The professional footballer relies just as much on recovery as on training, one without the other is unlikely to lead to peak performance. Stories go around the ground every match day of those sepia-tinged memories of Hammers’ -erm-‘ legends’ who’d skip the ice and head for the cold beer instead.
A recipe for failure in this day of professional athletes, regimented nutrition and science-based performance.
Exponents of the Wim Hof cold water immersion therapy method swear that over time, cold water immersion improves cardiovascular circulation, reduces muscle inflammation, and facilitates weight loss.
It is why some players spend so long in ‘recovery’ – ice baths after matches and training. Skip it at your peril.
One West Ham squad member has revealed his own secret for recovery from training sessions. In true ‘Wim Hof’ style, West Ham’s very own ‘Irn-Bru Iniesta’ Andy Irving has talked to the club web site about his passion for outdoor life and reveals a pretty resilient side to his character: “When I was in Austria, we obviously had lots of mountains and lakes so I was there with my teammates and we’d go walking and swimming. Even in the winter, we’d use them for recovery instead of ice baths. I do like my outdoor swimming!
Perfect preparation for a winter Premier League campaign: After a quick mile or so in icy lakes in Austria, a ninety minute game in freezing January darkness holds no discomfort.
Affable exterior, pretty tough inside. Andy Irving surprises – looking forward to him kicking on and securing a regular spot in the squad in the next, chilly part of the premier League campaign.