Top Reasons to Get into the Pool This Fall and Winter
Sometimes just the thought of being wet in the winter months can be enough to turn us away from the beloved pool. Resisting the urge to hibernate and opting for a cool dip in the pool, though, provide many worthwhile health and mood benefits. Read along to learn about the benefits of swimming and swimming lessons throughout the winter.
5 Ways Swimming in the Winter Might Just Be the Health Hack You Need
1. Swimming in cool water boosts your immune system.
According to a scientific study by Giovanni Lombardi, Cristian Ricci, and Giuseppe Banfi, cold water significantly boosts white blood cell count. White blood cells are involved in your immune system functionality.
In other words, take a dip in the cool waters, and see improvements in your body’s ability to fight off illness.
2. Swimming in cool water increases the happiness hormone.
When swimming in cold water, expect your mood to improve. Swimming sends electrical impulses to your brain. That jolts your system into a state of alertness, clarity, and higher energy levels. This happens because cold water activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which increases the availability of endorphins.
3. Swimming is a social activity.
Being in isolation causes emotional, mental, and even physical harm to humans. Many of us have a tendency to stay home during the winter, leading to fewer social connections. Being at your local pool or joining group swim lessons promotes regular social interactions.
As social creatures, an opportunity to get together is important, even for introverts. Having regular social contact can help you feel more connected, and you can even gain some new friends along the way.
4. Swimming is a healthy, low-impact activity.
Because swimming is a low- or no-impact activity, most people can do it. That makes it an inclusive choice for all ages.
Taking swim lessons in the winter provides a structured way to get regular exercise. Beyond that, swimming is known for promoting better circulation and for reducing inflammation. Higher-impact sports and activities can actually cause increased inflammation. Swimming allows people of all ages to participate and to enjoy the health benefits while avoiding the painful consequences of inflammation.
5. Swim lessons in the winter help your brain function.
Swimming uses both hemispheres of the brain because it is a repetitious bilateral movement pattern. (This is a movement pattern that uses both sides of the body in an alternating fashion.) It is correlated with improved brain function known to make learning easier.
What Are You Doing to Stay Active This Winter?
Do you want to enjoy an active, healthy winter? Are you feeling ready to learn how to swim? Check out all our available swim classes.
We look forward to seeing you at the pool!
