Benefits of Cold Water Swimming
You may think that swimming in cold water is one of the last things you’d dream of doing! Compared to the pleasant temperature of normal swimming pools, taking a dip in cold water might sound like the worst thing ever! However, research has shown that there are significant health benefits attached to taking a cold plunge including physical and mental benefits.
Contents:
Main benefits of cold water swimming
There are lots of benefits of cold water swimming including physical, mental health and overall fitness, let’s break each one down and look into how cold water exposure can help.
Physical benefits of cold water swimming
Increased Immunity
The effects of cold water swimming on the immune system have been studied widely. The stress reaction caused by cold water immersion triggers and increases white blood cell production, providing a natural boost to your immune system. Therefore, over time your body will become better at activating its defences against bugs and viruses.
Improves your circulation
Cold water swimming flushes your veins, arteries and capillaries, this then forces your blood to the surface and helps to warm your extremities. Over time, repeated exposure will help your body to adapt to the cold, improve circulation and lower your blood pressure.
Weight loss
A cold water swim is a powerful calorie burner. Cold temperatures force your body to work harder to maintain its core temperature, burning more calories. Those seeking weight loss may find cold water swimming an ideal complementary activity, due to its increased energy expenditure.
Mental health benefits of cold water swimming
A boost to self-esteem
Another benefit of regular cold water swimming is that it can increase your mental strength. Pushing yourself out of your comfort zone will help you to build more confidence and will encourage you as well as give you a sense of accomplishment. When pushing yourself to be uncomfortable, you increase resilience in other areas of life, so stepping outside of your comfort zone feels more comfortable.
A positive impact on mental health
Cold water swimming is an ecotherapy that positively impacts mental health by boosting dopamine levels. It can be difficult to bring yourself into the present moment, especially when suffering from a range of mental health conditions including depression, anxiety and PTSD. Open water swimming helps to experience a connection between the body and the mind, due to the feeling of cold water, combined with being outside in nature.
Releases endorphins
Cold water swimming releases endorphins. Your brain releases endorphins during physical activity which gives you a feel-good feeling after exercise such as cold water swimming. This is one reason exercise is used as part of treatment for depression. If you swim with a friend or in a group, you also get the chance to share and compare your experience with like-minded people, offering more feel-good, sociable feelings that intensify the experience.
Attempting Charity swims is a great way to build new relationships with other cold water swimmers and to receive a sense of achievement which is a major contribution to increasing natural highs or if you’re feeling up to it, a trend in recent years has been a cold-water dip in the sea on Christmas day!
Fitness Benefits
Muscle toning and endurance
In general, swimming is an effective full-body workout, and cold water amplifies this. Multiple muscle groups are engaged simultaneously by water’s resistance, promoting muscle toning and endurance. Over time, cold water swimmers often report improving strength and stamina.
Enhanced Cardiovascular Fitness
Swimming in cold water provides an excellent cardiovascular workout for the heart and lungs. Keeping warm and maintaining body temperature leads to improved cardiovascular fitness over time. This makes cold water swimming a valuable addition to any fitness routine.
Benefits of cold water swimming recap
- Increases immunity
- Improves circulation
- Aids weight loss
- Boost to self-esteem
- Positive impact on mental health
- Releases endorphins
- Muscle toning and endurance
- Enhanced cardiovascular fitness
Not quite ready to take the plunge?
If you’re not ready to dive into cold water swimming just yet then you could try Wim Hof’s method. According to Wim Hof, the method is built on three pillars: the breathing technique, controlled exposure to the cold, and commitment. He states that practising the Wim Hof Method will provide you with the means to cope with numerous stressors and challenges. He suggests starting easy with cold showers or ice baths and working your way up to outdoor swimming.
Cold Water Swimming in Bicester
Ready to become a cold water swimmer? Bicester Gym has its very own outdoor swimming lake if you want to see the benefits of cold water swimming for yourself! The lake is available for gym members as part of their membership, or non-members can take a swim on a pay-as-you-go basis.
It’s not just swimming that the lake is used for, it’s a perfect place for team-building activities or if you want to get into paddleboarding as well. Get in touch or speak with one of our helpful team if you would like more information on how to use the lake!
Sources: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7730683/
