Is An Ice Bath or Hot Bath Better for Recovery?

Recovering after a hard workout or long run can be confusing. With ice baths, heat wraps, and other temperature-related therapies out there, how do you know which method is right for you?

In this video, Jason explains what these two methods do to the body and how that impacts when they should be used. So depending on if you're injured or healthy, this video will help you determine when to take an ice bath or when to soak in a hot bath.

Jason Fitzgerald is a USATF running coach, 2:39 marathoner, and the founder of Strength Running (one of the web's most popular running blogs and coaching businesses). A member of the Greatist Expert Network, he's also the 2017 Men's Running Magazine's Influencer of the Year and a contributor to Competitor Magazine, Active, Runner's World, Lifehacker, and other major media.

[Glauberoliveira]

The hot bath always help us to have a good sleep, when we need.

[raymondotoole]

Pro footballers always have an ice bath after their workout and then a hot bath to open up blood flow for next session which is 2.5 hours later. good information

[xavipadrosa]

Great!!!!
I always do on sundays a cold bath as a recovery for all week troathlon workouts and it leaves me NEW! The contrast of Icebarh and Warm shower sounds amazing and makes so much sense! Great video really!!

[joyridaz]

Hey Jason, do you have an opinion on adding Epsom salts to the bath? The scientist in me knows it’s too big to be absorbed through the skin, however most of my competitive running friends swear by them. Thanks for the good vids/podcasts, keep them coming!

[rosscardenas]

15 to 20 miles!? i feel like a badass after a 10k!

[dsenart]

How do you feel about percussion massagers? I'm overweight (severely) and I've just started couch to 5k and in between runs I'm cycling. I did 1.76 miles yesterday walking/jogging, and today 5 miles cycling.. my thighs are on fire.. I just want to keep my cardio going and stay on track.. and having rested and recovered legs will be a big part of that.. outside of what my lungs allow me to do!

[jess.i.ca]

I don’t even do sports... so why am I here😂

[zynmilserran]

How many minutes to take ice bath and go to hot shower?

[AndreasChristoferGubinski]

If you do an ice bath regulally you can kill your gains

[musabhussien]

My guy just said 21 mile run. 21 mile fucking run not marathon it’s a fucking run