How Ice Baths Have Changed My Mornings
I first heard of cold exposure due to the popularity of Wim Hof. I was immediately intrigued, and wanted to find out how ice baths could help me personally. After working in kitchens for nearly half my life, my back feels like it’s about to give up on me!
I was put in touch with Simon Gowen from The SG WAY during the summer of 2022 and booked in for a 1 on 1 sessions with him.
From my first session, I was hooked.
After the initial shock of the cold water, I uncovered an extremely calm, euphoric feeling. After getting out the bath, I could instantly feel a difference. Not only physically, but also within my mental clarity.
During this session, I spoke with Si about my retreats, and he instantly offered his services. Without hesitation I took him up on his offer. I thought; if my guests can feel this great as well, it’s a no brainer. I brought Simon with me to my retreat at Tregulland in Cornwall.
As I introduced Si at the dinner table on the first night in Cornwall, and he explained what he was here to do, there was an array of concerned and worried faces. I knew the feeling!! At my first session, I remember standing over a bath full of ice, and every part of me was telling me not to do it. I mean, who really looks at a bath of ice and thinks that looks appealing?! However, I was so glad that I went for it - so I made my case to the guests, and everyone signed up to give it a go the next morning!
I was excited to see that everyone got in the ice bath after the initial doubt. Everyone had glowing reviews - there was even a rally to have another session the following morning!
I have now implemented this into my morning routine, if you haven’t already I would strongly recommend looking into cold water therapy. Here are a few benefits I personally have experienced:
Improved sleep, better focus, eases sore and aching muscles and improved immune system.
There are a number of other fantastic benefits that come with braving the cold! I’d love to keep ice baths as an optional activity on all my future retreats. Would you brave the ice?
