22 Jan Embrace The Chill: The Cold Plunge
Take the plunge at WorldSprings! The cold plunge pool is invigorating, to say the least. A counterpoint to the other 31 warm water pools resort-wide, it’s one experience you won’t want to miss on your next visit to Iron Mountain Hot Springs.
Cold plunging or immersing oneself in frigid waters dates to the earliest civilizations. The Ancient Egyptians were fond of the practice and believed cold water baths helped to cleanse the body of impurities, improve circulation, and stimulate the senses. They weren’t wrong — today the trend continues. Athletes use cold water immersion to restore overworked muscles and a growing number of people are joining polar bear clubs for dips in frozen lakes and rivers. The Cold Plunge pool at WorldSprings is an exhilarating 55˚F. The beauty of chilling at Iron Mountain Hot Springs is that after a quick cold plunge, you’ll appreciate the soothing warmth of the resort’s geothermal and experience pools even more.
Bathe Like an Egyptian
In addition to building pyramids, the Ancient Egyptians, one of the oldest civilizations on earth, were also a spa culture. Public bathhouses were a part of society accessible to citizens and hot and cold bathing played an integral role in their daily health and beauty regimen. Not only was alternating between pools of widely varying temperatures believed to be efficacious for improving bodily vigor, it was also considered medicinal, especially for curing skin disorders and banishing headaches. Young mothers seeking to ward off illness and boost the immune systems of their little ones would immerse their infants in chilly waters, no doubt to ear-piercing screams from the babes. In addition to the Egyptians, cultures throughout the globe have embraced cold water immersion as a health-benefiting therapy.
The cold plunge pool, part of WorldSprings at Iron Mountain Hot Springs, is distinctive among all the other pools. The cool water offers a breathtaking contrast to the warm geothermal and experience pools. Unlike in Ancient Egypt, because the cold plunge is on the over-21 side of the resort, there won’t be any screaming children to contend with either!
The Allure of Cold Plunge Pools
- Muscle Recovery and Reduced Inflammation
Runners and athletes of all kinds are well acquainted with the benefits of cold water therapy which has long been recognized for its ability to aid in muscle recovery and alleviate inflammation.
- Improved Circulation
Cold water stimulates blood flow, promoting better circulation throughout the body. This enhanced circulation can contribute to overall cardiovascular health and may even help alleviate symptoms of conditions like varicose veins.
- Mental Alertness and Stress Relief
Cold water immersion triggers the release of endorphins, promoting a sense of alertness and mental clarity. Additionally, the shock of cold water can induce a stress response in the body, leading to a subsequent relaxation response once out of the water.
- Enhanced Immune Function
Maybe those Egyptian moms were onto something. Regular exposure to cold water has been associated with improvements in the immune system. The body’s response to the cold may help activate and strengthen immune functions, potentially reducing the risk of illness.
Tips for Taking the Plunge
For those new to cold water immersion, the best advice is to start with short durations and gradually increase the time spent in the cold plunge. This will allow your body to acclimatize to the temperature. After your brief stint, you’ll want to warm up. With so many choices at WorldSprings, it’s easy to create a contrast bathing experience by alternating between the cold plunge and the warm water pools. The pools closest to the cold plunge are the Vichy, France, and the Kersehir, Turkey experience pools. A few steps is all it takes to go from frigid to fiery. Finally, throughout your visit to WorldSprings, remember to stay hydrated. Bring your water bottle and fill it up at convenient hydration stations located throughout the property or stop by the Sandbar or Sopris Café for an assortment of beverages.
A Cold Water Refresh at WorldSprings
The singular cold plunge pool stands alone at a resort renowned for its 30-plus warm water hydrotherapy pools. Take the opportunity to embrace the chill, invigorate your senses, and emerge revitalized. Plan your visit to WorldSprings today for a refreshing experience that blends ancient and modern soaking traditions.
Karin Gamba
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