Stamina Observation & Ice Bag

[Tony1244]

I am not a trainer or boxer but have been a fan for many decades and have done boxing workouts, heavy bag etc.

I have noticed ice bags usually applied to the neck and back of shoulders of fighters.

After a strenuous workout I have noticed something really bizarre while taking a shower and would appreciate any feedback on this:

When I aim cold water on my lower and middle back about where the kidneys are I feel totally revitalized.


Maybe there is nothing to this and I just partied too much as a teenager. But maybe there is. I repeated this experiment many times and have noticed feeling almost completely refreshed if cold water was applied to my lower back. I have never seen a trainer take an ice bag to a fighter's kidney region. Try it yourself after a good workout or after a fighter's workout, I am curious as to whether this "is just me."

[punchoutsb]

Using cold to reinvigorate ones self following activity is a very old procedure and definitely a good one. In fact you can find cryosaunas popping up all over the place these days. Good for increasing bloodflow, reduce inflammation, even some hormonal manipulation such as increase GH and testosterone production has been noted in studies.

Edit: Sorry, skimmed at first and forgot to answer your final statement. I'd imagine the invigoration you're experiencing from the low back area could be tied to the mobilization of brown adipose tissue which is typically stored more in the low back, neck and shoulders. Brown fat is metabolically active with good sized deposits around the kidneys. So you're spot on

[Tony1244]

It's just that I have never seen an ice bag applied to the kidneys. The difference between cool water on my neck vs on my kidneys was no contest. The later invigorated me much more.

I probably should have waited until the summer before posting my theory.

[punchoutsb]

It's just that I have never seen an ice bag applied to the kidneys. The difference between cool water on my neck vs on my kidneys was no contest. The later invigorated me much more.

I probably should have waited until the summer before posting my theory.

I do some form of cold therapy year round

[Kalan]

Cold showers are good if not overdone. They help relieve swelling and reinvigorate the body. But you don't want to do them too long or too cold. Just so you're a little uncomfortable, like a good stretch that you hold for a 20 count. A couple minutes is all you need. It brings the blood to the surface and helps improve circulation in your capillaries.

If you take a long cold shower it makes you susceptible to colds and starts heating your core. You have to be careful. It's not like you're preparing your body for an ocean swim in February. That's a whole different regimen with different techniques and goals.

[Tomasino]

Cold showers are good if not overdone. They help relieve swelling and reinvigorate the body. But you don't want to do them too long or too cold. Just so you're a little uncomfortable, like a good stretch that you hold for a 20 count. A couple minutes is all you need. It brings the blood to the surface and helps improve circulation in your capillaries.

If you take a long cold shower it makes you susceptible to colds and starts heating your core. You have to be careful. It's not like you're preparing your body for an ocean swim in February. That's a whole different regimen with different techniques and goals.

What's the best way to train to swim an ocean in February?

[Kalan]

google it

[punchoutsb]

google it

They showed a video of it once in a southside Chicago theater that didn't have a name I think.