A little bit about Chelsey, how she has incorporated (every other day) an ice bath into her routine, and the associated health benefits as well as her tips to make a cold ocean dip as enjoyable as possible!

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More time to chilL

Chelsey is an Annex spin leader, Kinesiologist by day, runner, and lover of all things outdoors. There are few things she likes as much as the ocean, especially as of late.  During these isolated times Chelsey has been taking more time to chill, quite literally. 

She set out to do an ocean “ice bath” every other morning rain or shine, to adapt a new normal routine. Although the first few times were quite a shocking way to wake up she has really come to enjoy this new practice and looks forward to the mornings she can take her coffee down to the beach. All she has to focus on is breathing slowly and the beautiful views we are so lucky to be surrounded by.

This was originally started just to help create routine in her day however there are so many other great health benefits that she has found along the way: 

  1. Boosts immune system: by submerging in cold water the body is forced to react to changing conditions, over time this helps to boost white blood cell count.  Your body becomes better at mobilizing its defenses.  Always a great thing, especially during a health pandemic! 

  2. Enhances Circulation: Constricts blood vessels and “flushes” your veins, arteries and capillaries.

  3. Reduces Stress: Places Eustress or good stress on the body, allowing the body to have a better stress response.

There is some research to suggest it also helps with muscle recovery but is quite controversial- She can say personally it feels great on some post Annex Live Barre legs!  

CHELSEY’S TIPS

Admitting she is no Wim Hof, Chelsey has some things she has learned along the way to help make her experience enjoyable:

  1. Coffee. & loose clothing. After the water you're going to want to enjoy the beach and not be struggling to get your wet legs into lulus. I find pairing things with coffee help make it a routine, plus it’s nice and warm!  

  2. You are always warmer after you’ve been in the water. Okay, not really a tip but a promising affirmation for the peep talk!  The air is warmer than the water currently, your body is responding to the cold water.  You are going to come out feeling warmer, Trust me :) 

  3. Slow your breathing and your movement.  Slowing your breathing calms the mind and slows the blood flow.  This allows you to stay in the water so much longer. Practice a few slow deep breaths right down to your belly before you enter the water. Aim for increasing your time in the water by a few breaths each time, gradually building up to the suggested 5-10 minutes (Still building over here!)

  4. Check the forecast.  I recommend going rain or shine but lucky for us we have access to many beaches facing different directions and it is always better with less wind. Find the bay to fit your day. 

  5. Try it then try it again! You might not love it at first or be able to stay in for very long, but like anything, practice is important and your body’s response will change.