Four key health benefits of open water swimming are better sleep, increased happiness, boosted immune system and self esteem.
Open water swimming is more than just a great way to cool off – it offers a wealth of physical and mental health benefits that can transform your fitness routine. Whether you’re swimming in a lake, river, or the sea, the natural environment provides a refreshing change from pool swimming, connecting you with nature while offering a full-body workout. Checkout our Guide To Outdoor Swimming for tips and safety before you begin.
From improving cardiovascular health and building strength to reducing stress and boosting mood, open water swimming offers a unique and invigorating way to stay fit and rejuvenated. Whether you’re a seasoned swimmer or new to the sport, open water swimming has something for everyone – so dive in and discover the benefits!
After a session swimming it has been shown that the production of hormones released by the thyroid are increased up to 50% with some benefits of this including regulating weight, body temperature, muscle strength but also your mood which helps in both making you happier and healthier.
Going for a swim outdoors also boosts the production of serotonin and dopamine levels and stimulates the release of the endorphins which give you that feel good feeling.
When swimming outdoors, the cold water has a powerful effect on your body, particularly by stimulating your parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). The PNS is responsible for promoting the body’s rest-and-digest state, playing a crucial role in repairing and recovering the body. By immersing yourself in cold water, your body activates this system, helping to lower heart rates, reduce stress, and calm the nervous system. This natural response can result in a deep sense of relaxation and tranquility.
As the PNS goes to work, it promotes a recovery-focused state that not only helps your body heal but also improves sleep quality. By helping to release tension and reset your system, open water swimming can be a natural sleep aid. Whether you’re recovering from a workout or simply looking to unwind after a busy day, the soothing effects of outdoor swimming can leave you feeling rested and refreshed, contributing to a better night’s sleep. This makes outdoor swimming not just an invigorating activity, but a therapeutic one as well, offering both physical and mental relaxation benefits.
Open water swim training in colder water can reduce the potential over-production of certain hormones that can contribute to impaired immunity, in effect making your more body more robust and resistant to infection.
Ice baths are also used by elite athletes all over the world to aid post performance recovery. The science is simple, your body reacts to the cold temperatures by directing blood away from your extremities to protect the organs in your core.
The low blood flow to your limbs decreases inflammation and allows muscles to recover much quicker. A bracing dip can give you all the benefits of an ice bath.
Taking the plunge into cold water is not just a physical challenge – it’s a powerful mental one that can significantly boost your self-esteem. When you choose to swim outdoors in chilly waters, you’re not just testing your physical limits, but also pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone. Each dip is a small victory, building your mental strength and resilience. Over time, these challenges foster a sense of accomplishment and help you develop confidence and courage.
Stepping into the cold can feel daunting at first, but as you embrace the challenge, you’ll start to notice how your perception of your abilities grows. Every time you face the discomfort and successfully overcome it, your sense of empowerment increases, reinforcing your ability to tackle challenges in other areas of life. The sense of achievement that comes with swimming in cold water can leave you feeling proud and energised, positively impacting your self-image and overall well-being. It’s not just about the swim itself; it’s about what that swim teaches you – that you are capable and stronger than you may have realised.
Open 9am-4:30pm Daily
Last admission is 30 minutes before closing
Open 9am-4:30pm
Hot food served until 3:30pm
Alderford
Tilstock Road
Whitchurch
Shropshire
SY13 3JQ
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