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Are cold plunges good for women?
New York Post • • health
Key Points:
- Actress Zendaya openly rejects the popular wellness trend of cold plunges, preferring long, hot showers to manage stress and relaxation.
- Cold plunges, involving immersion in icy water, may help reduce muscle soreness and inflammation but could blunt muscle gains if done shortly after workouts; they also might offer mental health benefits.
- Exercise physiologist Dr. Stacy Sims warns that cold plunges may trigger a stronger stress response in women, potentially leading to a shutdown phase rather than metabolic benefits seen in men.
- Research on cold plunges' effectiveness for women is mixed, with some studies showing sex-specific responses and differing impacts on sleep and metabolism.
- Sims supports sauna use for women, highlighting better heat tolerance and benefits like improved cardiovascular health, blood flow, and cellular repair, recommending regular sauna sessions as a beneficial alternative.
