New Research Challenges Popularity of Cold Plunges: Muscle Growth May Drop by 20%
A newly published study has cast fresh doubts over one of fitness culture’s most buzzed-about trends, revealing that repeated cold plunges may significantly stunt gains in muscle growth—by as much as 20%, according to research highlighted by Boing Boing. The findings arrive as ice baths and cold immersion routines surge in popularity among athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and even wellness influencers in Thailand and worldwide.
In recent years, plunging into icy water has been widely marketed for benefits ranging from boosting recovery to enhancing overall well-being. Many fitness centres in Bangkok now offer cold plunge stations, and social media is crowded with testimonials from amateur and professional trainers alike. Yet despite these claims, new research cautions that cold water therapy—particularly when used post-workout—could be counterproductive for those seeking maximum muscle gains.