Is winter swimming good for you?
The stimulation of cold-water during winter swimming will speed up blood circulation, enhance the function of organs, and cause more oxygen to be transported to the brain, which will help improve the respiratory system and improve the fatigue of the nervous system. Our heart works harder when we’re moving through water than when we’re on land. And the colder the water, the harder the heart must work. Just entering very cold water can lead to a ‘cold shock’, which can cause a faster heart rate, higher blood pressure, and shortness of breath.Cold water can cause a sudden spike in heart rate and blood pressure. This increase can cause heart failure and stroke for vulnerable people. Cold Shock can cause an immediate panic, fear or stress reaction that then impairs clear thinking and decision making.Swimming in cold water (even wearing a wet suit) can cause a decrease in core temperature resulting in redistribution of blood from peripheral to thoracic vessels resulting in a further increase in preload. Cold temperatures can also increase preload and after load as well as pulmonary vascular resistance.Cold shock response: Sudden immersion in water under 60 degrees can shock your body and lead to symptoms like rapidly increased breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. This can increase your risk of drowning if you’re in deep water. The effect can also strain the heart.The cold can dull your blood pressure response and make you feel dizzy and faint. Now that you are out of the water doesn’t mean you will instantly start to warm up. In fact you will continue to cool, sometimes called the ‘afterdrop’. This period of cooling can potentially last 30-40 minutes after your swim.
Is it good to swim when you have a cold?
Swimming with a cold or sinus infection may not be ideal. Chlorinated water can irritate the respiratory system, and the pressure changes during swimming may worsen symptoms. It’s advisable to rest and recover before returning to the pool to prevent complications. Listen to your body and prioritize health. Taking a dip in a swimming pool can offer sweet relief from the summer heat. However, that same water that helps keep you cool can actually be the root cause of your summer sinus problems. When chlorine enters the ears and nose, it can cause irritation and swelling.If you or your child experience a runny nose, sneezing, or nasal congestion after swimming, chlorine sensitivity may be to blame. This reaction is particularly common in individuals who are allergy-prone or have existing sinus issues.An emerging body of behavioural studies indicates that regular swimming in cold water has positive effects on mental health and wellbeing, such as reducing fatigue, improving mood, and lessening depressive symptoms.It depends on your symptoms. Some people find after swimming with a cold, they feel worse. Some people feel a lot better, like it clears out their sinuses.Avoid swimming when feeling unwell or experiencing symptoms like sore throat or congestion to prevent worsening your health. Steer clear of swimming in contaminated waters, especially after heavy rains, to reduce exposure to harmful germs.
When should you not swim?
AVOID SWIMMING WHILE SICK No one wants to miss a fun outing – we get it. But the risk of infecting others when someone in your family is ill is high. And if someone has an, ahem, incident in a pool, it has to be shut down for a period of time for cleaning – which is a bummer for everyone. You can get swimming-related illnesses if you swallow, have contact with, or breathe in mists of water contaminated with germs. The most common swimming-related illnesses are diarrhea, skin rashes, swimmer’s ear, pneumonia or flu-like illness, and irritation of the eyes or respiratory tract.
How often should you go winter swimming?
Experienced winter swimmers recommend swimming at least once or twice a week. How should I breathe? A key element of winter swimming is training yourself to exhale slowly. Ideally, you would begin with this before you even get into the water. If you’re looking for a low-impact activity that engages multiple muscle groups, improves cardiovascular health, and promotes mental health, swimming may be a better choice for you. If you’re looking to lose fat, build muscle mass, and increase strength and power, gym workouts may be a better choice.The secret to acclimatising to cold water is just to swim in it, often – at least once a week, and preferably two or three, gradually extending the time that you stay in the water,’ says Dr Heather Massey a swimmer and a researcher at the Extreme Environments Laboratory at the University of Portsmouth.By swimming indoors during winter, you can maintain your fitness levels and keep those holiday calories at bay. Regular swimming sessions help improve cardiovascular health, build endurance, and strengthen muscles, all while reducing the risk of injuries.Cold water swimming – sometimes referred to as open water swimming, wild swimming or sea swimming – is a great way to stay fit throughout the year. Swimming for just 30 minutes a week can even help to guard against heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes.