Cold Plunge Days 3 and 4
First off, I must reveal the incredible venue I have available for my cold plunge immersions. The Hot Springs pool in Glenwood Springs, Colorado is the largest outdoor pool in the world. Over the past year or so, the resort has modernized many of its facilities, to include cool and cold plunge pools adjacent to a series of warm/hot pools of different temperatures. Info about the resort can be found here: https://visitglenwood.com/things-to-do/glenwood-hot-springs/
The air temperatures in Glenwood Springs these past few days have topped out in the high 80s with no wind to speak off. Perfect temperatures for riding my bike the 1/2 mi to and from Glenwood Hot springs.
Day 3 was my first mid-day plunge. I soaked in a warm/hot pool for about 15 min before going through my routine of slow immersion. The set up at the resort has one pool in the 60-70 degree range labeled “Inhale”. I eased myself into the water and breathed freely for about 10 min before stepping out and easing into the “Exhale” pool at 52-60 degrees. Previously, this was an intimidating step for me, but knowing the positive feelings I’d experience during and after, was a big encouragement. Upon first immersion, I was only able to stay in for about 45 seconds (whole body up to my chin).
While immersed, aside from the first sensations of taking my breath away, I tend to experience a cold numbing pain at the joints (ankles, knees, hips, and elbows). Once the aches set in, I count to 30 and exit back to the “Inhale” pool. I give it 10 min there and return to “Exhale”. Round two took me to 2 minutes and I exited without any joint pain.
Day 4: I was eager to get into my new routine of cold plunge! I started with the 90+ degree soak for about 15 min followed by my previously established routine. Immersing in the “Inhale” pool was easy and I was impatient to move on but stayed for the entire 10 min I’d set for myself. Moving into the cold “Exhale” was a much anticipated experience, but I have somehow found my pace – in up to my chin in less than 30 sec. I sat where I could see a clock and noticed the joint pain setting in at about 15-30 seconds and totally subsided at 2 min. I exited to repeat.
On round 2, it was much easier to get into the groove. After 2 minutes and feeling pretty good I ended up in a chat with another plunger. We conversed and 20 min later I exited feeling elated. I followed with 5 min at 90 degrees or so.
The bike ride home was enjoyable and I’m now thinking about tomorrow and what sort of wellness will accompany another cold plunge
The air temperatures in Glenwood Springs these past few days have topped out in the high 80s with no wind to speak off. Perfect temperatures for riding my bike the 1/2 mi to and from Glenwood Hot springs.
Day 3 was my first mid-day plunge. I soaked in a warm/hot pool for about 15 min before going through my routine of slow immersion. The set up at the resort has one pool in the 60-70 degree range labeled “Inhale”. I eased myself into the water and breathed freely for about 10 min before stepping out and easing into the “Exhale” pool at 52-60 degrees. Previously, this was an intimidating step for me, but knowing the positive feelings I’d experience during and after, was a big encouragement. Upon first immersion, I was only able to stay in for about 45 seconds (whole body up to my chin).
While immersed, aside from the first sensations of taking my breath away, I tend to experience a cold numbing pain at the joints (ankles, knees, hips, and elbows). Once the aches set in, I count to 30 and exit back to the “Inhale” pool. I give it 10 min there and return to “Exhale”. Round two took me to 2 minutes and I exited without any joint pain.
Day 4: I was eager to get into my new routine of cold plunge! I started with the 90+ degree soak for about 15 min followed by my previously established routine. Immersing in the “Inhale” pool was easy and I was impatient to move on but stayed for the entire 10 min I’d set for myself. Moving into the cold “Exhale” was a much anticipated experience, but I have somehow found my pace – in up to my chin in less than 30 sec. I sat where I could see a clock and noticed the joint pain setting in at about 15-30 seconds and totally subsided at 2 min. I exited to repeat.
On round 2, it was much easier to get into the groove. After 2 minutes and feeling pretty good I ended up in a chat with another plunger. We conversed and 20 min later I exited feeling elated. I followed with 5 min at 90 degrees or so.
The bike ride home was enjoyable and I’m now thinking about tomorrow and what sort of wellness will accompany another cold plunge
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