its May 2025 issue, Kidman reflected on getting older. When questioned if aging has been difficult, the actress candidly replied: 'Yes. I've always been a future person, and suddenly you go, "Oh." It's coming to terms with the idea that you have no control over the future.' She continued, 'Probably that's to do with losing people very, very suddenly. I have more time behind me than ahead. 'That shift in the ratio becomes a big thing…. You're just always going, "What is all this?" The existential questions. Who are we? Why are we here?"' The Oscar winner is preparing to celebrate her 58th birthday next month on June 20. Nicole also had a discussion about coping with grief following the passing of her mother last year in September. 'Losing my mother changed every part of me,' she admitted to the outlet, revealing that they would talk to each other multiple times a week. The star explained that her mother's death still feels 'so raw' and added she is still 'on the journey of grief, the year of magical thinking.' The beauty has children of her own and is mom to Sunday, 16, and Faith, 14, whom she shares with husband Keith Urban. During her past marriage to actor Tom Cruise, the former couple also adopted Bella, 32, and Connor, 30. During an interview with The Hollywood Reporter last year, Kidman gave insight to her loved ones. 'My husband is a massive part of who I am, and my daughters. My daughters are huge, huge contributors to things in my life, and they open my eyes to things.' Nicole has been keeping busy and recently starred in the second season of the Hulu thriller series Nine Perfect Strangers, which she also executive produces. Other cast members in the new season - which began airing this week on Wednesday - include Henry Golding, Annie Murphy, Christine Baranski, Murray Bartlett, Mark Strong and Lena Olin. The premise of the show is: 'Nine stressed city dwellers visit a boutique health-and-wellness resort that promises healing and transformation. The resort's director is a woman on a mission to reinvigorate their tired minds and bodies,' per IMDB. During an interview with ABC's On The Red Carpet, the actress reflected on the latest season and her own character Masha. 'It's just such a rich story, which lends itself to many different reinventions, and Masha herself is a reinvention every time,' Kidman expressed. 'I'm in the middle of it all, but I get to shine a light on everybody else who's in it, and this time around, it was this extraordinary cast.' While season one took place in Los Angeles, the setting for season two has changed to the Austrian Alps. The second season of Nine Perfect Strangers consists of eight episodes - with the final set to release on Hulu on July 2.

Finland is obsessed with saunas, but are they any good for you?
Finland is obsessed with saunas, but are they any good for you?

BBC News

time21-05-2025

  • Health
  • BBC News

Finland is obsessed with saunas, but are they any good for you?

