Cold water and the incredible powers it bestows upon those who brave it.
Cold water training has been used for centuries, from the hunter-gatherer days to the present. It is a natural therapy that can activate the body's hidden superhuman powers within. Whether you want to replace your morning coffee with a cold shower or use open water swimming to escape reality and bring yourself back to life, cold water training has a plethora of benefits that lie within. Here we talk about the Top 5 benefits Cold Water can offer.
#1 - Improves the Lymphatic and Immune Systems
The lymphatic system is a network of vessels that run throughout the body, helping to remove waste, bacteria, and microbes from your cells. It relies on muscle contraction to pump lymph fluid throughout the vessels. If you don’t exercise, your body becomes slow and ineffective at removing toxic waste buildup. Immersing in cold water causes your lymph vessels to contract, forcing your lymphatic system to pump lymph fluids throughout your body. This then triggers the immune system’s white blood cells to attack and destroy any unwanted substance in the fluid. Cold water starts the process which keeps your body healthy and mind sharp.
The immune system is an essential part of the body's defense mechanism, responsible for protecting us against infection and disease. However, a weak immune system can lead to chronic illnesses and a variety of health problems. Cold water training is an effective way to boost your immune system, helping your body fight off infections and diseases more effectively.
#2 - Muscle Soreness
Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is a common side effect of intense physical activity. Sore muscles from working out like a badass can be debilitating and can prevent you from getting back into the gym. Cold water immersion has been proven to help reduce these side effects by lowering the temperature of damaged tissue and constricting the blood vessels, helping to reduce swelling and inflammation. It can also offer pain relief. Cold water keeps you and your muscles in optimal shape and makes you less likely to have aches and pains.
#3 - Improves Sense of Wellbeing
One of the most significant benefits of cold water training is its ability to improve our sense of wellbeing. Cold water triggers a flood of mood-enhancing chemicals to the brain, making you feel happy, energetic, and active. It has been shown to help treat depression, and when used routinely, it may be more beneficial than some prescribed medication. The shock of the cold water causes an adrenaline rush, which leads to a boost in endorphins, the body's natural painkillers. This rush can last for hours, leaving you feeling alert, focused, and energized.
#4 - Promotes Weight Loss
Cold water training can be an effective way to promote weight loss. Regularly exposing yourself to cold water has been shown to boost the metabolism by 16%. Your body has to raise its internal temperature to deal with the cold and, in turn, increases your metabolism, which burns more calories. This is known as brown fat activation, which is a type of fat that burns energy rather than storing it. When incorporated with proper nutrition and a calorie deficit, fat loss may occur.
#5 - Builds Mental Robustness
In the 21st century, we rarely find ourselves outside of our comfort zones. We live in a warm house, wrapped in warm clothes, and with a belly full of warm food. Cold water training is an excellent way to push yourself out of your comfort zone and build mental robustness. Your most physical and mental life-changing moments happen when you are pushed outside of your comfort zone. Cold water training can help you develop resilience, strength, and grit, qualities that will serve you well in all areas of your life.
What you waiting for?
Cold water training has been around for centuries, and its benefits are well documented. From improving the lymphatic and immune systems to reducing muscle soreness and promoting weight loss, cold water training has it all so why not give it a go yourself and see what all the fuss is about!
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