Why Cold Plunge Pools and Hot Saunas Are the Perfect Health Combo
Life Coach Tony Robbins has plenty of winning habits. One of his favourites is starting his morning with five minutes in an extra-hot sauna then dipping into a cold plunge pool.
This isn't just a fun way to start the day. There is a lot of research that highlights the health benefits of cold plunge pools coupled with sauna use.
Read on to learn more.
Cold Plunge Pools
One of the trendiest items to have in your garden these days is bespoke plunge pools. What is a plunge pool, you ask?
Plunge pools are small swimming pools that are un-heated or kept on very low heat. The point of these pools is to cool down and relax. Many people use them after a sauna to recreate a Finnish health spa experience.
They are perfect for small gardens in Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire where a traditional swimming pool isn't possible. We deliver custom-made plunge pools to fit your exact space and requirements.
They can be deep or shallow and in any shape you like.
Cold Plunge Pools and Saunas — A Winning Combo
There are many health benefits of cold plunge pools paired with hot saunas.
Dr Rhonda Perciavalle Patrick discusses hyperthermic conditioning which is basically what happens when you use cold plunge pools and saunas.
Hyperthermic conditioning trains your body to better deal with elevated core body temperature. Some of the ways your body adapts include the following:
- Lower heart ❤️ rate
- More blood flow to muscle and tissue
- More sweat 💦 and sweat sensitivity
- Increased red blood cell count
- Better efficiency of oxygen transport to muscles 💪
- Improved cardiovascular mechanisms
- Lower core body temperature 🌡️ during exercise
Participating in a hot sauna and then a cold pool puts your body into extreme conditions. These conditions do a lot of things to your system. It reduces lactic acid buildup in your muscles, stimulates the production of the human growth hormone, and releases several other hormones.
So what are the results? The body can endure more physical exertion and recover faster.
Moving from intense heat to intense cold increases the body's heart rate, constricts blood vessels, and results in a quick flush of adrenaline and endorphins.
In other words, it feels exhilarating for your body and mind. Not to mention that there is a lot of research on the health benefits of swimming.
Here are the specific health benefits you can expect from cold plunge pools after saunas.
Reduced Inflammation
Due to the way that the hot and cold constricts blood vessels, this technique can be very beneficial for those that suffer from inflammation due to health conditions like diabetes, cancer and more.
The plunge technique can offer joint relief for various ailments.
Improved Blood Flow
One of the reasons that this sauna/plunge pool technique is so enjoyable is because of the increased blood flow.
As more oxygen-rich blood cells zip around your body faster your lungs, heart and muscles feel the effects.
Long term effects of better blood flow allow the white blood cells in you to get to areas they need to in order to fight infection and disease. Good blood flow also keeps your organs in optimal working condition.
Plus, efficient circulation helps remove waste from your various organs.
Hydrated and Supple Skin
Have you noticed that this hot/cold technique often happens at spas? Not only does this have many health benefits for your mind and body, but it also works wonders on your skin.
The increased blood circulation closes your pores. That means that bacteria, dirt, and other foreign substances can't penetrate. This reduces your risk of acne, fine lines and wrinkles.
Better Mood
Most things that are good for your body are also good for your mind such as yoga, running, swimming and so on. Cold plunge pools and saunas are no different.
As your heart rate picks up, so does your adrenaline. Your brain then releases 'feel-good' hormones called endorphins.
Endorphins have been proven to ease pain, increase feelings of pleasure and improve your mood. Who doesn't want that?
Detox Your Body
Undergoing a hot/cold cycle triggers your lymphatic system to circulate. The lymphatic system is responsible for eliminating waste from the body. In other words, doing this technique regularly flushes your body of waste.
Origins of Hot Sauna Cold Plunge
Now that you know the reasons why a sauna and plunge pool work, let's turn our attention to the history of this long-standing health practice.
You might be surprised to learn that cold plunges and saunas date back to 500 B.C.
The ancient Romans, Egyptians and Greeks all participated in cold baths. Over time, saunas came into the mix. A hot-cold plunge technique is also part of ancient Chinese medicine.
More recently, this technique was perfected by Nordic people which is why you might have seen this technique at Scandinavian spas or health resorts.
The Nordic cycle includes a 20-minute sojourn in a sauna followed by a dip in cold water. Then, people can repeat the process of hot and cold until their body is completely relaxed.
This cycle of hot and cold triggers blood vessels to constrict very quickly. As a result, your blood pressure becomes elevated. The physical and psychological benefits of this cycle are noticeable immediately.
Design Your Health Retreat at Home
There you have it! Now you know all there is to know about saunas and cold plunge pools for health and wellness. Remember to always consult your doctor before beginning any health or exercise routine.
Instead of paying to go to a spa for this hot/cold treatment, why not build your own? At Deep End Pools we are luxury swimming pool builders here to help you every step of the way.
