One of the most frequent questions we are asked by athletes turning to cryotherapy as a means of recovery is: Should I be doing cryotherapy before or after I workout? Surprisingly, the answer is that it is personal preference!
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The great thing about whole body cryotherapy is that it is quick and convenient. The treatment is such a surface level “chill,” only reaching 1-2 millimeters below the surface of the skin meaning no downtime! A whole body cryotherapy treatment is safe to do immediately before working out. Benefits-wise, it’s the equivalent to a 30-minute ice bath. However, an ice bath of that duration will chill the body’s muscle tissue. This means that it will take longer to warm up before you should resume any kind of activity.
Pre-Workout
Clients who do cryotherapy prior feel that they are able to run a bit quicker and lift a bit heavier. It is common to feel a sudden burst of energy following a treatment. This is attributed to the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good hormone, caused by whole body cryotherapy.
Post-Workout
Cryotherapy is often to accelerate the recovery process post-workout. It can be a powerful tool to ease muscle tension and decrease inflammation post-workout. People often experience high levels of lactic acid following strenuous exercise. A buildup of lactic acid in the blood is what would cause your muscles to feel sore or tired. Whole body cryotherapy triggers the body to release excess lactic acid and supercharge your blood with anti-inflammatory proteins to counteract the effects of a tough workout.
At The CryoBar, we’re happy to welcome athletes of all ages and skill level and hope to be a part of your recovery journey! For more information or to book an appointment, click here!