The FastDay Forum

Well, I have been on 'tinternet and TML has a point, up to a point. Research from 1985 on climate and pain scores from rheumatoid arthritis sufferers did show some significance between temperature and humidity, but not pressure and a few other variables. Funnily, though, pain was less at lower temperatures as long as the vapour pressure/humidity was low as well. The trial admits it is only the symptom, pain, that was affected, not the progress of the disease so a bit of trial-and-error in the shower should not damage anyone if they fancy cold water first thing in the morning. I shall not be joining in...

Pete, I know it is valid for plain arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and a few more "editions" of it. I don't know about osteoarthritis though, I'm sorry.

Since in most of these cases the disease is still there and it is either on remission or a flare up, the warmth and dryness don't have an affect on the disease itself but it does reduce the symptoms hence the patient takes less medication, is in less pain and inflammation subsides significantly.

Those who suffer from autoimmunes will probably suffer for the rest of their lives so knowing how to minimize the pain and other annoying aspects is very important.

I have osteo-arthritis - but I'm fortunate that it doesn't manifest itself in my load-bearing joints, just in my fingers. Haven't suffered any pain since I began seeing an acupuncturist a few years ago.

So I'm not in a position to judge whether cold showers are deleterious to that condition.

However, back to the OP:

Up to a couple of days ago, I've been managing 60 second cold showers on a daily basis - have to say it's the only aspect of my daily fitness routine I don't enjoy!

But now I've decided to up my time in the cold water by ten seconds a day. So I did 70 on Thursday, 80 yesterday - and today I jumped up to 100 seconds! So something is working. It's still a massive shock - takes my breath away, etc - but by about 60 seconds in today I noticed that my breathing was beginning to slow down.

Not noticed any great feelings of well-being, etc, afterwards, but maybe that will come as I spend longer in there.

How's everyone else doing?

However, back to the OP:

Up to a couple of days ago, I've been managing 60 second cold showers on a daily basis - have to say it's the only aspect of my daily fitness routine I don't enjoy!

But now I've decided to up my time in the cold water by ten seconds a day. So I did 70 on Thursday, 80 yesterday - and today I jumped up to 100 seconds! So something is working. It's still a massive shock - takes my breath away, etc - but by about 60 seconds in today I noticed that my breathing was beginning to slow down.

Not noticed any great feelings of well-being, etc, afterwards, but maybe that will come as I spend longer in there.

How's everyone else doing?

Interesting, myself, I do 10 minutes every morning in 16 Celsius Water (60 F), and I find it, well, not exactly pleasant but nowhere near your experience. I increased the time in the water, hoping there might actually be some effect regarding fat burning, besides other benefits.

What temperature is your water?

I remember reading someone recommending not taking it gradually, it might be easier just to go at it full throttle right away and stay in the water for a couple of minutes.

I'm not minding it at all. The first 30 seconds or so is a shock but then fine after that. I do about 5 mins.

[Betsysgr8]

Tried this but water never got cold, it was just slightly lower than lukewarm. Guess I'll have to try again in a couple of months, lol.

Usually these 10 minute showers in 16 degree Celsius water isn't much of a problem for me, but it seems it's more of a hardship when I'm exhausted after exercising.

Today, a zero calorie day, I ran 20 km about 12 hours after my last meal. The shower was more unpleasant than usual, but bearable. I couldn't control my shivering, and I still shiver for up to an hour afterwards. Still, people say you recover faster from hard training with cold showers, and sure my legs and joints does feel a lot better.

Does anyone else have any such observations?

I had one attempt and lasted less than 10 sec. I'm clearly a total wuss! Will try again when I get the courage up.

[carorees]

Had to try the straight into cold water technique today due to no hot water in the tank (DH had turned off the water heater and forgot to turn it on again). Spent as long as it takes to wash all over and shampoo and condition my hair...5min? Must try to stay longer!

Good on you all who do this but I'll simply stick to fasting two days a week. Simple, I know; effective, you bet.

Having read MichaelH's post above, I began to get sympathetically cold. Cold water showers, then shivering for an hour sounds more like torture, and being the hedonist I am, I must cheer the rest of you on from the warm side of the shower.

Great for your hair..... makes it really shiny. I only do a couple of minutes at the end of my shower. Makes me feel wide awake and energetic! X

ive been away for a few days from the forum. are we still talking about cold showers ! brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr lol

As for cold water torture, I'd rather fast for 5 days out of 7 or eat cockroaches. Much more appealing. and if i ran out of hot water id just resist showering altogether and do a sponge bath with warm water. and wash hair in a basin of hot water.

Obviously some are. There's mild discomfort comparable to what you get from exercise, some proven benefits and some likely such as improved fat burning. Doy you find the topic innappropriate for this forum?

Doy you find the topic innappropriate for this forum?

no not at all, meant it in jest really. A bit of diversion is good for the forum. and perhaps after discussing for 12 months or more about the variations of how to schedule your eating, we need to think outside the box i guess.

Obviously some are. There's mild discomfort comparable to what you get from exercise, some proven benefits and some likely such as improved fat burning. Doy you find the topic innappropriate for this forum?

Hi Michael,

I don't find this topic inappropriate at all. It seems that what works for some, may not appeal to others. There are so many people I have told, and shown (lost over 2 stone), how well intermittent fasting works but there are still those who balk at the idea.

I am glad that you have found something else that enhances your health, it's just not for me.

Now if you could relate to me the benefits of basking on a beach in the Caribbean, I may take up that challenge.