Cold Water Swimming
This January, Jack and I started to take a weekly dip at Brockwell Park Lido in water temperatures ranging between 2.4 and 9 degrees C, followed by 20 minutes or so in the cute wood-burning sauna that has been installed poolside. This has become an essential part of our winter survival, with boosts to both physical and mental well-being. The actual swim is tough, the cold triggering a burning pain in the extremities and an intense desire to get out. However, we are gradually increasing the distance we can swim and time in the pool (about 20 minutes now). The best moment is about 30 seconds after exiting the pool when the endorphins kick in and you feel great – even better on a sunny day!
Benefits of cold water
Although many friends think that we are completely mad, there are many documented benefits of cold-water swimming, including:
- a boost to the immune system
- an endorphin-fueled high
- improved cardiovascular circulation
- a higher metabolism
- improved sleep
- help with mood issues
Benefits of sauna
These include:
- a boost to the immune system
- opening pores, deep cleansing the skin and flushing toxins
- improved cardiovascular circulation
- improved sleep
- the sweating causes you to burn more calories
- improved recovery from workouts
- help with mood issues
Several benefits appear on both lists and so combining the two together really turbocharges the effects. The contrast forces your body systems to adapt rapidly to both cold and heat and so achieve an adaptive training response similar to the effect of exercise. Also, the sauna leaves you nice and cozy, well prepared for a cold winter’s day. We end with a quick dip in the pool to close the pores before getting showered and dressed. After our sessions, we both feel energised and in a great mood. I have noticed an increased tolerance to cold temperatures, I have rarely felt cold this winter, even though in previous years this I was pretty sensitive to the cold, damp of the UK winter. Of course, like any other physical activity, if you’re interested in taking up cold water swimming you need to be sensible. If you are not in good health, particularly if you have any cardiovascular issues, you should get medical clearance. The stress to the heart from the thermal shock could be dangerous.
If you’re interested in trying cold exposure but don’t have access to a handy outdoor pool, lake or a sauna, you can try turning the temperature down at the end of your shower, initially just 15 seconds or so, building up over time to a minute or two if you can stand it. When you get out you should feel invigorated and well set up for the day. Alternatively, council-run spas such as Ironmonger Row or Porchester Road in London have cold plunge pools to use after the steam rooms and saunas.