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This is one of the most common questions we get, and it sounds logical on the face of it. Cold does something real to the body's metabolism, and the brown-fat science has had its share of headlines. So it makes sense people wonder if an ice bath might shift body composition. Cold water immersion isn't yet a proven weight-loss tool, what it actually does, once you understand the biology, is more useful.
People come to cold exposure more often with weight loss in mind than for any other reason. It is a fair question to start with. The area of study about brown fat is very exciting, and this is the one area of "cold science" that has the best chance of being captured by media headlines.
Gyms are no longer just about getting fit, losing weight, muscle building or chasing aesthetic goals. Members look for a holistic experience that helps them deal with the stresses of the modern world and the strains of physical training. More members now understand that recovery is just as important as exercise, and they’re looking for gyms that offer dedicated recovery spaces alongside traditional workout areas.
This evolution isn’t just a passing trend; it’s a response to a deeper understanding of how the body and mind work together for optimal health and performance. Recovery is no longer seen as an afterthought—it’s becoming the foundation of sustainable fitness.
Ice baths have become more than a recovery tool - they’re a strategic performance booster, whether for post-exercise muscle relief or pre-exercise endurance. From athletes to wellness enthusiasts, the huge advantages of ice baths are being discovered.
Athletes are constantly pushing boundaries, seeking that extra edge to elevate their game. A number of articles suggest that the 650 tonnes of ice and cooling equipment to be used at the Paris Olympics is a mistake with no supporting evidence. This is nonsense and we’re here to set the record straight.
Ben Tansley was riding home on his motorbike with his son, Jude, along the country lanes of Norfolk when another bike hit from behind. They crashed and both Ben and Jude were thrown off. Jude was fine, but Ben suffered life-changing injuries.
“Well, everything has a tipping point. I see it as “chosen suffering”. The ice is another option to make that moment in your life a little bit more difficult. To callus the mind. To be in a position where we actively choose not to choose the easy route. And there might not be any other motivation other than to maybe toughen up a bit. Because everyone’s aware that life has a tendency to throw you a curve ball every now and again. Sometimes you see people who have had easy lives and they get themselves into a situation where life gets tough.
Laurence Fountain is the owner of Salus London. An exclusive gym that provides elite training, body conditioning, and lifestyle coaching. We met Laurence through Professor Green, who invited him to try the Ice Bath in his back garden. You could say the rest is history, but actually, it was more like the beginning of the future. As the owner of a gym, we asked Lawrence what is the role of cold water immersion in recovery?
Up in Scotland’s Speyside Valley lies the whisky trail that winds alongside the cold rushing waters of the Spey River. This famous fiery amber nectar is carried in casks and barrels all over the world, but it’s right here, in this beautifully remote spot, where our story begins.
Does cold immersion impact muscle growth and should it be avoided if you’re looking to gain muscle mass? Yes, and no. Our ice baths are used by athletes across the UK as an essential part of their physical recovery. If you’re specifically aiming to build muscle, read on.
If you’re going to embark on this journey, you need to remember it’s going to be uncomfortable and challenging but that’s quickly overcome by how invigorating and rewarding the whole process is.
Cold water immersion has been around for centuries but more recently, its boosted popularity is causing people to ask more questions than ever. The answer is yes, cold water immersion can help with weight loss. But let’s look at the science…
Zack George (aka ‘Silverback’) is one of the world’s top CrossFit athletes, a fitness influencer and officially the UK’s Fittest Man 2020. Born and raised in Leicester UK, Zack George’s story is one of dramatic change, resilience and hard work.
