BENEFITS OF COLD WATER SWIMMING
Increased metabolism
When you swim outdoors, your body has to work hard just to stay warm. Consequently, you burn more calories. The colder the water, the harder your body is working converting fat to energy. When this is coupled with your swim workout, the calorie burn can be increased significantly.
Better circulation
When we jump into cold water, the extreme change in temperature signals to our heart to pump more blood to our organs. As a result, circulation is improved and toxins are more readily flushed out of our system which leads to clearer skin and a healthy glow.
Reduction of Stress and enhanced mood
It is widely known that any exercise helps increase the production of your brain's feel-good neurotransmitters, called endorphins which improve our mood and help to tackle stress and anxiety. The rhythmic motion of swimming can help the stressful feelings dissipate as you focus on your body’s movement. It is almost an exercise in mindful meditation as we glide through the water Furthermore, when you immerse yourself in cold water, you feel a stinging sensation on your skin which your body combats by producing yet more endorphins that will give a feeling of elation once you get out.
Better sleep
If you take to the open water regularly, you will find that your sleep is improved. This is because cold water stimulates the parasympathetic nervous systems, which helps your body rest and repair itself. This will give a feeling of relaxation and calm which should then result in a better night’s sleep.
Boosted immune system
On regularly immersing yourself in cold water, you will experience something called ‘cold water shock’. This shock can kick start the immune system, helping to produce more white blood cells and antioxidants which are proven to boost our immune system and reduce various illnesses from the common cold to heart disease.