Part 8/14:
Turning to recovery modalities, French discusses the nuanced role of cold exposure, such as ice baths. While cold stress activates epinephrine and can be beneficial for mental resilience and vascular redistribution, its timing is crucial. Post-exercise cold treatments may blunt muscle hypertrophy by dampening inflammatory processes essential for tissue repair. Conversely, prior to high-stakes competition or during off-season recovery, cold exposure can help reduce soreness and improve performance readiness. Strategic periodization—using cold baths during tapering or between training cycles—maximizes benefits while minimizing interference with adaptations.