II have an infrared sauna blanket (basically like a sleeping bag) and a cold plunge tub. Since my stage 4 breast cancer diagnosis, these two have become essential parts of my healing routine. Love them both!
When I was in my twenties and thirties I was exposed to a lot of second-hand cigarette smoke, alcohol, and illicit drugs. On my two days off I quit everything completely. I did what I called the "rich man's workout." First, the steam room, a slow, easy swim in the pool, followed by a dip a cold plunge pool. Rest. First, the dry sauna, swim, rest, steam room, alternate. Drink tons of water, and rest between. I did this for hours (say three to six hours both days).
I believe this weekly routine saved me. I worked long nights in the casino. So the nights off were one routine, days working were running and weightlifting.
I believe in the "rich man's workout." Just today I decided I'm going back to the dry sauna. I can't get the cold plunge thing down, I just can't, not anymore. I do swim in an unusually cool pool, so there's that. I follow it with a therapeutic hot tub.
I"m a hot shower person all the way. This week I'm going to try and start doing that last minute in cool, eventually cold. I know it works. It's just uncomfortable, but once it's done I feel marvelous!
This is such a well-written well researched article, it really should be in a publication like AARP or one that's exposed to more readers. This is really excellent work, Daria.
I'm so happy you write about health and wellness. Thank you for your work.
Patti, that's very compelling. I'm still trying to work up to the cold plunge. I'm taking small steps. A cool end to my shower. I try to go a little cooler each day. I used to swim in a spring-fed lake in Northern Michigan. Plenty of cold plunge therapy with that. The older I got the harder it was. It's been several years, and I no longer have access to that lake. So maybe I'll work up to an ice bath. Or maybe not.
That’s interesting, Daria. Where in Northern Michigan? What state do you live in now?
I suppose I can walk across the street and do the cold plunge in Lake Michigan but unfortunately I’m scared of it. I’d rather dive in shark infested waters of the Gulf than dip my toe into Lake Michigan, and I’m seriously not exaggerating
It was a small town about 35 mile's northeast of Traverse City. It was Torch Lake, which is one of the most beautiful lakes in the world in my opinion. I spent all my summers there growing up and well into my adulthood. I miss it. I split my time between Louisiana and Georgia now. We'll eventually be in Georgia full time. It's beautiful and I love it, but I still miss my summers on Torch Lake.
Oh, it's beautiful up there. Torch Lake reminds me of an oasis randomly plopped down where it shouldn't belong. It's a beautiful and magical place to spend childhood for sure.
I lived in Louisiana three different times, loved each place, all so different from the other.
Yes it is. Unfortunately it has become unaffordable (taxes) for a lot of people who bought and owned cottages before it became a place for the rich and famous.
II have an infrared sauna blanket (basically like a sleeping bag) and a cold plunge tub. Since my stage 4 breast cancer diagnosis, these two have become essential parts of my healing routine. Love them both!
Thank you, Daria!
I'm happy to hear that these modalities helped you heal, Lisa. That is a real testament to their efficacy. I hope you are on the road to health.
When I was in my twenties and thirties I was exposed to a lot of second-hand cigarette smoke, alcohol, and illicit drugs. On my two days off I quit everything completely. I did what I called the "rich man's workout." First, the steam room, a slow, easy swim in the pool, followed by a dip a cold plunge pool. Rest. First, the dry sauna, swim, rest, steam room, alternate. Drink tons of water, and rest between. I did this for hours (say three to six hours both days).
I believe this weekly routine saved me. I worked long nights in the casino. So the nights off were one routine, days working were running and weightlifting.
I believe in the "rich man's workout." Just today I decided I'm going back to the dry sauna. I can't get the cold plunge thing down, I just can't, not anymore. I do swim in an unusually cool pool, so there's that. I follow it with a therapeutic hot tub.
I"m a hot shower person all the way. This week I'm going to try and start doing that last minute in cool, eventually cold. I know it works. It's just uncomfortable, but once it's done I feel marvelous!
This is such a well-written well researched article, it really should be in a publication like AARP or one that's exposed to more readers. This is really excellent work, Daria.
I'm so happy you write about health and wellness. Thank you for your work.
Patti, that's very compelling. I'm still trying to work up to the cold plunge. I'm taking small steps. A cool end to my shower. I try to go a little cooler each day. I used to swim in a spring-fed lake in Northern Michigan. Plenty of cold plunge therapy with that. The older I got the harder it was. It's been several years, and I no longer have access to that lake. So maybe I'll work up to an ice bath. Or maybe not.
That’s interesting, Daria. Where in Northern Michigan? What state do you live in now?
I suppose I can walk across the street and do the cold plunge in Lake Michigan but unfortunately I’m scared of it. I’d rather dive in shark infested waters of the Gulf than dip my toe into Lake Michigan, and I’m seriously not exaggerating
It was a small town about 35 mile's northeast of Traverse City. It was Torch Lake, which is one of the most beautiful lakes in the world in my opinion. I spent all my summers there growing up and well into my adulthood. I miss it. I split my time between Louisiana and Georgia now. We'll eventually be in Georgia full time. It's beautiful and I love it, but I still miss my summers on Torch Lake.
Oh, it's beautiful up there. Torch Lake reminds me of an oasis randomly plopped down where it shouldn't belong. It's a beautiful and magical place to spend childhood for sure.
I lived in Louisiana three different times, loved each place, all so different from the other.
Yes it is. Unfortunately it has become unaffordable (taxes) for a lot of people who bought and owned cottages before it became a place for the rich and famous.
As are most of the most desirable places in the country.