This is coming directly from the book “The 4 Hour Body”. I found this very interesting so I had to share it with all of you! I hope this will encourage you to get this book.
The book “The 4 Hour Body” Timothy Ferriss:
1. Short-term cold exposure (30 minutes) in humans leads to fatty acid release to provide fuel for heat production through shivering. This same shivering could be sufficient to recruit GLUT-4 to the surface of the muscle cells, contributing to increased lean muscle gain.
2. Even at shorter durations, cold exposure with shivering could increase adiponectin levels and glucose uptake by muscle tissue. This effect could persist long after the cold exposure ends.
3. In the absence of shivering, it is still possible to capitalize on “fat-burning fat” through the stimulation of BAT thermogenesis. Curiously, even without comparing underwater (superior) v.s land-based exercise.
4. Coldwater improves immunity. Acute cold exposure has immunostimulating effects, and preheating with physical exercise or a warm shower can enhance this response. Increases in levels of circulating norepinephrine may account for this.
5. Not germane to fat-loss, but another reason to use cold exposure: cold showers are an effective treatment for depression. One study used showers at 68 degrees F for two to three minutes, preceded by a five-minute gradual adaptation to make the procedure less shocking.
6. The visible results, of course!
Let me know if you try this! And if you ever feel down, time for a cold shower to snap you out of your bad mood!