Justin Thomas and Michael Phelps are two of the most popular figures in their respective sports. While both American athletes prepare for their individual games in vastly different ways, their go-to recovery method is apparently similar – a calm, frigid ice bath. The pair shot a video for PGA recently where they discussed the benefits of an ice bath, before dunking into one themselves.
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The Benefits of Ice Bath, by Justin Thomas and Michael Phelps
“For me, I feel the best form of recovery, although it doesn’t look good when you’re looking into it, is an ice bath,” JT said. Michael Phelps, who has won most of his accolades while in water, said an ice bath was still an everyday routine.
“Now that I’m retired, I still do this all the time,” he said. “I think this is one of the best, easiest ways to recover, and it’s so good for your muscles.”
Read More: ‘No Wonder…’: Justin Thomas Reacts to Exciting Tiger Woods News
Scientifically speaking, an ice bath tremendously helps to ease sore muscles. It is considered a natural recovery method that doesn’t require any chambers or machines. The chilly temperature of the water constricts blood vessels in the body, which slows blood flow and relaxes muscle soreness after a hard day’s work.
Thomas and Phelps’ ice bath experience
Justin wasn’t best pleased when Phelps accidentally dropped one-too-many ice cubes in the golfer’s bucket. A hesitant JT still hopped on for an ice bath, and so did Phelps.
Compete like a pro 🏌️♂️
Recover like a pro 🧘♂️@JustinThomas34 and @MichaelPhelps discuss recovery routines with a post-round ice bath. pic.twitter.com/WtENI5OPtQ— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) August 23, 2022
Fair to say that both athletes found themselves at comfort in the chilly ice buckets. The pair’s actions ensured a plethora of comments from fans on social media. Here’s a selection of those.
Our freezer’s ice maker trying to keep up with this pic.twitter.com/d3S5NLR5rr
— Louis “LCPT Co-champ” (@uoflcard) August 23, 2022
Right . . . Olympic swimmer and golfer, nearly identical physical drains on the body 🤣
— Ping G2 (@ping_g2) August 23, 2022
Who would be your best companion for an ice bath?
— JustGo (@JustGoTechLtd) August 24, 2022
Funniest thing I have seen all day.
— 11HIO (@11HsIO) August 24, 2022
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During the ice bath, the two athletes opened up on why an ice bath remains an integral part of their recovery. “For me, I have to work out every single day,” Phelps said. “So if I’m lifting 3 days a week or cardio 4 days a week, that’s me being my best self.”
Replying to Phelps, Justin Thomas had a similar story to share. He shared his experience from his disappointing 2nd round at the PGA Championship, where he said that he.. “felt like I shot myself out of the tournament.”
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He revealed that a routine ice bath was his way of re-focusing for the next day’s play, and termed it as “almost a nice getaway.” The ice bath did help, as Justin Thomas emerged victorious in a playoff final against Will Zalatoris to win the PGA Championship.
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