Winter is refusing to do one. The water temperature being a refreshing tickle is a distant memory and you are now greeted by an eye-popping, stinging slap. Yet we still get in to swim. Are we mad or is it actually good for us, like scientifically and that?
Cold water swimming for health benefits is nothing new. Back in 400BC old Hippocrates piped up about it relieving tiredness. He’s not wrong there - try thinking about going for a nap after you’ve submerged yourself in a sub-10°c lake, but are there any longer term benefits?
You’ve heard the claims, cold dipping or cold water immersion (CWI) as the boffs call it, can boost the immune system, treat depression, enhance circulation, increase libido (oi oi), burn calories and reduce stress.
‘Where’s the nearest bloody lake and get me in there now!’ you might be thinking but unfortunately many of these claims are subjective or have only been tested on small sample groups.
In a recent study by the University of South Australia, in what they are calling the ‘most comprehensive review and meta-analysis’, they found that although CWI could reduce stress levels, it only works for about 12 hours post-dip. Better than nothing I suppose but not the magic we keep hearing about.
In another study included in the US National Library of Medicine, they found that many of the health benefits claimed from regular CWI might not be from the water itself but actually explained by other factors ‘including an active lifestyle, trained stress handling, social interactions, as well as a positive mindset’. Cool cool cool.
So no one actually knows. Safe.
It all seems very subjective don’t it?! We reckon if you are doing it safely, listening to your body and it makes you feel good - take a deep breath and get in there. If not, get yourself down to the pool or a heated lido and revel in swimming for longer. Or do both - we do.
SEE YOU IN THE WATER.