As you know, I’m all about helping women over 40, 50, 60 and 70+ get into amazing shape. But sometimes, pushing our boundaries means stepping out of our comfort zones—way out. For me, that meant taking a cold plunge, literally!
My experience was both chilling and enlightening—cold water therapy.
Why Cold Water Therapy?
Cold water therapy has been making waves (pun intended) for its supposed health benefits, from boosting immunity to aiding fat loss. I’ve been intrigued by its potential to improve pain management and enhance overall well-being. The Wim Hof Method, which combines cold exposure with breathing techniques, promises to bring a host of benefits including better focus, reduced stress levels, and improved sleep.
Having spent part of my childhood in hot climates, I have never been a fan of the cold. In fact, I remember my first winter in the UK—painfully cold! So, cold water therapy has always felt like an uphill battle. But, driven by curiosity and the challenge, I decided to give it a shot.
The Challenge Begins
I set a goal to try cold showers for 7 days. To kick off, I turned the tap to cold and braved my first shower. Here’s how it went:
- Day 1: I gingerly stepped into the cold water, feeling like I was facing my worst nightmare. The first minute was a mix of shock and discomfort, but once I got through it, I felt a surprising warm glow afterward.
- Days 2-5: I increased the time gradually, hitting 2 minutes. Despite the initial dread, I noticed a slight improvement each day. However, the experience still left me shivering and gasping for breath.
- Day 6: I hit a wall—tiredness and the need to wash my hair made me question the effort. I took a break, which extended to about two weeks.
- Reattempt: I came back to it with renewed determination but only managed a couple more days before deciding that enough was enough.
What I Learned
Cold water therapy is definitely not for everyone. The benefits, while touted as significant, require a consistent effort that I struggled with. I experienced a brief period of feeling good after each session, but the discomfort of getting into cold water was a big hurdle.
Here’s what I took away:
- Positives: Post-shower, I felt a warm glow and a sense of accomplishment. There might be health benefits, but they’re more noticeable with longer-term commitment.
- Negatives: The initial shock of cold water was too much for me, making it hard to stay consistent.
Final Thoughts
If you love the cold or are looking for an additional boost to your wellness routine, cold water therapy might be worth a try. But don’t feel pressured to dive in if it’s not your thing. There are plenty of other effective ways to support fat loss and overall health that might suit you better.
Would I do it again? Maybe for a short-term challenge or a specific reason, but it’s not something I’d incorporate daily. It’s one of those trendy methods that might work for some but isn’t necessary for everyone.