Cold water and your body !
There are several good reasons why City Sauna encourages its guests to bathe in cold water.
Here is a brief summary:
1. It can improve your immune system. The effects of cold cooling the body and the impact on the immune system have been widely documented. Cold water can help increase the white blood cell count because the body is forced to respond to changing conditions. Over time, your body becomes better at activating the immune system.
2. It gives you a natural high. Swimming in cold water activates endorphins. Endorphins are the enzyme the brain produces to make us feel good during activities. Swimming in cold water is also a form of exercise, and exercise has been shown to treat depression. Swimming in cold water brings us close to the pain barrier and then endorphins are released when we are in pain to help us deal with it.
3. It improves blood circulation. When swimming in cold water, the veins, arteries and capillaries are flushed and with repeated exposure we adapt to the cold.
4. It can increase sexual drive. Cold water was traditionally seen to suppress sexual urges. The fact is it can increase sexual drive! A dip in cold water increases estrogen and testosterone production and this results in increased fertility and desire. The benefits of increased drive include more self-confidence, higher self-esteem, and improved mood.
5. It burns calories. Your heart has to pump faster in cold water and your body has to work harder to keep you warm while swimming. Overall, far more calories are burned swimming in cold conditions than swimming in warmer conditions. The idea that drinking cold water increases the number of calories you burn may be a myth, but it is a fact that cold water lowers your body temperature enough to activate the body.
6. It reduces stress. Swimming in cold water controls stress on the body physically and mentally. Several documented studies have identified the link between cold water and stress reduction. Swimmers in cold water become calmer and more relaxed.
7. It's a great way to socialize and make new friends. City Sauna sees that this gives a good sense of community and inclusion among the swimmers in cold water. There is nothing that brings people together like facing a challenge and sharing the experience as a community. There are ongoing studies on the effects of swimming in cold water and the menopause. It is not yet concluded that it is specifically the cold water that produces the positive effect - as the benefits of socializing and activity will improve general health and well-being. But what's not to like? Stay with City Sauna and jump in.
City Sauna has a strong focus on safety:
Of course, there are safety considerations for all types of sports. A person who challenges even in cold water without a wetsuit is encouraged to focus on safety, own limitations and consequences...
City Sauna encourages cold water swimmers to follow these rules:
1. Acclimatization: When the temperature drops, just keep swimming, your body will get used to the cold. Summertime in Norway is a great time to start challenging your body by swimming in cold water. It won't be such a big shock to go through the rest of the seasons if you bathe regularly in line with the gradual drop in water temperature.
2. Be safe. Swim in conditions where you consider it safe, make sure you can get in and out of the water quickly and easily. Never swim on your own!
3. Clothing when the water temperature is low.
Feel free to wear a hat on your head, to preserve body heat. The City Sauna crew like to wear woolen hats or ear warmers.
You can also use neoprene gloves, neoprene shoes, a balaclava or a wetsuit - use what you feel comfortable with.
4. Do not dive! Do not jump straight into the water or dive unless you are well used to the cold environment. Cold water can cause hyperventilation and cold shock, which can be dangerous.
5. Know your own limits. When the temperature drops, it is recommended to reduce the time in the water. In winter, we often only swim for two to three minutes each time. The general rule is that you can spend 1 minute per degree X water temperature in the water - listen to your body.
6. Warm up. Pack plenty of warm clothes and preferably something hot to drink. Do not cool down for too long to then fire the City Sauna up to 110 degrees. Use your head, feel free to challenge your body but don't overdo it.
Spend the rest of the day in an endorphin and mastery state.
City Sauna knows there are both advantages and challenges to swimming in cold water. The advantages mean that many swimming teams in Norway swim all year round and it creates a good sense of community where everyone feels included.
You don't have to be a fitness guru - or in swimsuit model shape - you just have to have an open mind, join the challenge and enjoy yourself.
This could be the favorite hobby you never knew you had!
Quote from Saunamaster:
«In The Sauna Everybody Is Hot! »