5 Benefits Of Cold Water Swimming - Number 5 Will Have The Ladies Convinced

With the cooler months upon us, it may be tempting to hang up the swimsuit. The chilly water and freezing beach makes it a health hazard after all, right? Well not according to a plethora of studies, which point to the health benefits of swimming. Good complexion and endless energy aside, there are 5 reasons cold-water swimming should be given some serious consideration. 

1. Boost your immunity: We have all experienced that uncomfortable cold-water feeling at some point in our lives.  Because no one ever forgets that time our friends made us dip into that freezing pool. While uncomfortable, that cold-water feeling may be doing your body more good, than harm. Scientists have found that the mild stress placed on the body in cold water activates the immune system, leading to a significant increase in white blood cells over time. An hour deep, three times a week is enough to start seeing benefits.  

2. Boost Endorphins: Swimming in cold water is a natural endorphin booster. Endorphins are the body’s natural painkiller, and a cold dip leads to the body producing an excess amount to help take away the sting of the cold water on the skin. When the stresses of a busy life start to get on top of you, a dip in a cold pool may be the answer.  

3.Stimulate your parasympathetic system: Cold-water swimming is scientifically proven to stimulate the parasympathetic system, which is responsible for rest and repair, in turn helping release the dopamine and serotonin.  

4. Boost Circulation: While warming the body in a hot environment sends blood to the surface, cooling the body down sends blood to all vital organs. The two extremes combined work to boost circulation and get the heart pumping. The benefits of increased blood flow are plentiful. Increased blood flow will not only help flush out your system and lead to healthier veins and arteries, it will also work wonders for your skin. 

 5. Burn extra calories:  We know that swimming burns some serious calories, but opting for a cold dip over a comfortable one will not only boots circulation and help create a healthy glow, it will also burn more calories. Our bodies work twice as hard in cold water as they do in warm. During swimming, fat is your body’s primary source of energy and an increased work rate will also increase your metabolism in the long run.