Ice Baths: How to safely chill your bones in scenic locations?

Are you adventurous enough to go for an ice bath in extreme cold temperatures? Admire the scenic beauty and also let your bones chill – quite literally- in this expedition. Here are a few things to keep in mind while you prepare yourself for a safe ice bath.

Your 5-step guide to safe ice baths

Planning to take an ice bath in its natural location? Here are five steps that you should not miss out on.

Pick your location

Do some basic research on the places you want to go for your first ice bath experience. This can be anywhere from Finland to USA to Japan. However, keep in mind that the water current is not too strong, and you can easily navigate your way through. The space must have an easy entry and exit route which you can use in case of emergency. Ideally, a place which is less populated works well for your first experience. If you see during your research that visitors have complained of thin ice then better to avoid the place. And lastly, no matter which place you pick, you must never venture in the water all alone.

Water conditions

Keeps a day or half a day in your schedule for ice bathing when you are planning your trip. While a lot can be deduced through climate predictions, you never know what you will find once you arrive at the place. Before going for your ice bath experience, make sure that the water temperature is around 0-5 degree centigrade. Check the weather that is calm and the wind is still. Chill weather, snowfall, and cold air only make your bones freeze! Before fully giving yourself in to ice water, test the grounds by checking if it is safe to float or stand. When going for an ice bath always pack a thermometer, towel, change of clothes, warmers, hot drink and blankets. These are basic requirements. You can check with your guide or anybody with prior experience for what more to bring with you.

Mental Preparation

Before dipping in the ice bath make sure that you are mentally prepared to take in the temperature shock cause by the ice. Stretch your limbs and do some light walk or brisk walk so that your temperature rises slightly and the body is able to absorb a low temperature quickly. Often cold and sub-zero temperatures make it difficult for you to breathe normally. Practice controlled breathing. And above all, stay calm and not panic.

Stay alert at all times

Enter the ice bath mindfully. Start with your feet then knees, and then move on to the waist and chest. After dipping each part, give it a while to acclimate to the cold temperature. If this is your first time then use a ladder or rope so that you do not slip. Also, never dive right into the pool. This can aggravate a cold shock, which is harmful for the body. Ideally a beginner can stay in for two minutes while experts can stay till 10 minutes. Under no circumstances and no matter how experienced you are, the total duration should not exceed more than ten minutes, for the risk of developing hyperthermia.

Exit with caution

Dry immediately after you make an exit from the ice bath. Keep towels, preferably warm towels handy. Wear your clothes in layers, including sweaters, jackets, fleece, windproofs etc. Sip hot beverages like tea or broth; and avoid caffeine and alcohol. Start stretching your legs with mild movements like jogging, walking or squats, so that the chill in your bones doesn’t freeze it and blood circulation stays strong. Let the body temperature pick up naturally instead of heading right away for hot water.  

Safety tips to keep in mind during ice baths

First and foremost, if it is your debut in taking a bath in ice, then make sure you go with a guide, a friend or someone who is experienced enough to take you through the process. Second, float around the ice and do not try to go underneath it unless you are well experienced. Third, in case of an emergency, keep some form of communication channel easily available near you. Fourth, understand basic signs of hypothermia like slurry speech or shivering. Whenever you experience any of these, immediately inform the experienced guides and take their help to exit from ice baths.

Popular places for ice baths across the world

Some of the most sought after regions for ice bathing include a lake-side dip with a wood-fire sauna in Finland, or waterfall purification in Shinto Misogi in Japan; or freezing dips in Lake Baikal in Russia and Lake Louise in Canada or if are daring enough then head over to Antarctica for an ice bath expedition.