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Lifestyle

Cold-water baths after training

Lifestyle.
Category
Scientific evidence
Moderate
Number of findings
1
Sources
Our own summaries · Cited studies

In practice

It depends on the case; there is no single guideline.

Effect by goal · level of evidence

Muscle gain (hypertrophy)

harms Moderate meta-analysis (AAA)

Meta-analysis: immersing yourself in cold water right after strength training reduces gains in muscle mass. Cold dampens the adaptation signal; if your goal is to build muscle, it is better to leave cryotherapy for another time.

View the study (meta-analysis) →

In depth

Lifestyle · Highest evidence: Moderate · 1 finding

Findings

  • Muscle gain (hypertrophy) — harms (Moderate, meta-analysis). Meta-analysis: immersing yourself in cold water right after strength training reduces gains in muscle mass. Cold dampens the adaptation signal; if your goal is to build muscle, it is better to leave cryotherapy for another time. source

Information, not medical advice. Prescription drugs require a doctor.

Information, not medical advice. Scientific evidence reflects the quality of the studies.

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