Being a college athlete I always wondered which one would be better for my body after practice/ games. At times I would experiment with both and just put my ankles into a cold tub for 5 minutes and then into the hot bath the next day just to see how my body had adapted to it. So the real question is which is better for recovery?

The physiological effects of hot baths and ice baths differ. After a hard practice or run creates micro-tears in the muscles that cause an inflammatory response which is why you tend to see certain joints hurting or swelling. Ice baths are known to limit this reaction by constricting the blood vessels which could in turn reduce the onset of delayed onset muscle soreness. Which is why they are the best choice after post workout activities.

Hot baths on the other hand promote blood flow to the muscles by dilating blood vessels which is something that you do not want immediately after you exercise. However in the days that follow if you are still having pain a hot bath is recommended to increase circulation which helps the healing process.

So the best time to have an ice bath is when you need a quick recovery turn around time such as playing back to back games or your last hard training session before a big race. You will see the difference in your body and will feel a whole lot better.