As the temperature drops, as does our motivation to keep healthy and active during winter. Getting out of a warm, cosy bed for squad on a dark, wet and windy July morning is much more difficult than on a balmy, bright January morning. Many of you will be familiar with the temptation to just not bother, and just wait until it gets warmer again. So why do we bother? Is winter swimming really worth the effort?
Swimming in cold water of course has many benefits, the cold ocean water causes a spike in your endorphins which boosts dopamine and serotonin levels leaving you feeling euphoric and calm long after you leave the water. Cold water also works as a mild stressor which works to build up the effectiveness of your immune system. The colder it is – the more calories you burn! The cold water forces your heart to pump faster and your body to work harder!
So you know that is good for you, but how do you stay motivated? Being part of a swim squad is the best way to start, having a coach and other people expecting you to attend should make you more inclined to get up and go. When you do find yourself tempted to just snooze your alarm, telling yourself you’ll definitely go next week, think about how you feel after you finish your swim. Have you ever finished a swim set or a surf swim and really regretted coming? Nope! You always feel amazing, full of energy and ready for the day ahead.
There is something even more satisfying about winter swimming, that most people wouldn’t bother, that your average person think it’s crazy to swim in 16 degrees in the dark at 6am.
That’s why you swim in winter. That feeling of pride after a hard swim set that you dreaded going to or after a really fun surf swim that everyone else missed out on. Remember that next time you want to roll over and go back to sleep.