Swimming in cold water: multiple health benefits!

Swimming in cold water: multiple health benefits!

Whether it's sunny, rainy, snowing or snowy, the intrepid sea-bathing is very popular year-round. And not only to be noticed each January 1st! This activity, complete, is suitable for seniors in good physical condition.

It must be said that the virtues of these dives in cold waters are diverse. A new case, relayed in the British Medical Journal, tells the story of a depressed young woman who stopped her treatments through a weekly practice at 15 ° C. We know that these baths soothe and even cause a certain euphoria. But not only. Previous studies have also shown that regular cold water swimmers are less cold or subject to respiratory infections, and overall take fewer medications. We also know the benefits of cold and activities "worn" on the joints.

Finally, the freshness of the water causes a stimulation of the blood vessels beneficial for the arteries - it has a positive action on the arterial tension and the heart rate - and for the veins (perfect therefore in case of venous insufficiency). However, if you have a history of heart disease, talk to your doctor before you start.

Our tips for getting started

* The simplest option is to continue to swim - usually at sea - after the summer. This allows you to gradually get used to an increasingly cold water. Want to get in the bath? Ask around your home to join a group, much more friendly to start! There are also many water walking clubs (about sixty in France listed by the French Federation of Hiking, www.ffrandonnee.fr) and some thalassotherapy centers offer initiations.

* Invest in a swimsuit or neoprene top to protect your upper body as soon as the water drops below 16 ° C. Also cover your head with a cap (silicone or neoprene). The more cautious will opt for the full suit in the middle of winter. Generally, it is advisable to stay one minute per degree during the winter (12 minutes in water at 12 ° C for example) but this is obviously variable depending on the feeling (and equipment) of each. At the slightest sign of intense cold or fatigue, you have to listen to yourself and get out of the water.

* On the beach, a little warm up is required. Enter the water gradually starting to walk at mid-calf, then push yourself down to the waist. You can stop there (and practice what is called the longe-coast) or swim for the more adventurous.

When you come out of the water, put on a well-covered bathrobe and rub well. Avoid thermal shocks, such as going into an overheated car. So, ready to dive?