The Finnish tradition of a sauna followed by a plunge into icy water or a roll in the snow is spreading around the world. What does science say about the claimed health benefits? Sometimes I wonder why I do these things to my body. I'd just been for a mid-winter run in a frozen park in the Finnish city of Oulu. The air temperature was -15C (5F). At 170km (106m) south of the Arctic Circle, this is the world's northernmost Parkrun. Less than an hour later, I ducked into a sauna – a dimly-lit wooden room where intense heat was radiating from a massive wood-burning stove. The thermometer read 85C (185F). As I sat there, sweating like crazy, a fellow sauna-goer threw a ladleful of water onto the stove's hot stones to make "löyly" – Finnish for a sudden burst of steam that surges through the air. It's a powerful sensation, almost shocking. The heat reached deep into my skin and muscles, melting away any tension. But that wasn't enough for me. Stepping outside into the cold air, steam rose from my body, and I clambered down an ice-encrusted ladder into the excruciatingly cold water of the Oulu River, which had a temperature of around 1C (34F). I felt piercing pain, like a million needles striking my skin. But I didn't jump out. Instead, I counted slowly up to 12. And after a few seconds the pain seemd to disappear – I actually felt okay with it. It was almost like an icy hug. When I clambered out, the air around me seemed almost warm. To some, it might sound like the morning schedule of a deranged masochist. But this sequence of cold, hot and then cold again made me feel strangely alive. A sauna followed by an ice bath is known as contrast therapy in sports medicine – and it feels surprisingly good. When I do it, I experience a rush of energy, which gives way to a mood of happiness. It's something I have long enjoyed, like millions of other Finns who regularly take part in the traditional sauna bathing rituals. It is such an important part of life in Scandinavia that Sweden's entry to this year's Eurovision Song Contest – performed by Kaj, whose members hail from Finland – is an ode to the sweaty heat of saunas. The song "Bara Bada Bastu", which translates roughly as "just take a sauna", had been among the favourites in the competition and had been topping the charts ahead of the competition. In the end the performance came in fourth place. To those outside of Finland the lurch from cold, to hot and to cold again can seem extreme, but it is a health craze that is now spreading beyond Scandinavian borders to other parts of the world. So I wanted to delve into the science behind the Finnish sauna and find out whether it really is good for me. "Finns go to the sauna at least once a week and spend between five to 30 minutes in about 80–100C (176-212F) heat," says Heikki Junkkari, a doctor who sits on the board of the Finnish Sauna Society, an organisation that has promoted Finnish sauna culture since 1937. Saunas have existed for thousands of years and going to them is a deeply-rooted part of Finnish life. It unites Finns across generations and regions. Saunas have even made it onto Unesco's Intangible Heritage List. There are an estimated 3.3 million saunas in this country of 5.5 million people, meaning they are accessible to almost everyone. Sauna users often cool off in an icy lake or river or take a cold shower. People typically alternate between hot and cold several times, says Junkkari. But going from heat to ice is an intense experience that affects blood circulation in the human body, says Setor Kunutsor, a cardiovascular epidemiologist at the University of Manitoba. "When you go to the sauna, the temperature inside the body goes up slowly from 37°C (99°F) to as high as 39C (102F). Blood vessels dilate, you start sweating and that reduces blood pressure," he says. "Being immersed in cold water does the opposite: blood vessels contract and blood pressure goes up." Many medical papers have discussed the potential health benefits and risks of saunas and cold baths, but Junkkari warns that many of these studies lack scientific quality. "Very few studies are good quality randomised controlled trials," he says, referring to a scientific methodology in which participants in a study are randomly sorted into groups in order to test the effectiveness of a drug, activity or some other intervention. There are also reports in the medical literature of people who have fallen ill and even died after diving straight from the heat of a sauna into ice cold water. One 1998 study, for example, reported the case of a person in Japan who died from a heart attack after entering cold water immediately after leaving a sauna. Data suggests, however, that these incidents are extremely rare. Most tend to involve people who have been drinking alcohol or have pre-existing conditions. There have been some studies, however, that also warn short sauna baths interspersed with rapid cooling is associated with heart arrhythmia in patients with existing cardiovascular disease. A case report published earlier this year also warned how a patient needed hospital care in Birmingham, UK, for 12 days after suffering heatstroke in a sauna that led to a heart attack, seizures and injury to the liver and kidneys. More like this: But there is other evidence that suggests sauna bathing may well have a protective effect against sudden cardiac death. Kunutsor has worked with Finnish cardiologist and reseracher Jari Laukkanen on some of the largest sauna and ice bath studies to date. Their research is based on data collected during a 20-year period, involving 2,682 middle-aged and older men in eastern Finland. This research, which is part of an ongoing observational study, suggests that there could be positive effects of sauna use on respiratory health, dementia and cardiovascular health. "Going to the sauna a few times a week is associated with a reduced risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and sudden cardiac death," says Kunutsor. The reason, he and his colleagues suspect, may be linked to the effect sauna bathing and cold immersion has on the cardiovascular system as blood vessels rapidly dilate and contract. This may reduce arterial stiffness, they say, but also help to control other risk factors such as inflammation and stress. Those who combine sauna with exercise may experience even more cardiovascular benefits, adds Kunutsor. He and colleagues set up a randomised controlled trial in which one group of 47 participants used a sauna and did exercise three times a week, for eight weeks, while another group only did the exercise. "We found that sauna sessions combined with exercise produced a mean reduction of eight millimetres of mercury," says Kunutsor, referring to a measure of blood pressure. "This is a very substantial reduction." There is also some research that suggests sauna use might also be good for the brain. In 2017, Kunutsor and his colleagues published a study of more than 2,300 men over a 20-year period. Men who took part in two to three sauna sessions a week had a 20% lower risk of Alzheimer's disease and 22% lower risk of dementia than those who only took one