Cold therapy, cryotherapy, winter swimming… a new online trend humorously popularizes one of the simplest ways of anti-inflammatory cold action, which you can benefit from at Gwiazda Morza Resort SPA&SPORT under the care of our specialists. Winter swimming in the sea can be an interesting variety during a winter stay by the Baltic Sea.
Safe body contact with low temperature reduces inflammation mainly in musculoskeletal disorders, which is why low temperature is often used in the rehabilitation process after injuries. But that’s not its only application. Interestingly, cryotherapy also has an effective impact on reducing chronic inflammation caused, for example, by obesity.
Chronic inflammation caused by excess fat tissue (especially abdominal) can lead to the development of various diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, endothelial dysfunction, insulin resistance, and consequently type II diabetes. Cold reduces their production because proteins released into the bloodstream by fat tissue respond positively to cold. Thanks to this, a person with overweight or obesity can reduce harmful inflammation through winter swimming and thereby lower the risk of developing serious diseases. And incidentally, can also burn fat tissue.
Low temperature stimulates the release of proteins that cause fat tissue transformation and instead of storing it, subject it to conversion, resulting in producing a lot of heat. When the body cools down, muscles try to generate heat through shivering, which intensifies the production of beneficial proteins and fat burning.
Almost anyone can do winter swimming. Scientific recommendations indicate even children from the age of 3! There are no age limits in this sport, only individual body predispositions. Contraindications include, among others, cardiovascular insufficiency, epilepsy, and some chronic diseases.
Winter swimming can be done anywhere, even in the shower by adjusting the water temperature. A shower or bath with cold water is a good start because we can safely see how our body reacts, and if needed... turn on warm water. Besides, any place such as a lake, river, or sea is perfectly fine. Winter swimming in the Baltic Sea brings additional benefits, as during colder months the air contains higher iodine content than in summer.
Winter swimming is also possible during pregnancy. Of course, if there are no contraindications. Therefore, before making a decision, it is necessary to consult a doctor. There are no official obstacles for pregnant women to do winter swimming, but each case should be considered individually. In this article we also write about whether sauna or sea bathing during pregnancy are good ideas.
It is important to sufficiently oxygenate your body before winter swimming. This can be achieved through various gymnastic exercises and aerobic sports (e.g., running, cycling). Such activity stimulates heat production and fills our tissues with oxygen. Therefore, it is best to warm up before winter swimming by doing a sport you enjoy. Running will be the most effective in this case.
Running is one of the most natural forms of movement. Many studies have shown that even small blood vessels open during running. Additionally, the combined work of many muscle groups pumps blood throughout the body. This quickly oxygenates the body and strengthens the circulatory system.
To properly prepare for entering the water, only 20 minutes of such warm-up is needed. Our trainers will gladly help you with this.
Preparation for winter swimming in a natural environment begins when the air temperature drops below 10 degrees Celsius. Winter swimming is most effective at around 0 degrees Celsius.
