Heat & Cold Body Therapies: Things You Must Watch Out For Now

Saunas, hot tubs, ice baths, cold plunges, floatation tanks, the list goes on and on. This is the latest trend and for good reason! There are countless benefits that these body therapies offer and it doesn't take up much time or space. The added benefit is that you can have this at the convenience of your home (indoor or outdoor).

With so many options available, it can be hard to know which one is right for you and how to get the most out of it.

No one size fits all. The below will vary based on your individual health, fitness level, and tolerance for the heat or cold. Please listen to your body and adjust accordingly. Don't risk ruining your therapy session with improper preparation or lack of understanding about the different types and their benefits.

Today, we will guide you through the ins and outs of heat and cold body therapies, including how to prep, what to wear, and how to maximize your benefits. Get all the tips and tricks right here to amplify your relaxation and wellness routine!

Here Are Some General Guidelines When You Start Off On Your Heat & Cold Body Therapies:

What Are The Different Types of Heat & Cold Body Therapies?

• Saunas: Heat therapy rooms or enclosures that use dry or wet heat - you essentially walk into this space with high temperatures - often used for relaxation, relief of muscle and stress, improve sleep and boost immune system
• Hot Tubs: Large tubs filled with heated water and jets - you essentially sit in this tub with high temperatures - often used for relaxation, relief of muscle and stress, improve sleep, ease joint pain and stiffness
• Ice Baths: Tubs filled with cold water and ice - you essentially sit in this tub with cold temperatures - often used to reduce inflammation, speed up recovery after exercise, and improve circulation
• Cold Plunges: Shallow pools filled with cold water - you essentially sit in this pool with cold temperatures - often used to reduce inflammation, speed up recovery after exercise, and improve circulation
• Floatation Tanks: AKA sensory deprivation tanks or isolation tanks are large tanks filled with water and heated to body temperature and infused with Epsom salt - you essentially float on the surface of the water which is designed to be completely dark, quiet and free of sensory stimulation - often used for relaxation, relief of muscle and stress, improving sleep, and reducing anxiety and stress

What Is The Difference Between Heat & Cold Body Therapies Other Than Temperature? Which One Is Right For Me?

• Heat: Usually to help with relaxing muscles, improve circulation, and promote respiratory health
• Cold: Usually to help with reduce inflammation, improve circulation, boost immune system, and promote recovery after exercise

How Do You Prep For These Heat & Cold Body Therapies?

• Eat: Generally recommended to eat a small, light meal beforehand to help maintain your energy and blood sugar levels
• Drink Water: Drink plenty to help your body regulate its temperature and prevent dehydration
• Remove Jewelry: Remove any jewelry, watches, or other metal items - it may cause discomfort or burns
• Shower: Helps to remove any sweat, dirt and oils from your skin - can actually improve effectiveness of the therapy and reduce risk of infections
• No Lotion: Lotion can prevent the heat or cold from reaching your skin - it will reduce the effectiveness of the therapy

What Should I Wear For Sauna, Hot Tub, Ice Bath, Cold Plunge, and Floatation Tank?

• Saunas: Wear loose, lightweight clothing made of natural fibers such as cotton or linen -- avoid synthetic materials such as polyester or nylon (these trap heat and moisture which you do not want)
• Hot Tubs: Wear swimsuit or swim trunk made of waterproof materials such as polyester or nylon - you can also wear waterproof cover-ups to protect your skin from the heat
• Ice Baths: Wear swimsuit or swim trunk made of waterproof materials such as polyester or nylon - you can also wear waterproof cover-ups to protect your skin from the cold
• Cold Plunges: Wear warm, dry clothing made of natural fibers such as cotton or wool (they will help insulate your body and protect it from the cold) -- avoid synthetic materials
• Floatation Tanks: Wear loose, lightweight clothing made of natural fibers such as cotton or linen -- no jewelry, watch, or other metal objects

What Are The Recommended Temperatures and Time Spent For Maximum Benefit for Saunas, Hot Tubs, Ice Baths, and Floatation Tanks?

 
Please note that these are general estimates. The actual time, temperature, and frequency of use will depend on your goals, preferences, and tolerance. Pay attention to your body and do not push yourself beyond your limits.

I know I am competitive and want to stay there the longest. BUT it is not worth it. You will end up doing more damage than good.

Also, you can take breaks in between!

Can You Do Sauna (Hot) First And Then Ice Bath (Cold) After? How To Maximize Benefits?

Generally, you can do sauna and then ice bath right after. This is called "contrast therapy" which many people do. It can be very effective at reducing inflammation, improving circulation, and promoting recovery after exercise.

It doesn't matter which order you do - you can do ice bath then sauna as well. You can also repeat these cycles a couple of times -- ice bath, sauna, ice bath, sauna, etc. -- just remember to listen to your body. Play around with it and see what works and feels good.

At Amplify Your Home, we understand the importance of finding the right products to support your wellness journey. That's why we carefully research and select the best for our collection. Start your journey with us now by browsing our selection of saunas, hot tubs, ice baths, cold plunges, and floatation tanks.

Shop now and get started on the path to relaxation, recovery and overall wellness within minutes of your house.