At CrossFit St. Charles, we push ourselves hard. We lift, we jump, we row, we sweat—it’s all part of the game. But the secret to long-term progress isn’t just about how hard you train; it’s about how well you recover. Enter three powerhouse recovery tools: floating, cold plunges, and saunas. These methods don’t just feel amazing; they actively help your body repair, reset, recover faster and come back stronger.
Floating: Ultimate Relaxation & Muscle Recovery
Ever feel like gravity is working against you after an intense week of training? Floating in an Epsom salt-filled sensory deprivation tank allows your body to completely decompress. This zero-gravity environment relieves pressure from your joints, soothes sore muscles, and promotes deep relaxation.
Reduces Inflammation & Muscle Soreness: The high concentration of magnesium in the water helps combat inflammation, aiding in faster muscle recovery.
Enhances Mental Clarity & Reduces Stress: With no external distractions, floating encourages deep relaxation, lowering cortisol levels and improving sleep.
Boosts Athletic Performance: By calming the nervous system, floating helps athletes recover faster and return to training with better focus and energy.
Want to experience the benefits of floating for yourself? Check out Serenity Now Float Spa in Winghaven. Their state-of-the-art float tanks provide the ultimate recovery experience, and they’re right in our backyard!
Cold Plunges: Ice, Ice, Baby!
Cold water therapy isn’t just for elite athletes—it’s for anyone looking to speed up recovery and build resilience. A quick dip into an ice bath or cold plunge triggers powerful physiological responses that benefit your body and mind.
Decreases Muscle Soreness & Inflammation: The cold constricts blood vessels and flushes out metabolic waste, reducing post-workout soreness.
Boosts Circulation & Recovery: When you get out of the cold, blood flow rushes back into your muscles, bringing oxygen and nutrients to speed up healing.
Increases Mental Toughness: There’s no better way to train your mind than voluntarily stepping into an ice bath. Cold plunges help build resilience, discipline, and stress tolerance.
While cold plunges can be shocking at first, the benefits are undeniable. Start small—try a 2-minute cold shower post-WOD and work your way up to an ice bath. Your body (and your PRs) will thank you!
Saunas: Heat Up Your Recovery Game
On the flip side of cold exposure is heat therapy, and it’s just as powerful for recovery. Regular sauna sessions can enhance athletic performance, reduce injury risk, and promote overall well-being.
Speeds Up Muscle Repair: The heat increases blood flow to your muscles, delivering more oxygen and nutrients for faster healing.
Flushes Out Toxins: Sweating helps remove metabolic waste and toxins built up from intense training.
Enhances Endurance & Cardiovascular Health: Regular sauna use improves heart health and can even increase endurance by improving oxygen utilization.
Improves Sleep & Relaxation: The heat relaxes your muscles and mind, helping you unwind and sleep better.
For a post-WOD wind-down, adding a sauna session to your recovery routine can make a huge difference in how you feel and perform.
Your Recovery Plan Starts Now
Training hard is great—but training smart is even better. Floating, cold plunges, and saunas are incredible tools to help you reduce soreness, improve performance, and prevent burnout. Whether you’re hitting the barbell daily or just trying to stay active and pain-free, prioritizing recovery will help you keep moving forward.
If you’re ready to take your recovery to the next level, schedule a session at Serenity Now Float Spa in Winghaven. They offer floating, infrared sauna sessions, and cold therapy, making them a one-stop shop for CrossFit recovery.
Take care of your body, and it will take care of you. See you in the gym—stronger than ever!
