Winter swimming

Learn why you should try it

In order to engage in winter swimming, a medical examination must first be carried out, especially if we are of advanced age, as well as if we suffer from diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, lung diseases, vascular diseases, some forms of neuropathy and allergies.

The first step to becoming a winter swimmer is to not stop swimming after the summer, so that the body gets used to the temperature changes.

We don't swim on a full stomach. Before swimming, we do a small warm-up with stretching or walking-running for about 15-20 minutes.

We never dive suddenly into the water and it is preferable to dive on our back so that the sudden change in temperature does not directly affect the heart.

When we dive, we should not exhaust our body. If we feel discomfort we should get out of the water immediately and make sure to wear something warm.

We swim non-stop for 5-10 minutes because as the body comes into contact with the cold water it quickly loses its heat.

We avoid winter swimming when it rains as well as when the wind blows from the south, because the sea in such conditions is not predictable at all.

We do not move away from the shore, because the body parts are much more prone to cramps and numbness in cold water. If we get a cramp, we stay on the surface in a horizontal position.

Sunscreen is also necessary in winter.

Benefits of winter swimming

•    Cold water releases endorphins in the body, which not only provide mental well-being, but also have analgesic properties that last from 2-4 hours.
•    Swimming, winter-summer, strengthens the muscles, improves posture, endurance, flexibility, which is why those who suffer from rheumatic diseases, fibromyalgia and other musculoskeletal diseases, report that winter swimming has a soothing effect on them .
•    Bathing in the sea in winter increases endurance and stimulates the muscular, cardiovascular and respiratory systems, while at the same time improving the metabolism, increasing burns and thus helping to lose weight.
•    Cold water activates thermoreceptors in the skin, which send a command through the brain to increase the heart rate, making us feel refreshed. Also, when the thermoreceptors come into contact with the cold water, the levels of adrenaline in the body increase. This has the effect of distracting us from any minor physical discomforts we may be feeling and a wave of euphoria washes over us.
•    Winter swimming strengthens the immune system. This is because cold water acts as a mild stress episode, which activates the immune system and trains it. In this way, white blood cells, the main components of the body's defense, increase.
•    The skin is rejuvenated by natural exfoliation and at the same time, it helps the body eliminate toxins more easily.
•    Winter swimming improves libido and fertility. This is achieved by increasing the secretion of testosterone in men and, correspondingly, estrogen in women.
•    Finally, the relaxing properties of the liquid element, as well as the social contacts that come with winter swimming, help combat everyday stress and anxiety.

Winter swimming is probably the best form of sport, ideal for the climate of our country as the benefits for both body and mind are many.