Photo Credit: Lions Cricket
Lions Cricket aren’t known for going hot and cold, but that’s all changed with the addition of the Alliance jacuzzi bath, courtesy of the Fourways Group.
Now permanently positioned at the DP World Wanderers Stadium, the Alliance ice bath has a unique pool heat pump that can cool the water to 8 degrees Celsius yet also heat it to 43 degrees Celsius. The practice of taking a 10 minute dip into very cold water post an intense exercise session is believed to help reduce muscle pain and soreness. Helping your central nervous system, it limits the inflammatory response and decreases the effect of heat and humidity.
Lions Cricket and Wanderers Sports Medical Centre physiotherapist Sheenagh Jordaan smiles at the addition of the ice bath to the Unions recovery toolkit.
“It shows that here in the DP World Lions space, there is care and intention not only on performance but on recovery too. The Women’s Domestic league is unique in that we play back to back fixtures on weekends — 50 overs on Saturday and T20 on Sunday. This means that we have a tight turnaround in recovery for the very next morning. Having a no fuss recovery option, like our ice bath, straight after the match has been, and will continue to be, key in having our players fresh and ready to take to the field again the very next day. As the Women’s Domestic league is professionalized this year, it means that we’re stepping up in terms of preparation and training. The addition of the ice bath now means we can take another step up in our training recovery as well.”
DP World Lions player Duanne Olivier concurs;
“I think the jacuzzi is a great addition and lot of players will benefit from it. After a tough, hot, exhausting day, it’s magic to jump in and get some recovery done – whether it’s hot or cold. A fantastic addition to our already fantastic and world class stadium.”
Lions Cricket CEO Jono Leaf-Wright admits to fancying a dip himself mid-work day, noting he knows all too well the benefits of both an ice bath or a warm relaxing soak can make to the mental fatigue often experienced during the work day;
“It’s an incredible addition to our family and we’re most grateful to the Fourways Group for it. I’m pretty certain that our office staff will be jumping in too, because the benefits are felt by all, not just professional athletes and if it revives and refreshes; then that results in a happier and more effective Pride. Wins all round as far as I’m concerned!”
CEO Richard Perry says that the family oriented business is all about supporting the game of cricket and the community in which it operates;
“The Fourways Group is a family owned business in operation for 24 years. We’re about brands and products for household enjoyment – and if we can help make the Lions Cricket community and its players significantly more comfortable, then that’s a win for us. We want to wholeheartedly immerse ourselves in the Lions Cricket brand that has given us tremendous support thus far and for that we are grateful.”
Fully operational, the pool is situated in the Lions Cricket gym and available for the teams pre and post practice sessions, games and throughout the entire season.
