For years, ice baths dominated recovery rooms. Today, recovery thinking is becoming more nuanced.
Rather than relying on one method, athletes now choose tools based on context - training load, competition schedule and nervous system state.
England batter Ollie Pope has spoken about using heat to unwind during long series.
“Ice baths are useful, but heat helps me relax and unwind. It depends where you are in the week and how your body’s feeling.”
Heat exposure, such as sauna use, supports relaxation, blood flow and stress reduction - particularly useful on lighter training days or in the evening.
Endurance athletes like Tom Evans have also discussed using heat for mental recovery and sleep quality, rather than inflammation control.
WHEN HEAT MAKES SENSE
1. Low-intensity recovery days
2. High stress or travel fatigue
3. Pre-sleep relaxation routines
THE TAKEAWAY
Recovery tools aren’t trends - they’re options. Use what fits the moment.
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