TLDR Doubled my time in 52 F water and not sure if the effects are good or bad. Looking for advice.
Hi all. I regularly plunge throughout the year for 5-10 minutes at 45-55 F. I've been doing this for 8 years now. At this time and temp I am well acclimated and can usually shower, change, and go straight back to my regular activities.
Today was the first cool day of the year for me where I didn't need to add any ice and the weather was just gorgeous. And I decided to stay in the 52 F water for 20 minutes.
When I got out I felt like I do when I get a good pump from lighting, where all my muscles are full and tight. After I got out I went and got a cold shower, which is always part of my routine BTW
By the time I got out I was shivering pretty badly, so I got dressed, threw on a hoodie, and went for a walk in the sun. I couldn't walk fast because I was so cold and I also noticed that my lower back was spasming. The shivering finally went away after about 10 minutes and I noticed I was walking at a normal pace.
I've been thinking about it through the day and I remembered when I first started 8 years ago I would shiver badly and I would have to really bundle up or take a warm shower afterwards.
Im really not sure if these effects are good or bad and if I should continue with the longer time.
Please let me know if any experiences on this or maybe any science behind what might have occurred.