Our collective obsession with wellness, coupled with year-round warm weather, means it’s always ice bath season on the Gold Coast. So, where should you dip your toe (literally and figuratively) into this popular trend? At one of these Gold Coast ice baths, that’s where.
But first, a bit about ice baths. They’re popular among athletes for their perceived ability to aid in recovery, especially after intense exercise. And it’s not some new-fangled wellness trend, either – apparently, humans have been using ice baths to sooth injuries and fatigue since 5000 BC.
The jury is still out on whether ice baths do more than just make you feel good (though, some would argue, isn’t that enough?), and the supporting evidence seems to be mostly anecdotal. Your friend who runs marathons probably ‘can’t live without them’. A woman we spoke to at one of the below bathhouses (we were researching, okay?) said daily rotations of the ice bath and sauna had ‘practically cured’ her chronic knee pain.
On the other hand, some experts say there are few proven benefits. This 2017 study, for example, found cold water immersion was no more effective at reducing inflammation and muscle and tissue damage than active recovery. Of course, there’s also the minor risk of hypothermia and possible shock – sounds dramatic, but it’s technically possible.
All of this to say, ice baths are totally worth a try, just don’t go too hard – it’s not a competition. And probably check with your doctor if you have any known health conditions before hopping in.
Happy ice bathing!