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<\/p>\nI started Winter Swimming and Sauna’ing a few years ago at Bondi Icebergs\u00a0<\/strong>when I was introduced to the cold shivers by one of my best friends and now I’m proud to say I’m a complete regular.<\/p>\n
I love it because it actually makes me feel like I’ve been ‘re-born’ and that my body has been ‘detoxed’ in the space of only an hour. There’s something incredibly therapeutic and mentally clearing, going from the cold water to a steaming hot sauna and repeating multiple times.<\/p>\n
Thinking of taking up winter or cold water swimming yourself? Here’s\u00a0why<\/strong> you should definitely consider making it part of your weekly routine for your health.<\/p>\n
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Photo by Amaury Tr\u00e9guer (Morning Bondi)<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n
Cold water baths or swimming in cold water boosts Metabolism through increased blood circulation and increasing metabolic activity focused on generating internal heat to keep our body warm.<\/p>\n
Cold water also stimulates our parasympathetic system, which is responsible for rest and repair. This stimulation can trigger the release of dopamine and serotonin. These neurotransmitters are a vital part of keeping us happy and low levels of them are linked with depression.There is a natural high that comes from the rush of endorphins on entering the water. The endorphin rush happens quickly and makes you feel alive and happy!<\/p>\n
Studies has shown that your body adapts to the cold with repeated exposure and this may improve your circulation to your core and to your extremities. Cold water swims help flush your circulation by pushing blood through all your capillaries, veins and arteries. The rapid initial cooling of the skin triggers various heart and breathing responses. Breathing rates will increase suddenly. The heart rate can increase by 50%.<\/p>\n
Researchers have also found that cold water swimming and bathing could increase production of testosterone and estrogen in men and women respectively. In addition to enhancing libido in both sexes, these hormones also play an important role in fertility.<\/p>\n
Cold water swimming will exfoliate and cleanse your skin by flushing impurities from it, thereby helping your complexion and skin tone. My skin always feel clean and vibrant after taking a swim in cold water and looks more healthy. My cheeks get the best blush colour out there!<\/p>\n
Researchers have found significant increases in white blood cell counts and several other factors relating to the immune system when you continue to winter swim. This was attributed to the cold water being a mild stressor which activates the immune system and gives it some practice through stress. All of this helps – particularly in winter – to keep your immune system strong and you free from the flu or colds!<\/p>\n
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<\/h4>\nPhoto by Amaury Tr\u00e9guer (Morning Bondi)<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n
Clinical trials have shown that as little as three weeks of post-swim sauna-use produce a significant improvement of endurance running performance due to an increased blood volume.<\/p>\n
Clinical trials have shown that saunas have a beneficial effect upon cardiovascular health and appear to be particularly beneficial for high blood pressure. Regular and repeated sauna use have a positive effect upon the health and function of arteries. Saunas have also been shown to have positive effects upon blood pressure and circulation in patients suffering from high blood pressure. Always check with your physician before using a sauna if you have high blood pressure or heart problems.<\/p>\n
Regular sauna use has been shown to reduce the incidence of the common cold and your immune system will also benefit from the enhanced detoxification that sauna use brings about.<\/p>\n
Just like a jog around the block, spending time in a sauna results in extra calories being burnt for energy as your body and heart are forced to adjust to the heat. Regular sauna use may assist in weight loss and maintenance. The key here is to make it regular, just like exercise.<\/p>\n
By helping to move toxins out of your body via your skin and sweat glands, you\u2019re doing your body a huge favour. Detoxification through your skin means toxins do not have to re-enter your blood stream with the potential to cause further damage before being excreted via your kidneys. We live in an increasingly toxic world and you\u2019re exposed to toxins every day through air, food, water and even substances applied to your skin. Toxicity is associated with a range of health problems including fatigue, skin problems, hormonal imbalance and immune disorders.<\/p>\n
The warm, dry heat of the sauna is relaxing to both your muscles and nervous system. By reducing muscular tension and improving circulation to muscles and joints, saunas are often very effective in reducing a range of aches and pains. You can even stretch in the sauna – it’ll help your flexibility even further.<\/p>\n
Anna xx<\/p>\n
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Photo by Amaury Tr\u00e9guer (Morning Bondi)<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n
Follow @morningbondi on Instagram<\/em><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"