weekly sauna. The effect was enhanced the more frequent the sauna use was, with a 66% reduction in dementia and 65% in Alzheimer's disease among those who used a sauna between four and seven times per week, compared with those who only used the sauna once per week. "We've found a strong inverse association between the frequency of sauna bathing and the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease," says Kunutsor. The study did not, however, compare the effects of a sauna against the risk in men who did not use saunas at all and so the results may also reflect something more generally about the lifestyles of people who have time to indulge in sauna bathing in the first place. It is also worth remembering such observational results do not necessarily mean a direct cause and effect relationship between saunas and dementia. Instead it provides a glimpse at an effect that warrants further research. Nonetheless, Kunutsor and Laukkanen's observational research has also found hints that frequent sauna bathing may reduce the risk of mental disorders. Anecdotal reports of psychological benefits associated with sauna use include that of Juha Mieto, a well-known Finnish cross-country skier. He credits saunas with restoring both his and his son's mental well-being after the sudden death of his wife. "It was a huge shock. My son had just turned eight. I started heating the sauna at 6pm every evening. It became a ritual that brought us calm," Mieto recalls. "We kept this up for many years. Sauna played a key role helping us find peace, giving rhythm to our lives." One possible explanation is that people find sitting in a hot, scent-filled room relaxing by triggering short-term changes in certain hormone levels. A randomised controlled study found that regular sauna bathing was effective at reducing the intensity of chronic tension headaches, for example. "When you go to the sauna, hormones that respond to physiological stress will increase. Levels of endorphins, our body's natural mood-boosters, our internal feel-good chemicals, will go up," says Ilpo Huhtaniemi, an endocrinologist at Imperial College London, who co-authored a review of research on how saunas effect hormones. "There's also an increase in growth hormone levels, although all these hormonal changes tend to be short-term." Martha Newson, an associate professor of psychology at the University of Greenwich in the UK, is currently conducting a study with the British Sauna Society to assess how the rituals associated with sauna bathing can effect people's mental wellbeing. "Sauna is a space where our norms and conventions are temporarily suspended – we take off our clothes, sit in close proximity, and endure extremes together," she says. "These are great, ritual environments for our identities to transform." Sauna therapist Laura Foon says the warm, calm atmosphere induces a sense of relaxation. "Today, we're constantly on high alert," she says. "Diving into soothing darkness in the sauna is profoundly healing." It is like returning to the womb, she suggests. The sauna is a reassuringly safe space. But what about when you skip out of the sauna and plunge yourself into a lake shrouded in ice? That's not exactly womb-like. When a person enters cold water, they experience an increase in heart rate and blood pressure – a reaction known as "cold shock". Generally, their heart rate and blood pressure return to normal levels shortly after leaving the water. Somewhat counterintuitively, regular exposure to cold water can lead to a remarkable change in the opposite direction: a decrease in both average heart rate and blood pressure. Huhtaniemi says there's also a hormonal reaction: the cold triggers a release of neurotransmitters, including norepinephrine, which plays an important role in the body's "fight-or-flight" response. It increases blood pressure and causes heightened alertness, also giving a boost of energy. "Cold water raises the levels of other hormones such as serotonin, cortisol, dopamine and endorphin that play a role in emotion and stress regulation," Huhtaniemi says. Ice baths can have various effects on both our bodies and minds, says Antti Lindfors, a cultural researcher at the University of Helsinki, and an ice swimmer who has interviewed other winter swimmers about their experiences. His main finding, based on 640 responses, is that ice swimmers say the activity makes them feel bolder and more self-confident. "People view entering a frozen body of water as a mental feat. Once you've done it, everything else becomes less of a struggle," says Lindfors. Studies suggest that cold amplifies emotions and bodily sensations. Lindfors hypothesises that learning to relax while in cold-induced pain, for example, may help people deal with stress in other areas of their lives. One Finnish study of 49 people found that winter swimmers reported reduced tiredness, improved mood and self-esteem versus a control group. "Winter swimming is probably not a miracle treatment for mental health problems but it's worth trying out," says Lindfors. "The key to success is learning to accept the cold rather than shutting down for a few painful seconds and quickly escaping." Lindfors suggests that the best results occur when people endure temperatures of between 0-10C (32-50F), and over a period of at least 30 seconds for two or three times a week. That said, swimming in very cold water can be dangerous. Some people have died during cold water swimming sessions, due to risks including cold shock and incapacitation. Medical experts say that it can raise your blood pressure to dangerous levels, especially in people with undiagnosed heart conditions, for example. They also recommend having supervision or help close by when undertaking cold water swimming, in case you get into difficulties. There is also the risk of hypothermia if people remain immersed in the cold water for too long. Lindfors cautions that it is important for cold water bathers to acclimatise to the experience by using progressively colder water. "It will take about two weeks for the body to adapt. It's important not to overdo it; stay as long as it feels right," he says. Huhtaniemi agrees. "Doing it little by little is very important," he says. "Gradual adaptation helps minimise any negative effects." Lindfors and Huhtaniemi say it is still not clear how years of ice baths may affect the human body – there have been no long-term studies on this. Knowing there is at least some research supporting the health benefits of saunas and ice baths has added depth to what was previously just a "feels good" ritual for me. Hopefully my body will be a bit more grateful too. * All content within this article is provided for general information only and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of health care professionals. -- For trusted insights into better health and wellbeing rooted in science, sign up to the Health Fix newsletter, while The Essential List delivers a handpicked selection of features and insights. For more science, technology, environment and health stories from the BBC, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram.

Cold Plunges Are a Scam for Women and Science Just Dropped the Mic on This Freezing Hot Fitness Fad
Cold Plunges Are a Scam for Women and Science Just Dropped the Mic on This Freezing Hot Fitness Fad

Sustainability Times

time13-05-2025

  • Health
  • Sustainability Times

Cold Plunges Are a Scam for Women and Science Just Dropped the Mic on This Freezing Hot Fitness Fad

IN A NUTSHELL ❄️ Cold plunges are popular for muscle recovery, but a Swiss study shows no significant benefits for women. are popular for muscle recovery, but a Swiss study shows no significant benefits for women. 🩺 Experts warn about potential risks of cold exposure, especially for individuals with heart and respiratory conditions. warn about potential risks of cold exposure, especially for individuals with heart and respiratory conditions. 🔬 The study highlights the gender gap in sports science, urging for more inclusive and representative research. in sports science, urging for more inclusive and representative research. 💡 Alternative recovery methods like sleep, hydration, and light activity may be safer and more effective. The allure of cold plunges has captivated fitness enthusiasts and wellness influencers alike, promoting the idea that submerging oneself in icy water can significantly aid muscle recovery. The global cold plunge tub market reached an astounding $318.63 million in 2023, underscoring its widespread popularity. Yet, a new study from Switzerland challenges these benefits for women. Could it be that the icy hype lacks substance for half the population? No Meaningful Edge in Recovery The Swiss study took a deep dive into the effects of cold and hot water immersion on muscle recovery in women. Participants were put through a rigorous workout involving multiple sets of drop-jumps designed to induce muscle damage. Post-exercise, they were divided into three groups: cold-water immersion, hot-water immersion, and no immersion. Submerging up to the sternum, participants in the plunge groups underwent this process immediately after exercising and once more two hours later. Interestingly, while physiological changes such as body temperature variations and muscle oxygenation were noted, these did not translate into improved recovery metrics. Key indicators like soreness, knee extensor swelling, creatine kinase levels, and isometric muscle strength were monitored at intervals following the workout. Results showed no significant differences across the groups, questioning the effectiveness of these popular recovery methods. Discover the Top Nutrient-Rich Foods that Can Assist in Your Weight Loss Journey Experts Weigh In on Risks and Benefits Dr. Farah Ahmad from The London General Practice provided insights into the broader implications of cold plunges. While potential benefits such as activating brown adipose tissue and improving insulin sensitivity were acknowledged, the risks could not be overlooked. She highlighted the dangers posed to individuals with pre-existing conditions, noting that sudden cold exposure can lead to rapid heart rate increases and elevated blood pressure, potentially triggering dangerous cardiac events. Moreover, the sudden shock of cold water might cause hyperventilation, a significant risk for those with respiratory ailments like asthma. Individuals with sensitive skin could also experience adverse reactions. These insights underscore the need for caution and the importance of tailor-fit recovery strategies. « This brewing habit could silently hurt you »: these common coffee preparation methods directly linked to increased heart disease risk Study Highlights Gender Gap in Sports Science The Swiss trial stands out for focusing specifically on women, a demographic often overlooked in sports science. Historically, males have dominated studies on training and recovery, leading to a skewed understanding of how these processes work across genders. This study emphasizes the necessity for more inclusive research that considers sex-specific physiological responses and real-world workout contexts. The researchers advocate for future studies that better represent the female population and address the unique needs and responses women might have to recovery protocols. Such research is crucial for developing effective, gender-sensitive recovery strategies in sports and fitness. 'China Can See the Invisible': Beijing Unveils Handheld Tech That Locates U.S. Stealth Aircraft With Pinpoint Accuracy Smarter Ways to Recover In light of the study's findings, alternative recovery methods are gaining attention. Dr. Ravina Bhanot of Zonas Fertility advises a holistic approach focusing on fundamental recovery pillars. She emphasizes the importance of quality sleep, adequate hydration, and balanced nutrition, particularly protein intake, to support muscle repair and growth. Incorporating light activities like walking or yoga, along with occasional massages or heat therapy, can also enhance recovery without the potential risks associated with cold plunges. This comprehensive approach aligns more closely with sustainable wellness practices, offering a safer and potentially more effective path to recovery. As the conversation around cold plunges and their efficacy continues, one must consider whether the icy allure is truly beneficial or merely a trend. With research unveiling new insights, the question remains: How will future studies shape our understanding of effective recovery strategies for both men and women? Did you like it? 4.5/5 (21)

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