Top 3 Health Benefits Of Swimming In Cold Water

Swimming, the amazing sport that is beyond comparison when it comes to the numerous benefits it brings is also a matter of a lot of discussions, debates and contradictory opinions. One such controversial area happens to be the one related to cold water swimming. Cold water swimming is not as relaxing and definitely not as cool as it sounds. The coldness of the water gives an initial shock to most swimmers, no matter how advanced he/she has become. Swimming in the cold waters is, therefore, not easy and if you are a beginner, you should not even think of trying this especially, during the winters. Having said that, these days, certain swim experts have come to believe that cold water swimming, though a little difficult, is actually extremely beneficial for the health and overall well-being of the swimmer. They suggest, as opposed to the generally conceived notion, that cold water swimming can be practiced by normal swimmers who are otherwise not looking for a particularly challenging swim session. Let us now look into the various benefits of cold water swimming in details.

1. Boosts Immunity – The chilling cold waters accompany a drastic change in temperature, as a result of which, the swimmer goes through what is known as ‘an attack’. If you have been taking swimming lessons from a reputed Pearland swim club, you must have heard the term and know what it means. Now, while this sudden attack causes discomfort, it does not really cause any harm. Experiments revealed that when you dive in cold water, there is a significant rise in the white blood cell counts that directly accentuate the body’s immunity system. And all this happens because water is a mild stressor, helping in activating the immune system.
2. Leaves behind a Feeling of Well-Being – As a swimmer, the feeling of freshness and rejuvenation might be very common to you. But cold water swimming takes this feeling to a much higher level, making the swimmers experience a natural high and a general sense of well-being. This is triggered by endorphins, which happens to be the natural pain killer of your body. A dip in the cold water releases this hormone and takes the sting away, making you feel energized.
3. Burns More Calories – Swimming is a great exercise and a session of vigorous swim helps you shed a lot of calories. This is a fact known to all. However, cold water swimming burns more calories, increasing your metabolism rate at the same time. This is because when you swim in the cold waters, your body is required to work harder to keep itself warm, leading to a loss of some extra calories. So, if you swim with the primary intention of losing weight, it is time you gather enough courage and take a dip in the cold waters.

The benefits of cold water swimming are many. However, it is always advisable to seek the expert guidance of your swim trainer before you set out trying anything new.