I have tried the hot bath, but found it not to do much other than get on my nerves (i cannot just lay there without getting really bored). A friend of mine, while training up for a fight, used ice baths. I cannot imagine they were the nicest baths in the world but he never ached the next day and he was able to push himself beyond his limits for weeks on end! Madness!
Although i am used to cold water...ice baths...maybe not. lol.
Sean